For Immediate Release
September 27, 2005
|
Contacts:
Lynn Schulman, 212.367.1210
Noel Alicea, 212.367.1216
|
GMHC APPLAUDS INTRODUCTION
OF MICROBICIDE DEVELOPMENT ACT
NEW YORK—Gay Men's Health Crisis commends the introduction of
the Microbicide Development Act in the US House of Representatives
(H.R.3854) and applauds our elected leaders for supporting vital
new HIV prevention initiatives. The Act is urgently needed, and
if passed will establish a Microbicide Research and Development
Unit at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) strengthening and
accelerating microbicide activity at the NIH, the US Agency for
International Development (USAID), and the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC). On March 8th of this year, the Microbicide Development
Act was also introduced in the Senate (S.550).
Microbicide development is critical for women who are disproportionately
impacted by HIV/AIDS. Infection rates among women have risen dramatically
in recent years. Women, particularly women of color, continue to
make up a larger proportion of new cases of HIV and AIDS. Physically,
women are more than twice as susceptible to HIV infection as men.
Women's vulnerability to HIV infection is only further aggravated
by poverty and social inequality, factors which make it difficult
for many women to insist upon condom use with their partners. Consequently,
the need for a female controlled method to protect from HIV infection
is crucial. Scientists estimate that a safe and effective microbicide
could be available within 5–7 years. This legislation can
make that a reality.
Microbicides are creams or gels applied topically that women could
use to protect themselves from HIV infection. Present prevention
modes that rely on male partners, such as condom use and monogamy,
are simply not enough and often prove ineffective for women who
do not have the social or economic power necessary to insist on
condom use and fidelity. Utilizing microbicides would not require
a partner's cooperation, therefore putting the power to protect
from HIV and other sexually transmitted infection into women's
hand.
While the Microbicide Development Act is a much needed step in
the right direction, the reality of widely available microbicides
is not imminent. This reinforces the need to continue promotion
of effective, safer sex education, including support for initiatives
that advance skill based condom negotiation.
As host agency for the New York City Microbicides Working Group,
GMHC looks forward to working with our partners in the community
and our elected officials to obtain passage of this important legislation.
We praise the sponsors of the Act in the House and Senate, as well
as our colleagues at the Global Campaign for Microbicides for their
work to advance HIV prevention initiatives.
* * *
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported
and community-based organization committed to national leadership
in the fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread
of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their
health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and
cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling
this mission, we will remain true to our heritage by fighting
homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men
and lesbians. We provide services and programs to over 15,000
men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS
in New York City. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
© 2005 Gay Men's Health Crisis
|
home 
