For Immediate Release
May 9, 2007
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Media Contact:
Noel Alicea, office: 212.367.1216
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mobile: 917.583.6657
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New York City Council Resolution Introduced
in Support of Microbicides:
Urges Congress to Pass the Microbicides Development Act
On May 9th New York City Councilmember Rosie Mendez will introduce a
resolution urging the United States Congress to pass the Microbicides
Development Act (MDA) of 2007. Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Women's HIV
Collaborative of New York join Councilmember Mendez in calling on all members
of the New York Congressional delegation to sign onto the MDA.
GMHC, the Women's HIV Collaborative of New York and other community
groups will join Councilmember Mendez at a press conference on the steps
of City Hall on Thursday, May 10 at 11:30 AM to announce the resolution.
Microbicides refer to a range of different products that are
currently being developed which share one common characteristic: the
ability to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) when applied topically to the vagina or
rectum. A microbicide could be produced in many forms, including gels,
creams, suppositories, films, or as a sponge or ring that releases the
active ingredient over time.
The Microbicide Development Act (MDA) would effect better coordination
and provide expanded resources for microbicide research and development at
the three federal agencies that work on microbicides. Specifically, the MDA
would: authorize funding increases as needed for the development of microbicidal
products at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National
Institutes of Health (NIH) and US Agency for International Development (USAID);
establish a unit dedicated to microbicide research and development within
the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; and
require coordination between NIH and other federal agencies supporting
microbicide development, including the CDC and USAID. If passed, the MDA
will help ensure that the U.S. government's commitment to microbicide
research and development is increased substantially.
"We need intensified government leadership in order to make this
prevention technology a reality sooner," said Gina Arias, Assistant Director
of HIV Prevention Policy at GMHC. "As the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic
in the United States, New Yorkers in particular have a stake in the successful
development of microbicides. Congress should pass the Microbicides Development
Act this session.
Today's prevention options—condoms, mutual monogamy, and treatment of
sexually transmitted infections—are not feasible for millions of people
around the world. Many women do not have the social or economic power
necessary to insist on condom use and fidelity, or to abandon partnerships
that put them at risk. All sexually active people who are at-risk for HIV
and other STIs need microbicides.
"With HIV rates among women skyrocketing, particularly in communities
of color, there is clearly an urgent need for more prevention options in our
toolbelt. Microbicides are amongst the most promising being developed," states
Reena John, Executive Director of the Women's HIV Collaborative of New York.
* * *
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.
The Women's HIV Collaborative of New York is rooted in the leadership and
experiences of women living with HIV and AIDS. As women, we recognize and claim
HIV/AIDS as an epidemic that seriously impacts women in New York and worldwide. We
are committed to empowering and supporting women, to developing innovative solutions
through research, policy, advocacy and economics to promote platforms that support
social justice and human rights for all. For more information please visit
www.womenscollaborative.com.
© 2007 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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