Canada Commits CAD15 Million to Accelerate Microbicide Development on World AIDS Day
SILVER SPRING, MD (1 December 2006) – Momentum for HIV-prevention research advanced significantly today with the announcement of a grant of CAD15 million (US$ 13.2 million) from the government of Canada to the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM). Announced on World AIDS Day, the contribution will support product development and clinical trials of microbicides for women in developing countries. This brings the total Canadian contribution to IPM to CAD30 million (US$ 25.6 million).
“With women and girls making up almost 60 percent of those living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment to address the feminization of HIV/AIDS is a key focus of our efforts to fight this deadly disease. Developing an effective microbicide – a means of preventing HIV infection that women can control – is key to this,” said the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages. “Canada is supporting IPM’s research as part of our long-term, comprehensive approach to fighting HIV/AIDS. This World AIDS Day, we are asked to Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise. And we are committed to keeping it.”
Microbicides are vaginal products being developed to reduce the transmission of HIV during sexual intercourse. A microbicide could take the form of a gel, cream, film, suppository or sponge, or be contained in a vaginal ring that releases the active ingredient gradually. A microbicide could also be in a new formulation and use a delivery method yet to be invented.
I read the above announcement from the Government of Canada with slight amusement and chagrin. On the one hand, I am happy that in general, Canada is setting aside some money for HIV/AIDS. But on the other hand, it struck me odd that of all the critical and significant aspects of HIV prevention, treatment, and impacts that needs to be addressed, the development of a vaginal gel would be Canada’s selected priority. Surely, after hosting the XVI International AIDS Conference hosted in Toronto this summer, the government should have been aware of other more slightly pressing issues such as scaling up of HIV testing and treatment, behavioural change initatives, care and support, and addressing underlying socio-economic and socio-cultural issues such as poverty and gender based violence. I find it disconcerting that once again, we are relying on a "technological, made in the West" solution to a complex issue deeply rooted in human behaviour, socio-cultural norms, and poverty. Not that I am against microbiocides, I just don't think it is a priority to developing countries, nor is it their solution to the HIV pandemic, but rather another magic bullet dreamt up by all of us experts in the western world.
I went to the World Aids Day celebrations in Lilongwe on Dec 1st. The drama's, songs, dances, and poems performed by local arists and musicians all carried a very different message of HIV prevention. It carried messages of their own views of what needs to be done in terms of prevention. I think it's high time that all the HIV experts in the West climb down off their high horses, and listen to the average Malawian's view on what really needs to be done to prevent HIV transmission.
Stop Aids. Keep the Promise.
posted by Tess and Jim O @ 1:33 PM
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