National Working Group on Microbicides Meeting of NWG subgroup on Rectal Microbicides Advocacy in India Organized by The National Working Group on Microbicides PATH, New Delhi 11:00-3:00 pm November 29, 2006

National Working Group on Microbicides Welcome & Introductions

National Working Group on Microbicides OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETING To respond to calls from members of the National Working Group on Microbicides to further explore the issue of rectal microbicides To update each other on rectal microbicides research, the challenges this presents and identify further information needs of the group To discuss potential advocacy issues and next steps for this NWG subgroup on rectal microbicides

National Working Group on Microbicides AGENDA Brief update on NWG and on the need for microbicides generally Evidence for the need for rectal microbicides Rectal microbicides research, challenges and issues Rectal Microbicides: The political landscape Other issues LUNCH Prioritising and discussing the issues Feedback and next steps

National Working Group on Microbicides Key Issues for Rectal Microbicides Research on rectal microbicides is well behind that of vaginal microbicides Science for rectal microbicides is more difficult Limited research on anal sex behaviours so evidence for advocacy not available Issue of safety/toxicity of vaginal microbicides currently being developed, for rectal use because people will use them rectally Less funding available for rectal microbicide research Political realities around rectal microbicides

National Working Group on Microbicides Opportunities for action 1.Campaigns to remove N-9 from condoms or lubricants 2.Safety evaluation of existing lubricants 3.More research into the incidence of anal intercourse 4.Pressure for more funding 5.Advocacy for eventual rectal effectiveness studies 6.More research on how to limit behavioral disinhibition 7.Others – more India specific?

National Working Group on Microbicides Discussion: What are the information needs/gaps? What India specific action needs to be taken (policy/advocacy, research, capacity building etc.) What should this group / or organizations here think about taking forward if anything? Who else should be involved and how?

National Working Group on Microbicides Feedback and Next Steps