The Bottom Line in HIV Prevention
Created in 2005, International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA) is a network numbering over 800 advocates, policymakers and leading scientists from 60+ countries on six continents working to advance a robust rectal microbicide research and development agenda. We advocate for safe, effective, accessible and acceptable rectal microbicides for the millions of women and men around the world who engage in anal intercourse and need new HIV prevention options beyond condoms.
Click here for membership information and join our highly active moderated listserv.
**Click here to check out all 23 members of IRMA's Steering Committee (SC) - representing 10 countries.
What is a rectal microbicide?
Currently in development, a microbicide is a cream or gel, or maybe a douche or an enema, that could be used to reduce a person’s risk of HIV infection vaginally or rectally. Rectal microbicides could offer both primary protection in the absence of condoms and back-up protection if a condom breaks or slips off during anal intercourse. For those unable or unwilling to use condoms, rectal microbicides could be a safe and effective alternative means of reducing risk, especially if they were unobtrusive and/or enhanced sexual pleasure enough to motivate consistent use. Such alternatives are essential if we are to address the full spectrum of prevalent sexual practices and the basic human need for accessible, user-controlled HIV and STD prevention tools.
New name, same goals
Originally founded as the International Rectal Microbicides Working Group (IRMWG), the group re-branded its name at the end of 2007.
Our Mission:
- To advocate for accelerated research, development and access to safe, effective, acceptable and accessible rectal microbicides
- To promote rectal safety studies on all viable vaginal microbicide candidates
- To support, where appropriate, the research of other new prevention technologies, such as male circumcision, vaccines and oral prevention (PrEP), and to promote existing prevention methods such as male and female condoms as part of a range of prevention options
- To serve as a central forum for exchange, debate, and networking on rectal microbicides; and
- To convene diverse perspectives and scientific disciplines to improve understanding and action around rectal microbicide research and development.
Sign up for our highly active, moderated listserv here.
From the IRMA Blog
Read this post and more at IRMA's blog - the only one on the WWW devoted to rectal microbicides! Click here and get an IRMA blog widget for your own page.
IRMA-ALC
IRMA's sister network, IRMA-ALC, provides a focus on rectal microbicide advocacy and research for Latin America, South America and the Caribbean.
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