Advocates Archive - M
[please choose the first initial of the Advocate's last name]
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Marcelo Maia
New York City
As a writer, photographer and HIV activist/advocate, Marcelo Maia, advocates for rectal microbicides through his work with HIV prevention groups inclucing the NYC Planning Council Advisory Group, Consumers Committee and Connect to Protect ( C2P NYC on Facebook). Former chair of the GMHC Consumer Advisory Board (CAB), Marcelo was born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and now lives in New York City.
Through IRMA Marcelo learned about the work that people all over the world are doing to develop a safe and effective product that can be easily used and stop HIV transmission through anal sex.
Marcelo believes that rectal microbicides are an important priority among new HIV prevention technologies because “after so many years of safer sex campaigns that preach either abstinence or the use of condoms as the only alternatives, many young men are getting tired of the same messages."
"Still HIV is mainly transmitted by men who are positive and don’t know about their status and those mostly infected are the ones having unprotected anal intercourse or bareback sex and assuming the bottom or receptive position.”
By educating those that are HIV negative and at risk as well as reaching out to educate policy makers and philanthropic organizations to secure funding for research and development Marcelo is advocating for rectal microbicides.
[Posted September 2010]
Vanessa Marquez
Boston, MA, USA
"Thank the universe for organizations such as IRMA and individuals who are willing to inform and educate the population at large about the heavily stigmatized topic of anal sex. Without their efforts the possibility of rectal microbicides being readily accepted as a prevention method may not be possible. We must continue to lay the foundation for such important work that could save the lives of millions."
Vanessa Marquez, a Clinical Research Nurse at The Fenway Institute in Boston is a proud advocate for rectal microbicides among many other HIV prevention methods. She was born in New York to parents who emigrated from Latin America and was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Vanessa became interested in HIV prevention after volunteering as a massage therapist at an HIV alternative therapies clinic in San Francisco, CA. She got involved with IRMA through her work with the Microbicide Trials Network. She feels very fortunate to have found her dream job immediately after graduating nursing school, and is excited about the possibilities of continuing to advocate for important prevention methods like rectal microbicides.
She believes that rectal microbicides provide a very important other option for HIV prevention. Her work on the iPrEx study has led her to understand that "the more options individuals have, the more likely it is that they will use these prevention technologies".
In her advocacy work she meets with clients each week for microbicide study visits, presents information on anal sex through a skit of her creation called "The Shameless Plug." Vanessa feels that the destigmatization of anal sex and health will lead to more conversations with medical providers, which will hopefully lead to more options like rectal microbicides.
Vanessa, who speaks fluent Spanish, enjoys reading, attending classical music concerts, learning new languages, volunteering in community events, traveling, and being with her family in her free time.
[Posted August 2011]
Jim Maynard
Boston, MA, US
“I quickly discovered what a powerful tool a microbicide would be in the battle against HIV transmission. I’m involved in IRMA because of their wholehearted advocacy of safe, effective, and affordable rectal microbicides as a way to protect our community.”
Jim Maynard (pictured above, at left with his partner) is the Associate Director for Community Engagement at Fenway Health, an organization serving the LGBT community in Boston. Through Fenway Health’s association with the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN), an NIH-funded network committed to the development and testing of vaginal and rectal microbicides, Jim learned about IRMA and microbicide development. He's anxious to add microbicides to the “prevention tool belt,” recognizing that while condoms are apowerful method to prevent the spread of HIV, in many cases they aren’t being used. He realizes that some people see condoms as keeping them from the sex they want, and that human behavior, especially when it comes to something so powerful and enjoyable as sex, is difficult to change.
Jim advocates for microbicides both at work and outside of work, talking to friends, family, coworkers and neighbors in the hopes of creating a “booty buzz” around rectal microbicides.
He plays tennis and reads, and spends time with his husband and two sons.
[Posted November 2010]
Ken Mayer
Boston, USA
IRMA Steering Committee Member
Kenneth H. Mayer, M.D., is Professor of Medicine and Community Health at Brown University, Director of the Brown University AIDS Program, and Attending Physician in the Infectious Disease Division of The Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. He is also Medical Research Director at Boston’s Fenway Community Health Center, where (since 1983) he has conducted studies of HIV’s natural history and transmission.
In the early 1980s, Dr. Mayer was one of the first clinical researchers in New England to provide care for patients living with AIDS. He has been the principal investigator of four Phase I microbicide trials, including the first human trial of Tenofovir gel. He has co-authored more than 350 articles, chapters and other publications on AIDS and related infectious disease topics. Jim Pickett and Ian McGowan drew Ken to IRMA.
In his free time, he tries to listen to music and see movies, enjoy good food and company, and work off stress at the gym.
“I am interested in developing effective HIV prevention strategies. A safe and effective lube seems like a no-brainer to protect people who enjoy anal sex. I also care passionately about vaginal microbicides, since I have been taking care of women and men living with HIV for almost 30 years.”
[Posted September 2009]
Dr. Ian McGowan
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
IRMA Steering Committe Member, Scientific Vice Chair
Ian is originally from England, but currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is presently a professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Ian’s research at the school, in conjunction with the Microbicide Trials Network, focuses on the development of rectal microbicides, so it was natural for him to get involved with IRMA and serve as a member of the IRMA Steering Committee. He is, in fact, one of the leading scientists in the world working to advance the development of safe, effective and acceptable rectal microbicides.
He believes that rectal microbicides are an important priority among new HIV prevention technologies because we live in an era that lacks a safe and effective HIV vaccine. “We need to broaden the range of prevention options, especially for individuals who are currently practicing unprotected anal intercourse.” As a physician-scientist, Ian’s job not only focuses on trying to develop a rectal microbicide, but also to spread information on rectal microbicides through lectures, article reviews, and scientific papers.
In his spare time, Ian enjoys spending time with his partner Ross and his two dogs, Harry and Walter. He also looks forwards to vacationing at his house in Spain.
[Posted October 2008]
Arwa Meijer
Brussels, Belgium
Arwa Meijer, an international microbicide advocate, is quite international herself! Half Dutch and half Bolivian, Meijer is currently based in Belgium. At present, she is the European Programme Associate at the Global Campaign for Microbicides based in Brussels. From the start, the Global Campaign has been extraordinarily active in rectal microbicide advocacy and in helping to catalyze the creation and progression of IRMA. The Campaign has truly inspired her and provided her valuable insight as to how to become a rectal microbicide advocate.
Meijer is a firm believer that with more HIV prevention options, more people will have something to choose from that better fits their specific needs. “Everybody is different, everybody has different practices, different sexual tendencies. It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s what you do.” Rectal microbicides are even more important knowing that anal intercourse is a daily practice in many people’s lives in certain cultures. Because science has shown that HIV transmission via unprotected anal sex is more likely compared to unprotected vaginal sex, Meijer agrees that there is an urgent need for research and development of rectal microbicides. She also believes that once a vaginal microbicides are on the market, the reality will be that both men and women will likely be using it rectally despite labels indicating that it is not for rectal use. Therefore, she thinks it is important to not only examine the rectal safety of current vaginal microbicides but also to look into their efficacy in working as potential rectal microbicides.
Meijer’s first real contact with rectal microbicides came at the Microbicides 2006 conference in Capetown where she was active in recruiting more advocates for IRMA. At the Microbicides 2008 conference, she helped organize a reception for the launch of “Less Silence, More Science”. At the AIDS 2008 Conference in Mexico City, she worked at a booth promoting partnership in HIV prevention research to raise awareness and education of rectal microbicides. Meijer has also helped create a free online course, titled The Essentials Microbicides Course, in which she designed a module focusing on rectalmicrobicides. She encourages her fellow microbicide advocates and others to learn more about the research and development of rectal microbicides by taking that module.
When she is not traveling around the world and advocating her heart out, Arwa enjoys going to the cinema, salsa dancing, and organizing dinners with her friends.
[Posted October 2008]
Steve Miralles
Lima, Peru
Steve Miralles was born in Caracas, Venezuela and is currently the communications manager for Epicentro– a gay community center in Lima, Peru. Steve is a dynamic, passionate advocate and a key leader in the Latin American-Caribbean chapter of the IRMA (IRMA-ALC) and has translated things like fact sheets and PowerPoint presentationsl for IRMA-AL. Visit IRMA ALC's blog and IRMA ALC on Facebook ).
Steve is an advocate for rectal microbicides because he believes that “rectal microbicides offer the advantage that men and women practicing receptive anal sex can be in control to prevent HIV infection… The more choices we have, the more people that will use them and we’ll have less people infected by HIV”.
When Steve is not advocating for microbicides he is traveling as much as he can, reading, going out and dining with friends.
[Posted September 2010]
Lourence “Larry” Misedah
Nairobi, Kenya
IRMA Steering Committee Member
Larry is studying Environmental Planning and Management at Kenyatta University. He juggles between his college work and volunteering as the Health Manager for Ishtar MSM, an organisation whose mission is to advance the sexual health rights of MSM and to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Ishtar MSM creates general awareness with the aim of empowering the MSM community and society at large, and advocates for the right to good health and access to STI and HIV/AIDS-related care and treatment in Kenya. Larry has been involved in the wider LGBTI movement in Kenya and East Africa, including by participating in various regional and international events that have been landmarks for LGBTI organising in East Africa. Larry was actively involved to fight for the inclusion of MSM in HIV/AIDS intervention programs, working closely with other stakeholders to ensure inclusion in the Kenya National AIDS Strategic Plans.
“HIV prevalence among MSM remains considerably higher than in the general population in Kenya. Despite this, there are hardly any services for MSM apart from a few MSM-led initiatives. Rectal microbicide research is therefore of great importance for ensuring that prevention measures have an impact on HIV/AIDS among MSM. I have been actively involved in this work. It has given me insight into public health and my plans for after graduation.”
[Posted September 2009]
Abdullrahman Orosanya Mohammed-Saheedi
Lagos, Nigeria
Although born in Osun State Nigeria, Abdullrahman Orosanya Mohammed-Saheed now resides in Lagos State, Nigeria where he works as a social worker and behavioral scientist. It is here that Abdullrahman works diligently in the collaborative efforts to prevent the spread of HIV.
Abdullrahman realizes that, “With the current trend in the increased incidence of HIV being contracted through anal sex, rectal microbicides need to be a priority as a prevention option, especially for marginalized MSM ”
Having worked with the New Vaccine and Microbicides Advocacy Society (NVMAS), Abdullrahman was excited to get involved with IRMA during the special session on rectal microbicides at the 2006 Microbicides conference Cape Town, South Africa, in 2006. Today Abdullrahman is not only a member of IRMA, but utilizes his role as a behavioral scientist to help provide information on possible behavioral change regarding the introduction of rectal microbicides among people at high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS through anal sex.
“Rectal microbicides, if delivered in a lubricant, would be helpful in terms of providing lubrication for the anus and rectum during sexual intercourse. It would also be good if it made sexual intercourse more pleasurable," he says.
[Posted January 2010]
Amadou Moreau
Dakar, Senegal
“Advocating for the cause of Minority Groups in general is in my everyday to do list.”
Amadou Moreau is an IRMA advocate from Dakar, Senegal. There he is also a sociologist and demographer and Vice President of Global Initiatives at the Global Research and Advocacy Group (GRAG). He loves his job! HIV related matters are among key issues GRAG advocates for, as well as youth education across the developing world and gender-based violence.
He stays up to date on IRMA through the listserv and is hoping to become more involved through greater collaboration between IRMA and GRAG. He believes this relationship could be an asset to “enhance education and advocacy initiatives” and that IRMA collaboration with other groups, like GRAG, could do the same.
To Amadou, rectal microbicides are important among new HIV prevention technologies because they are easy and safe to use and could add an important element to prevention packages. He has learned that across the developing world, and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, it is not easy to advocate for rectal microbicides. However, he believes that with commitment and creativity IRMA advocates can succeed. He is excited to work with IRMA to bring more positive change to those who need it most.
[Posted October 2011]
Kate Morrow
Providence, RI, USA
IRMA Steering Committee Member
Kate is a clinical health psychologist by training, behavioural scientist in practice. She grew up in the Mohawk Valley in Upstate New York, USA. Kate has been advocating in the HIV epidemic since the 1980s.
She hopes that her science and her advocacy can both play an important role in IRMA and believes that IRMA’s work is key to the overall battle against HIV disease.
She has been studying vaginal microbicide acceptability for the last 12 years and looks forward to using the knowledge and skills she has gained there to help in the rectal microbicide effort.
Her other interests include spending time with her partner and good friends, biking, hiking, and relaxing on the porch.
[Posted September 2009]
Thomas Muyunga
Kampala, Uganda
“When one goes to fish, they go to the water body for fish. With the net one catches all sorts of fish and other debris. Sorting out the fish from debris is part of fishing. Same applies to HIV work. Talk, HIV, engage in activities around mobilising beneficiaries and challenge them to participate fully- make it enjoyable. Show the whole list of HIV fuels. Show stigma, discrimination and abuse fuel HIV in communities.”
Thomas Muyunga is an IRMA Advocate from Kampala, Uganda. There he is CEO of MARPS (Most At Risk Populations’ Society) In Uganda, an umbrella organization committed to “lasting, enduring, and durable solutions against poverty.” Their work focuses on “PLEASE:” protection, lasting sexual-reproductive health practices, empowerment, attitude change, social integration and education. Thomas loves to mobilize communities and prepare and empower them to fight poverty, discrimination, and HIV.
Thomas has worked in HIV Services Provision since 1993 when he was a student volunteer at Rotary International. He first became aware of microbicides at an STD/STI Clinic at the National Referral Hospital in Uganda. He has since dedicated much time and effort to learning about and advocating for the development of successful microbicides. He will join IRMA as a Project ARM (Africa for Rectal Microbicides) scholarship grantee in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia prior to ICASA 2011 to be part of a working meeting to develop an African rectal microbicide agenda!
He believes rectal microbicides are very important because they bring more attention to anal intercourse and help to create conversation about it. He hopes this will also stimulate talk about the power dynamics of anal intercourse.
His advice for others wanting to become IRMA advocates is to first focus on learning as much as possible about HIV prevention, care and treatment so that you can teach others about these issues. Education will also prepare you to inform planning, programming and policy. We can only move forward if we are educated.
[Posted October 2011]
