Global coalition of organizations and individuals calls for research agenda to determine safety of sexual lubricants For Immediate Release June 12, 2013 – Over 500 organizations and individuals from nearly 60 countries have endorsed a Global Call to Action on Lubricant Safety. They all demand answers on whether sexual lubricants are safe for vaginal and anal Read More >>

via PLoS Medicine, by Gordon Mansergh, Beryl A. Koblin, Patrick S. Sullivan Summary Points: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with anti-retroviral (ARV) medications is partially efficacious for preventing HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals. As PrEP becomes available and prescribed for use among MSM a better understanding of willingness to use PrEP and Read More >>

via Science Speaks, by Antigone Barton When he looks at what biomedical science can do in the next decade to prevent HIV transmission, Jim Turpin of the National Institutes of Health said, he thinks of the lyrics of a Timbuk3 song: “The future’s so bright I gotta wear shades.” By, which, actually, he means — don’t get Read More >>

via Center for Strategic & International Studies In light of the need to address key populations in the HIV epidemic, the Center for Strategic and International Studies is convening several authors to discuss a special issue of The Lancet focused on the global HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). Thursday, September 6th3:00pm—5:00pm (EST)B1 Conference Read More >>

via Citizen News Service, by Bobby Ramakant At the recently concluded XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012), not only the decibels went up on ending AIDS but also sane voices were heard demanding a well-costed and thought-through strategy on how to end AIDS. One of the strategies that will complement a comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care and Read More >>

 via aidsmap, by Gus Cairns How do we stop the hyperepidemic in gay men? A number of presentations at the 19th International AIDS Conference explored the ‘hyperepidemic’ of HIV amongst men who have sex with men, and especially black MSM. A paper presented by Gregorio Millet (pictured above at a White House reception honoring people working in AIDS) showed that, at Read More >>

via aidsmap, by Gus Cairns A large, randomised sample of 21-year-old Thai men, presented at the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington recently, has found that by far the largest risk factor for HIV infection is gay identity. Contrary to the oft-quoted saying “it’s not who you are, but what you do,” actual male/male sexual behaviour, while Read More >>

via Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report In the United States, an estimated 48,100 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occurred in 2009 (1). Of these, 27% were in heterosexual men and women who did not inject drugs, and 64% were in men who have sex with men (MSM), including 3% in MSM who inject drugs. In January Read More >>

[Citizen News Service and IRMA are collaborating to amplify rectal microbicide research and advocacy, as well as IRMA-led initiatives, throughout AIDS 2012, and after.] via Citizen News Service, by Jittima Jantanamalaka Despite alarming HIV rates amongst the men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, many countries, community leaders, media and society at large continue Read More >>

[Citizen News Service and IRMA are collaborating to amplify rectal microbicide research and advocacy, as well as IRMA-led initiatives, throughout AIDS 2012.] via Citizen News Service, by Chief K Masimba Biriwasha UGANDAN AIDS activist and medical doctor, Paul Semugoma, 42, said that rectal microbicides have a potential to save the unnecessary loss of lives among men who Read More >>