Microbicide Advocacy
Public Policy Focus Area: Women’s Health -- Microbicides
Microbicides are agents which can prevent the transmission of HIV and other STDs which can be used in creams or other topical treatments. The world still has only limited options to prevent the sexual transmission of such viruses and many women do not have the social or economic power necessary to insist on condom use and fidelity, or to abandon partnerships that put them at risk. Microbicides would enable women to protect themselves and their partners. They put the power in a woman’s hands. There is much focus on research for an HIV vaccine, but a microbicide is more likely to become available, to be less expensive, and may stop the spread of the virus.
Microbicide Advocacy
The Junior League of Los Angeles has taken a leadership role in educating our members, community partners, and friends about (1) the research and development of microbicides, (2) the Microbicide Development Act, (3) the Global Campaign for Microbicides, and (4) advocacy efforts around this important women’s health issue.
Our League became involved in learning about microbicides during discussions with one of our community partners, Common Ground. This agency is committed to addressing the health needs of AIDS/HIV populations in the West Los Angeles area. Common Ground addresses the growing incidence of AIDS/HIV among women and the homeless directing resources to assist groups not generally served by better funded organizations in Los Angeles. Click here for more information about Common Ground.
JLLA’s Board of Directors recently voted to support the federal Microbicide Development Act (MDA) which has bipartisan support in Congress. Currently, two percent of the federal budget for HIV/AIDS research is spent on microbicide research, which is conducted at different US agencies without coordination. The MDA will achieve better coordination and expanded resources for microbicide research and development activities at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). With the support of the MDA, scientists estimate that safe and effective microbicides could be available within five to seven years. Without it, it’s likely to take a lot longer.
Reference Information
Global Campaign for Microbicides
About Microbicides
The Need
The Science
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Advocacy?
“A Call to Action” Report PDF funded by the Rockfeller Foundation
Endorse the Global Campaign -- Free!
Advocacy Information
Microbicide Development Act (S550 & HR3854)
Status: Pending in Congress
Future Action: Contact federal and state legislators
MDA Fact Sheet
Text of MDA legislation
California Resolution SJR 22
Status: Passed California State legislature on March 14, 2006.
Sponsored by Sen. Jackie Speier and the State Public Affairs Committee of the Junior Leagues of California. Text of legislation SJR 22.
Public Policy Motion for the Junior League of Los Angeles to support Microbicides
Status: Approved at December 6, 2005 Board of Directors Meeting.
Read the proposed AJLI Microbicides resolution.
Read the proposed advisory resolution: Creation of "Emerging Issues" Conference Track.
