• What impact would microbicides have?

What impact would microbicides have?

This IFH paper examines the emerging issues from the epidemiological and economic analysis on microbicide awareness, investment and demand, based on five papers by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The paper explores key findings and emerging issues on: the patterns of condom use in different forms of partnership; impact projections from South Africa, India and Benin; and the delivery of new technologies.

The findings confirm that the widespread use of even a low efficacy microbicide could have an important impact on HIV transmission. Questions are raised relating to the validity of assumptions underlying microbicide impact projections. These include: how realistic are reports of condom use; how realistic are assumptions about microbicide coverage and use; and to what extent should the impact of microbicides on HIV transmission from women to men be explored? The paper also highlights the need for review of the potential risks and benefits of microbicide distribution to sex workers? Recommendations for further research include: analysis of post-intervention levels of condom use; promotion of microbicides without stigma; integrating distribution with primary level health services; and assessing the feasibility of different introduction strategies in different contexts. [adapted from author]

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