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The Need
Microbicides could benefit many types of users
As a user-controlled technology, microbicides would fill an important prevention gap for women and men who are unable to successfully negotiate mutual monogamy or male condom use. Different groups of people have different life styles, risk factors, and negotiating power within their relationships --a reality that affects their ability to implement existing prevention strategies. Microbicides would be a useful tool for many groups of people in many different circumstances.
Women and HIV Risk — Both biological and social factors that contribute to women's particular vulnerability to HIV.
HIV Positive Women — Positive women have specific needs for microbicides and are among microbicides' most vocal advocates.
Microbicides and Men — Though often referred to as a prevention option for women, microbicides would offer prevention benefits to men as well.
Mothers and Infants — Microbicides could have a role to play in the UN's three-pronged strategy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
