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Support Microbicides
You Can Help Give Women
Power Over AIDS!
Hailed as one of the world's most promising new HIV-prevention technologies, microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women themselves would be able to use to help prevent transmission of HIV and other infections.
Unfortunately, barely 3% of the U.S. budget for HIV/AIDS research is currently spent on efforts to find a safe, effective microbicide.
But you can help change that! Ask your Representatives in Congress to sign on to the Microbicide Development Act (HR 1420/S 823).
The Microbicide Development Act will improve coordination and expand resources for microbicides development activities at three federal government agencies. With the support this bill provides, we could have an effective microbicide within the next 5-10 years. Without it, it will take much longer.
Please send the e-mail below or call your legislators. Go to http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx to find who represents you and how to contact them.
Thank you!
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Support the Microbicide Development Act HR 1420/S 823
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am urging you to help prevent HIV/AIDS transmission by co-sponsoring the Microbicide Development Act of 2007 (HR 1420/S 823).
The Microbicide Development Act would strengthen and accelerate microbicide development at the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Centers for Disease Control. This American leadership could make the critical difference in spurring needed research and determining the fate of millions of women around the world, including here in the U.S. where AIDS is now the number one cause of death among African American women aged 25-34.
Anti-HIV microbicides, creams or gels that women could use to protect themselves from HIV infection, were hailed as one of the world's most promising new HIV-prevention technologies at the 2006 Toronto AIDS Conference. Scientists estimate that a safe and effective microbicide could be available within 5-10 years, and the impact would be significant. Mathematical models predict that even a partially-effective microbicide could avert 2.5 million HIV infections over 3 years.
Despite major funding shortfalls, progress has been made in developing microbicides over the past several years. But we must move aggressively to develop them further.
Please sign on as a co-sponsor to the Microbicide Development Act.
Sincerely,
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