Advocates are trying to make funding for microbicides more of a priority, including Senate Bill 823/House Bill 1420, the Microbicide Development Act. This Act would help secure money going into microbicide research and development.
Even if they do prove to be safe, the drugs will still need to get into the hands of women who need them the most—women in poor countries. To ensure affordability and access, microbicides will need to be offered at minimal or no cost. This, too, will require outside funding.
“I think the biggest impediment to getting a microbicide to people who need them in the developing world is poverty. For example, even small user fees can impose significant financial burdens on individuals and families and undermine adherence to HIV prevention services,” notes Joelle.
The ultimate ability of microbicides to empower women and prevent HIV infection may have more to do with economics than science. However, because gender equality and economic independence may take decades, the availability of a microbicide may be the quickest route to providing women with a tool to take control of their health, and their lives.
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