Getting the word out on microbicides
The Global Campaign for Microbicides (GCM) and its partners will help researchers in HIV prevention working in developing countries learn to communicate about their work effectively at the Microbicides 2010 Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 22 to 25.
GCM is a network of advocates and nongovernmental organizations working to expand HIV prevention options and encourage ethical research. The group places special emphasis on developing microbicides, products people could use to protect themselves from HIV and possibly other sexually transmitted infections. PATH serves as the campaign’s secretariat.
Free media skills training sessions
At the conference, GCM, Family Health International, and the Microbicides Media and Communications Initiative will introduce a practical guide to working with the media. The Communications Handbook for Clinical Trials provides communications advice for microbicide researchers, communicators, advocates, and others working on HIV prevention in developing countries.
The group also is offering free training sessions in media interviewing skills, developing a communications plan, delivering key messages, and building a media strategy. Shorter media skills sessions will cover pitching a story to the media, handling tough questions during interviews, and including trial participants in media activities.
A gathering place for ideas
GCM staff and partners also plan to take part in a number of oral presentations and poster sessions. The campaign and its collaborators will manage the “M2010 Advocates’ Corner,” an area where conference delegates can gather to talk, exchange ideas, network, and build solidarity.
A schedule of the Advocates' Corner activities at the 2010 International Microbicides Conference is available on the GCM website.