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ACT NOW TO INCREASE HIV PREVENTION TOOLS!
Microbicides (pronounced my-CROW-besides) are products currently being
researched that will prevent transmission of HIV and other infections when
used in the vagina or rectum. Microbicides could come in a variety of forms,
including gels, creams or vaginal rings. Right now, however, barely 3% of
the U.S. budget for HIV/AIDS research — three cents of every dollar — is
spent on developing microbicides.
The Microbicide Development Act (MDA) will improve coordination and
allocate more money for microbicides research and development activities at
three federal government agencies.
With the support this bill provides, we could have an effective microbicide
within the next 5 years and prevent 2.5 million HIV infections within the first
three years. Without it, getting an effective microbicide will probably take
much lot longer.
So far, 13 United States Senators and 22 Representatives have signed on but
with your help, this support could double in the coming months. Both of New
York’s senators, Senator Clinton and Senator Schumer, co-sponsored this
legislation. However, only a few of New York’s members of the House of
Representatives have signed on to this critical legislation.
Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 today and ask to speak
to your Representative (if you don’t know who your Representative is give
the switchboard your zip code and they will look it up for you).
When you are connected, tell them:
"My name is _______I live in your district in ______, New York. I urge you
to sign onto the Microbicides Development Act (H.R. 1420). We need more HIV
prevention tools besides that put the power in the hands of those using them. Women
especially, need prevention tools that they can control."
If they say they have co-sponsored already, thank them.
You can also write to your Legislators to urge them to sign onto the MDA by clicking
here.
Please click
here for more information.
CALL TODAY 202.224.3121
© 2007 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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