Challenges in addressing community understanding of rectal microbicides I am Obiajulu Augustina Amuamuziam and I work for NHVMAS in Lagos, Nigeria. Currently I am a communication intern at Research Africa in Cape Town. NHVMAS stands for New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society. In Nigeria, as in most places in the world, people do not talk about sex in public. There is silence around sexual practice and the practice of anal sex is illegal.

THE MYTH Most people in Nigeria, especially the youth, believe that they cannot be infected with HIV through anal sex. Anal sex= safe sex THE REALITY There is an increase in the practice of anal sex (outside of homosexual relationships) because: People think that anal sex is safe sex, safe from infection, especially HIV. Women use anal sex as a way of protecting their virginity. Anal sex is used as a form of birth control.

NHVMAS led a workshop with religious teachers on STIs, HIV/AIDS and New HIV prevention technologies. Outcomes: The teachers began to speak openly about sex (except anal sex) Teachers increased their understanding of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Teachers began to understand the concept of microbicides and there efficacy Teachers could not talk openly about anal sex Teachers could not understand the role and importance of the anticipated microbicides for protection during anal sex.

The NHVMAS workshop has exposed the urgent need to deliver workshops with a curriculum that focuses on Anal Sex and the transmission of HIV. Communities need to understand the concept of rectal microbicides and how they should be used so that HIV and AIDS can be prevented.