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October 2007 Newsletter (Vol 4 No 4)
The South African Journal of HIV Medicine: An update on female-controlled methods for HIV prevention: female condom, microbicides and cervical barriers. (pdf) or online The Microbicide Quarterly: Clinical trials examining cervical barriers as potential methods for prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (pdf). Articles from Other Sources: American Prospect Online: Barrier Methods: Could a redesigned diaphragm become popular with American women, but also save lives in HIV-ravaged nations? VAX: Capping Infection: Can the diaphragm help lower women's risk of HIV infection? (pdf)
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The Cervical Barrier Advancement Society (CBAS) aims to raise the profile of cervical barrier methods for pregnancy prevention and provide information about research on the potential of cervical barriers to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The World YWCA Council hosted the International Women’s Summit: Women’s Leadership on HIV and AIDS from July 4 to 7, 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya. The event brought together more than 2,000 women and men who participated in a series of workshops, presentations and community meetings. CBAS collaborated with a number of groups including the International Partnership for Microbicides and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative to host the workshop, ListenLearnLead on HIV Prevention Options for Women and Girls. Click here for the session notes and presentations. MIRA Diaphragm Trial Results 
The Methods for Improving Reproductive Health in Africa (MIRA) trial found no statistical difference in the rate of new HIV infections between women who received the diaphragm plus lubricant along with male condoms for their partners and those in the control arm who only received male condoms. Therefore, the results do not support the addition of the diaphragm to current HIV prevention strategies. To date, condoms remain the only proven barrier method for HIV prevention. This means there is still an urgent need for continued investment and research into current and new HIV prevention methods that give women and girls the power to protect their health. Read more... More Advocacy and Research on Female-controlled HIV Prevention Methods is Needed The case for female-controlled methods for HIV prevention has been well made. Women and girls need a range of options to meet their varied needs and protect their health. Therefore, advocacy and research and improving access to existing methods, like the female condom, must continue. Below is a list of articles and presentation highlighting the importance of advocating for greater attention and investment in multiple methods to meet the needs of women and girls as part of a comprehensive global response to the HIV pandemic. Read more... What are cervical barriers?
Why is research on cervical barriers important?  Sister Kamba works on diaphragm research in Zimbabwe |
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Most people think of cervical barriers primarily as the diaphragm and cervical cap, but a broader definition would encompass female and male condoms, the sponge, Lea’s shield and microbicides. Cervical barriers are physical or chemical substances that prevent pregnancy and /or reduce the spread of STIs, including HIV. They do not include hormonal contraceptive methods. For more information about the range of cervical barrier methods, see 
