History of CBAS

The Cervical Barrier Advancement Society (CBAS), officially launched in June 2004, is an international professional networking organization that aims to raise the profile of cervical barriers, both for preventing pregnancy and potentially HIV and other STIs. This idea grew out of discussions at meetings such as the "Diaphragm Renaissance Meeting."

The "Diaphragm Renaissance" focused new attention on diaphragms and cervical caps as methods that may protect women from HIV. In September 2002, PATH, the University of California at San Francisco, and Ibis Reproductive Health co-hosted this meeting in Seattle, WA to re-examine the role that physical barriers of the cervix can play in protecting women from HIV and other STIs. Eighty international experts participated, and the Diaphragm Renaissance Meeting generated significant interest and raised awareness of cervical barrier methods, particularly within the HIV/STI research community. Subsequent meetings have solidified support for creating a more formal networking organization for groups working on cervical barriers.

Ibis Reproductive Health is a partner in the Methods for Improving Reproductive Health in Africa (MIRA) trial which studied the effectiveness of the diaphragm and Replens® gel to prevent HIV/STI transmission. Ibis Reproductive Health and the other partners in the MIRA trial have taken the lead in establishing CBAS. CBAS, however, is not limited to sharing information on MIRA; the organization has a wider scope, sharing information about and bringing together researchers working on all types of cervical barriers and barrier-microbicide combinations.

CBAS will share research results as they become available. In the meantime, CBAS will facilitate networking between organizations, share information and research updates, raise awareness of work being done on barrier methods, and help spark new ideas and collaborations. CBAS will help lay the groundwork for future outreach efforts.