International Rectal Microbicide Advocates Explained

International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA) is an international non-profit organization which promotes awareness of rectal microbicides.

History

The International Rectal Microbicide Advocates was formed in 2005 through a collaboration between the Canadian AIDS Society, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, and the Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (which disbanded in 2011).[1] No other advocacy group existed – or currently exists – whose focus is on rectal microbicide research and development.[2]

Activities

IRMA has reviewed and encouraged research into the safety of personal lubricants for anal sex.[3] In an effort to raise awareness and advocacy for lubricants, IRMA issued the Global Lube Access Mobilisation (GLAM) Toolkit to help activists better engage with organizations and governments on the necessity of lubricant safety and access.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Straube. Trenton. The Anal Dialogues. POZ. July–August 2011 . 17 November 2011.
  2. Pickett. Jim. Ready, Set, Rectal Microbicides: An Update on Rectal Microbicide Research and Advocacy. AIDSTAR-One Spotlight on Prevention. August 2012. 10 April 2013.
  3. Web site: Lubricant Use May Raise HIV Infection Risk During Anal Sex . https://web.archive.org/web/20100529160834/http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/639441.html . dead . May 29, 2010 . Alan . Mozes . businessweek.com . 25 May 2010 . 17 November 2011.
  4. Web site: PLUS News: Global HIV/AIDS news and analysis. Lack of Lube Hurts HIV Prevention. 9 April 2013.