International conferences are always on our agenda. But this
winter has been particularly busy so far, with staff attending the
International Conference on Family Planning in Dakar,
Senegal, and the International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Since our field staff cannot
pack you in their suitcases and take you with them—they’re just not that
strong!—we asked them to tell you a little about their experiences now that
they are back home.
2011 International Conference on Family Planning, Dakar: JAWEER BROWN (Technical Advisor, Family Planning)
What were some of your favorite moments from the conference,
and why?
One of my personal highlights from the conference was a
presentation by a young activist living with HIV. He really moved me and set
the stage for my experience in Dakar.
Against the backdrop of a large tent and competing with the rumblings of an
enthusiastic audience, the activist reminded us of the human face behind the
words family planning, HIV, systems strengthening, development, and all the
jargon we use in our work. He represented the lives of so many we refer to as
“client,” ”population,” or ”user.” With a palpable candor and passion, he pressed
us to adhere to our commitments to make real change and embodied the purpose of
our work: to meet the urgent sexual and reproductive health needs of young people
like him.
Were there any takeaways from discussions surrounding the
issue of HIV risk and hormonal injections?
Going into the conference, we knew the facts surrounding
this important issue. An important takeaway that emerged on this topic,
however, is the fact that we may never have conclusive evidence about a link
between hormonal contraceptives and HIV risk. Strong leadership, therefore, is vital
for proceeding within this uncertainty. This will involve investing more
resources and attention to expand the contraceptive choices available to women
and increase access to a wide method mix, including long-acting and permanent
methods of family planning.
What other research highlights received special attention
from conference participants?
I am a tech geek in disguise, and I really enjoyed a presentation
on new contraceptive technologies. Two innovations in particular caught my eye:
the microbicide/hormonal contraceptive ring, and the development of a topical
gel contraceptive.
What were some major contributions EngenderHealth made at
the conference?
EngenderHealth contributed a great deal to the Implementing
Best Practices (IBP) sessions, which were another major highlight of my
experience in Dakar.
The format of these sessions was unique.
Rather than Powerpoint presentations followed by a question-and-answer
period, the sessions were broken up into roundtables, allowing for open dialogue
in small groups of 8–10 people. It was a rare opportunity to sit down with
colleagues and experts from around the world and take a bird’s eye view at what
we do and how we do it.
2011 International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa:
MARK BARONE (Senior Medical Associate)
What were some of your favorite moments from the conference,
and why?
A favorite moment from the conference was a presentation
that my colleague Dr. Quentin Awori delivered on our randomized controlled
trial of the Shang Ring versus conventional male circumcision in Kenya and Zambia. Dr. Awori works in Homa Bay, Kenya,
and is a co-investigator on the study. He is an up-and-coming young researcher,
which made it even more gratifying to see our work presented by him. The
presentation generated a lot of discussion and offered great hope that a device
will simplify male circumcision and allow for more rapid scale-up.
I also particularly enjoyed the opportunity that the
conference presented to connect with many of the people that I know who are
working in the field of HIV and to meet new people. Conferences like this
provide a venue to learn not only from the actual conference sessions, but also
to talk with others and get a better sense of what is going on more broadly in
the field and to create opportunities
for future collaborations.
What other research highlights received special attention
from conference participants?
Voluntary medical male circumcision received a great deal of
attention during ICASA, including a number of special sessions and many oral
and poster presentations. I hope that emphasis on this proven HIV prevention
intervention will spur along some of the programs in Sub-Saharan Africa that
have been lagging a bit.
What work did EngenderHealth present, and how did it fit
into the overall conference narrative and themes?
EngenderHealth was well represented at the conference, with
oral and poster presentations that highlighted our work in voluntary medical
male circumcision for HIV prevention, gender, and our work with most-at-risk
populations (MARPs). We also had a booth in the exhibition area highlighting
our HIV-related work, with a special focus on our work with MARPs in Ethiopia.
Paul Perchal, director of EngenderHealth’s HIV/STI Program, will be among the conference participants. Paul’s commitment to this field is in part the legacy of losing two of his closest friends to AIDS during the mid-1990s. Gearing up for the conference, the theme of which is “Rights Here, Right Now,” Paul offers his perspective on the upcoming week in this brief Q&A: 
