| May
5, 2006
This Week in Washington
1. International Rectal Microbicide Working Group Releases Report
Announcements
1. AIDS Action Government Affairs Job Listing
This Week in Washington
1. International Rectal Microbicide Working Group Releases Report
On April 24, 2006 the International Rectal Microbicide Working
Group (IRMWG) released a new report tracking rectal microbicide
research and development expenditures. The new report, “Rectal
Microbicides: Investments and Advocacy,” notes that rectal microbicide
research has been underfunded despite a vast international need
for new HIV and other STD prevention tools for men and women who
engage in anal sex. In particular, studies have shown that in
some cultures as much as 30% of the heterosexual population engages
in anal intercourse. The report states that “the total volume
of heterosexual unprotected anal intercourse may be five times
that of males who have sex with males (MSM).”
The study tracked rectal microbicide research
expenditures and estimated resources needed to accelerate progress
in research and development. It shows that between 2000 and 2006
total public, private and philanthropic spending on rectal microbicide
research was $34 million with spending now at about $7.2 million
per year. The study estimates that it will cost approximately
$69.5 million per year over a 10-15 year period to develop one
rectal microbicide. Cross research with vaginal microbicides may
reduce these costs.
The report states that the “securing of public
funding for every stage of rectal microbicide research and development
must be a priority” both internationally and in the U.S. and makes
a number of recommendations. Among them it asks donors to commit
to a minimum of $350 million for targeted rectal microbicide research
over the next 10 – 15 years. It also calls for the creation of
an international body to track rectal microbicide development
and coordinate research. It calls on researchers to recruit new
scientists to the field and initiate new ideas for grant proposals
and asks advocates to “raise awareness, educate and mobilize communities”
to create demand for and elevate the profile of rectal microbicides.
The report makes three recommendations for U.S.
and international governmental action. First it recommends that
regulatory agencies such as the U.S.’s Federal Drug Administration
“create support and development guidelines to accelerate the study
and licensure of rectal microbicides.” Second it urges such agencies
to “request that all new drug applications for vaginal microbicides
include at least one rectal safety study as part of the submission
package. Finally, the report urges the U.S. Congress to pass the
Microbicide Development Act* and urges other countries to consider
similar legislation.
AIDS Action is a member of the International
Rectal Microbicide Working Group. The following AIDS Action Board
Member organizations provided funding or other material support
for the report:
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts
AIDS Project Los Angeles
Gay Men’s Health Crisis
The report can be found at: http://www.aidschicago.org/pdf/2006/adv_rectalreport.pdf
* The Microbicide Development Act would encourage
new investments in microbicide research at the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) Office of AIDS Research (OAR). It was reintroduced
in the 109th Congress in the Senate as S. 550 by Senator Jon Corzine
(D-NJ; now the governor of NJ). Sen. Barak Obama (D-IL) is now
the lead sponsor. It was reintroduced in the House as H.R. 3854
by Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT).
Announcements
1. AIDS Action Government Affairs Job Listing
AIDS Action recently announced that it is seeking a new government
affairs associate. Here is the listing. We encourage all qualified
applicants to consider applying.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Government Affairs
Associate
Job Description
The Government Affairs Associate, under supervision of the Director
of Government Affairs, the Government Affairs Associate researches
and analyzes HIV related policy and legislative issues to inform
federal advocacy efforts. The GA Associate Provides logistical
and technical support to the Government Affairs team, helps to
write and carry out campaigns for signature letters, drafts and
activates the AIDS Action “Action Alerts” targeting broad membership,
prepares advocacy talking points, presents legislative strategy
and updates. The GA Associate conducts research on specific issues
impacting individuals living with HIV/AIDS, the organizations
that serve them and the communities in which they live. She or
he participates in the development of policy fact sheets, background
memos, The Weekly Update (an online member newsletter), action
alerts and other public policy documents. The GA Associate will
report to the Director of Government Affairs and will work closely
with the Political Director.
Job Duties
- Researches and collects data to inform federal
HIV/AIDS policy
- Identifies data sources and resources
- Monitors and evaluates HIV-related legislation
and regulations impacting HIV care, treatment, and prevention
- Prepares advocacy materials and talking
points for Congress and Administration visits.
- Organizes lobbying and advocacy days for
organization members and schedules meetings with staff members
of elected officials
- Manages online “legislative action center”
to provide constituents with up-to-date advocacy information
- Develops and disseminates Action Alerts,
State Fact Sheets, Legislative Updates, sign on letters and
articles for The Weekly Update
- Maintains appropriations and budget chart
information
- Prepares briefing materials for Executive
Board and Public Policy Committee meetings
- Assists in the research and preparation
of HIV/AIDS related publications
- Proofreads materials for public dissemination
- Coordinates Hill briefings on HIV and other
related health systems issues
- Represents AIDS Action at conferences, meetings
and workshops
- Attends congressional briefings, congressional
hearings and other policy related meetings
- Other duties as assigned
Required Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent written and oral communication
skills
- Basic knowledge of research concepts and
principles
- Strong organizational and work management
skills including ability to work independently, handle multiple
projects simultaneously, work under pressure and handle tight
deadlines
- Minimum of three years of work experience;
Experience in lobbying, advocacy or Capitol Hill experience
a plus
- Bachelors degree in a relevant profession;
Masters degree a plus
- Knowledge of HIV and its impact on communities
throughout the nation
- HIV, viral hepatitis or related health job
experience a plus
- Ability to work with diverse populations
and as a member of a government relations team
- Proficiency in Microsoft applications and
strong computer skills, including Excel; Ability to learn legislative
action center management software (Capwiz) required
- Interest in working with a national HIV/AIDS
public health organization
- Interested in working within a diverse work
environment
- Strong cultural competence
- Willing to travel as needed
- AIDS Action is an equal opportunity employer
and encourages all qualified applicants to apply
Salary Range:
- $35,000-43,000 depending on experience
Closing Date:
- May 8, 2006 (close of business)
Send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements
to:
Donna Crews
Director of Government Affairs
Email: dcrews@aidsaction.org
NO CALLS PLEASE
The AIDS Action Weekly Update
The Weekly Update is written with
a mind toward the interests of our members. If you are interested
in membership with AIDS Action, we invite you to contact members@aidsaction.org.
AIDS Action works
to end the HIV epidemic by advancing public policies that
prevent new infections, provide care for people living with
HIV, and support the search for a cure. AIDS Action serves
as the national voice for people living with HIV and represents
AIDS service organizations, health departments, and a diverse
network of community-based organizations across the country. |
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