Advocates Archive - R
[please choose the first initial of the Advocate's last name]
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Robert Reinhard
San Francisco, USA
Though he looks forward most to the day when cost-effective preventive and therapeutic HIV vaccines or boosters are found that decrease our dependence on daily biomedical interventions, Robert Reinhard believes that in the meantime rectal microbicides have the potential to help many men and women around the world as a personal prevention choice. Each of these people, he says, “deserves it soon as an individual, not just as a part of a global multitude.”
He also recognizes the value of rectal microbicide research in increasing our knowledge of the mucosal-based immunology that will be needed for vaccine research as well. While many uncertainties remain in the research and development of microbicides, Robert believes that “rectal microbicides could add nicely to the arsenal against HIV infection if research uncertainties are overcome.”
Professionally, he is also interested in bioethics for clinical trials and intellectual property issues that accelerate research, immunology, and commitments to delivery of proven interventions and treatments. Robert loves theater and good music, as well as great talent and creativity which are “found in many places – public stages and private kindness among good folks.”
[posted March 2008]
Jo Robinson
London, United Kingdom
IRMA Steering Committee Member
Born and raised in London, Jo Robinson has worked in the field of community advocacy in HIV
prevention and treatment for over six years. She is currently a Health Trainer at Terrence Higgins
Trust - Europe’s largest HIV charity. Her work involves one-to-one support for people with HIV and group skills sessions around HIV health, treatment and well-being.
Several years ago as a member of the UK Campaign for Microbicides, Jo joined discussions regarding rectal microbicides led by the International Rectal Microbicide Working Group (now IRMA). Since then the issue of rectal microbicides plays a significant role in her advocacy work at the national level with key players and organizations.
She believes “we can never have too many options when it comes to HIV prevention”. That’s why she uses every opportunity to raise awareness about rectal microbicides while speaking at conferences, running workshops, and engaging in advocacy efforts with regulatory authorities, scientists, and researchers.
Jo finds the inspiration for her work while travelling to new places and meeting new people. In her free time she practices Buddhism and spends time meditating, teaching meditation, or going on retreats if the time permits. Depending on her mood she may be running in her local park, hanging out with her friends or writing a poem.
[Posted April 2009]
Sylvie Rouby
Paris, France
Becoming a member of The Warning, a French organization for gay men’s health was a real opportunity for Sylvie Rouby to think more deeply about HIV prevention and also sparked her interest in new prevention tools such as vaginal and rectal microbicides. For multiple reasons gay men around the world do not use condoms and often engage in unprotected sex. “It’s time for effective and sexy prevention tools that allow gay men and all of us to considerably reduce the risk of infection for HIV and STIs.”
As a woman, she does not forget about the number of females who are unable to protect themselves and susceptible to contracting HIV from a partner or husband. With the amount of women having anal sex it is important that not only vaginal but also rectal microbicides are available. Sylvie considers the IRMA project very important to the future of men and women and sees its strong coalition of researchers, advocates, and policymakers as the most effective way to accelerate the research for rectal microbicides. Her busy lifestyle is relieved by rollerblading throughout town, seeing movies with her two teenage children, and listening to jazz music.
[posted February 2008]
