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The Global Campaign has created a new Product Watch that concisely answers questions about the candidate microbicides in the research pipeline. This new resource complements the Alliance for Microbicide Development's extensive database, with updates on all candidate microbicides in clinical trials appearing in the Alliance Weekly News Digest on the first week of every month. Access the most recent Global Campaign product watch online: www.global-campaign.org

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A new comprehensive training course on the PMTCT in resource-constrained settings is now available on the "Women, Children, and HIV" Web site: http://womenchildrenhiv.org

The curriculum was created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Centre at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and Johns Hopkins University.

It includes the following elements:

• A Trainer Manual that outlines the entire curriculum, describes the trainer's role in course planning and offers directions for conducting each session
• PowerPoint slides that can be adapted and used in training sessions
• A Training Programme Guide targeted to those developing a National PMTCT Training Plan
• A Pocket Guide providing clear, concise information for healthcare workers to support the delivery of services
• Wall Charts summarizing key PMTCT points for posting in health facilities

The entire curriculum can be accessed at:
http://womenchildrenhiv.org/ or at http://womenchildrenhiv.org.za/ in Southern Africa.

South Africa's Reproductive Health Research Unit will be holding the 11th Reproductive Health Priorities Conference, from 5 to 8 October 2004, at Sun City, North West Province, South Africa.

Over the years, the conference has brought together a range of stakeholders, including academics, researchers, service providers and policy makers to present, discuss and debate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS priorities in South Africa and the region.

Priority issues in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS will be covered in sessions on:

• STI prevention and management
• Microbicides
• Gender
• Emergency contraception and other contraceptive issues
• Maternal mortality
• Traditional practices

The conference will create the opportunity to present original work from a range of research disciplines including biomedical, health systems research, social science and behavioural research, and issues related to rights and ethics. Results and updates on innovative SRH programmes will also be presented.

Keynote speakers will present on priority issues in each session. Experts from South Africa and the African region, and participants from international agencies, institutions and organisations have been invited. There will also be a wide selection of posters displayed with other exhibitions.

For an update visit the RHRU website: www.rhru.co.za