Given that an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) vaccine is more likely to mitigate than avert human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, prevention efforts are focused on the development of a microbicide to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV. In this context, a microbicide might take the form of a cream or gel applied topically prior to sexual intercourse to lower the risk of HIV transmission. The most recent advances in the development of an anti-HIV microbicide were discussed at the International Microbicides 2002 Conference, held in Antwerp, Belgium, from May 12-15, 2002. Highlights from the conference, including basic scientific, clinical, and social, political and economic aspects of microbicide development, are presented here.