NEW DELHI: It’s a potent cocktail of rivalries involving pharma companies and NGOs. It has now emerged that Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the US-based NGO that accused Cipla of over pricing anti-AIDS drug, Viraday, in India is part funded by American anti-AIDS drug maker Gilead and the NGO’s treasurer is a senior Gilead executive.
This is largely the reason why foreign and Indian NGOs such as Medicine Sans Frontier (MSF), Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+), Indian Network of Positive People (INP+), Sahara and others refused to be part of AHF’s anti-Cipla campaign.
Cipla had refused Gilead’s offer to sell the latter’s anti-AIDS drug Viread under a licensing agreement. Cipla is also the only Indian company opposing Gilead’s patent application for its blockbuster anti-HIV drug Viread in India. The hearing for the patent case of Viread is due in October.
read more
Friday, August 31, 2007
NEWS WATCH: Prince Calls UK's Diana Worlds' "Best Mother" On 10th Anniversary Of Her Death
LONDON, UK (BosNewsLife)-- Britain's Prince Harry described princess Diana as "the best mother in the world" Friday, August 31, during an emotionally charged memorial service address marking the 10th anniversary of her death.
In April 1987, Diana was one of the first high-profile celebrities to be photographed touching a person infected with the AIDS virus, HIV, a move seen as helping to change perceptions about the disease.
“In 1987, when so many still believed that AIDS could be contracted through casual contact, Princess Diana sat on the sickbed of a man with AIDS and held his hand," said former US President Bill Clinton in 2001 at the 'Diana, Princess of Wales Lecture on AIDS.' "She showed the world that people with AIDS deserve no isolation, but compassion and kindness. It helped change world's opinion, and gave hope to people with AIDS," Clinton said at the time.
Prince Harry said that, "behind the media glare, to us - just two loving children - she was quite simply the best mother in the world."
read more
Nagaland plans all-faith talks
Kohima, Aug. 31: Determined to eradicate AIDS from Nagaland, Naga Church leaders and NGOs are holding talks on a roadmap for an integrated approach to proper care of HIV/AIDS-affected people.
Churches will also hold inter-faith dialogue to carry out a follow-up programme. The prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland is 1.63 per cent.
The Development Association of Nagaland of the Catholic Church and the Nagaland Development Organisation of the Baptist Church have decided to initiate dialogue with members of other faiths. According to them, AIDS claims more lives than any other disease in the world and a concerted effort is needed to save the people of Nagaland from the incurable disease. read more
Churches will also hold inter-faith dialogue to carry out a follow-up programme. The prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland is 1.63 per cent.
The Development Association of Nagaland of the Catholic Church and the Nagaland Development Organisation of the Baptist Church have decided to initiate dialogue with members of other faiths. According to them, AIDS claims more lives than any other disease in the world and a concerted effort is needed to save the people of Nagaland from the incurable disease. read more
GLOBAL: Encouraging news in vaccine development
OHANNESBURG, 31 August 2007 (PlusNews) - The long road to developing an effective HIV vaccine has been fraught with false leads and disappointing outcomes, but promising preliminary results from a vaccine study conducted in South Africa and the United States suggest scientists may finally be on the right path.
The phase II study was designed to test for evidence that the vaccine could trigger an immune response - the body's natural defence against infection - and also that it would be safe.
The results are sufficiently positive to support future trials investigating whether the vaccine can actually lower the likelihood of contracting HIV or, at the very least, slow the progression of HIV infection to AIDS. read more
FDA Cites Benefits of Merck HIV Drug
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new HIV-fighting drug from Merck & Co. appears superior to options for patients who have stopped responding to available drugs, federal regulators said Friday.
The Food and Drug Administration said Merck's studies of Isentress show the drug is safe and effective to treat HIV patients who have developed a resistance to other medica .
The agency posted its review of the drug to the FDA Web site ahead of a Wednesday meeting, where outside experts are scheduled to vote on the drug's safety and effectiveness. FDA is not required to follow the experts' recommendations, though it usually does.
The agency granted the drug priority review status earlier this year, meaning staffers would finish the review in six months, four months earlier than usual. A decision is expected mid-October.
If approved, Isentress would be the first in a new class of HIV treatments called integrase inhibitors that block the virus from infecting cells and reproducing.
Government scientists said Isentress has a favorable safety profile, with rash and elevated levels of creatine in the blood reported as the most common side effects.
read more
The Food and Drug Administration said Merck's studies of Isentress show the drug is safe and effective to treat HIV patients who have developed a resistance to other medica .
The agency posted its review of the drug to the FDA Web site ahead of a Wednesday meeting, where outside experts are scheduled to vote on the drug's safety and effectiveness. FDA is not required to follow the experts' recommendations, though it usually does.
The agency granted the drug priority review status earlier this year, meaning staffers would finish the review in six months, four months earlier than usual. A decision is expected mid-October.
If approved, Isentress would be the first in a new class of HIV treatments called integrase inhibitors that block the virus from infecting cells and reproducing.
Government scientists said Isentress has a favorable safety profile, with rash and elevated levels of creatine in the blood reported as the most common side effects.
read more
Harborview to Offer HIV Clinic in Bremerton
Haborview Medical Center, the Kitsap County Health District and the state Department of Health have announced the opening of a satellite HIV clinic in Bremerton, effective Friday, Sept. 7.
The clinic, a partnership between the three entities, will address the health care needs of HIV infected persons who reside in Kitsap and neighboring counties where access to HIV providers is limited. Currently, almost 300 persons and reported diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Kitsap County, according to the Kitsap County Health District, with close to 1,500 more in neighboring Pierce County. read more
The clinic, a partnership between the three entities, will address the health care needs of HIV infected persons who reside in Kitsap and neighboring counties where access to HIV providers is limited. Currently, almost 300 persons and reported diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Kitsap County, according to the Kitsap County Health District, with close to 1,500 more in neighboring Pierce County. read more
Medical body probes initiates’ views on HIV
A NEWLY released pilot study looking at initiates and initiation ceremonies in the Eastern Cape has probed young Xhosa men’s attitudes towards sex and HIV/Aids.
The report, released this week by the Medical Research Council, was carried out last December in an
effort to understand the initiation and circumcision rite and to find ways to develop a tool to introduce HIV education.
Professor Priscilla Reddy, head of the MRC’s HIV lead programmes, said 114 initiates were included in this pilot study which covered the rural areas of Butterworth, Mount Ayliff and Ntabankulu. She said the pilot study had paved the way for a bigger study to cover most of the Eastern Cape later this year.read more
The report, released this week by the Medical Research Council, was carried out last December in an
effort to understand the initiation and circumcision rite and to find ways to develop a tool to introduce HIV education.
Professor Priscilla Reddy, head of the MRC’s HIV lead programmes, said 114 initiates were included in this pilot study which covered the rural areas of Butterworth, Mount Ayliff and Ntabankulu. She said the pilot study had paved the way for a bigger study to cover most of the Eastern Cape later this year.read more
Gay sex leading contributor to AIDS in Hong Kong
Experts claim that male to male sexual encounters are a leading contributor to the number of people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS,by Chris Pycroft - Associate Producer AU on 2007-08-31.
Homosexuals are again being warned about their sexual habits, after Hong Kong has reported its highest number of people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in a quarter on record.
111 people were diagnosed with the disease in the April – June quarter, with another cluster of eight Chinese men being diagnosed with HIV-1 Subtype B, and existing groups of people with HIV expanding.
Currently, close to 60 percent of people diagnosed with HIV in Hong Kong contract the disease from male to male sexual encounters. read more
Xi'an appoints three hospitals to provide delivery services for pregnant HIV-positive women
Shanghai. August 31. INTERFAX-CHINA - The government of Xi'an, the capital of northwestern China's Shaanxi Province, has designated three medical institutions to offer birth delivery services to HIV-positive women, the Xi'an Municipal Department of Heath announced today. read more
Director of Waverley Care, which runs Milestone House, says Diana helped take away the stigma of HIV.
Diana visited Milestone House, Britain's first purpose-built hospice for people suffering from Aids and HIV, in October 1991. The Princess laughed and joked as she drank tea with three Aids patients in the hospice conservatory.
She later visited family groups in their private rooms and emerged holding the hand of one woman resident.
"Diana formally opened Milestone House and more than anyone else helped break down the stigma surrounding HIV. She was prepared to be seen hugging and shaking hands with people with HIV in the early 1990s when there was still a lot of hysteria around the topic.
"It made a lot of impact on how people saw HIV. People thought that if it was OK for a princess to do that, then it must be OK.
"People in our HIV sector would want to remember her because she made an important contribution to the field of Aids awareness." read more
Activity of an aberrant enzyme
Israeli scientists have developed a simple activity assay for an enzyme linked to the HIV virus life cycle.
Protein kinase enzymes regulate many cellular pathways, including metabolism and cell movement. While the enzymes are essential for normal cellular function, abnormal protein kinase activity has been implicated in a number of diseases. So assays for protein kinase activity and kinase inhibitor screening have great potential use in medical science laboratories.
Now, Itamar Willner and co-workers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed an activity assay for the protein kinase casein kinase II (CK2), a target of some HIV-1 transcription inhibitors.read more
Indian officials on edge over Burma's HIV/AIDS information black-hole
August 31, 2007 - The Burmese military junta's secrecy over HIV/AIDS infection in the country has Indian officials tearing their hair. With the junta's administration concealing facts on the disease programmes to control the spread of the endemic is being seriously jeopardized.
The District Chairman and other senior officials based in Tamu, a western Burma border township have flatly denied the existence of drug users and sex workers on their soil when Indian officials sought cooperation to fight cross-border HIV/AIDS.
read more
The District Chairman and other senior officials based in Tamu, a western Burma border township have flatly denied the existence of drug users and sex workers on their soil when Indian officials sought cooperation to fight cross-border HIV/AIDS.
read more
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Hospitalization rates down for young kids with HIV
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The introduction and widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the United States has led to "dramatic decreases" in hospitalizations among HIV-infected infants and children younger than 5 years old, new evidence suggests.
However, the decrease in hospital use has been less noteworthy among HIV-infected adolescent.
read more
HIV-positive toddler joins protest for being banned from RV park
A 2-year-old boy will join more than 100 AIDS activists convening to the Alabama RV park where he was turned away from using the shared pool and showers because he is HIV-positive. read more
AIDS Activists Rally in S.Africa
CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Hundreds of AIDS activists packed the city's cathedral Wednesday to show support for the dismissed deputy health minister they believe was targeted for speaking out about the AIDS crisis and other problems in the nation's health service.
Madlala-Routledge's firing "is a shame for South Africa. It's a shame for our beloved country," said Mpumi Mantangana, a nurse who oversees the treatment of about 2,000 AIDS patients in a poor Cape Town suburb.
"We will never allow ourselves to be silenced by people who are denialists," she said, using a term for people who question the link between HIV and AIDS and play down the extent of the crisis.read more
Madlala-Routledge's firing "is a shame for South Africa. It's a shame for our beloved country," said Mpumi Mantangana, a nurse who oversees the treatment of about 2,000 AIDS patients in a poor Cape Town suburb.
"We will never allow ourselves to be silenced by people who are denialists," she said, using a term for people who question the link between HIV and AIDS and play down the extent of the crisis.read more
Woman gets divorce from HIV-infected husband
FUJAIRAH — Upholding the verdict of the lower court, the Shariah Court of Appeal in Fujairah has granted divorce to a woman on the grounds that her husband is an Aids patient.
The court felt that the life of the woman would be in danger if she continued to live with her Aids-affected husband.
read more
The court felt that the life of the woman would be in danger if she continued to live with her Aids-affected husband.
read more
Arrest Yields Meth Bust, HIV-Spreading Charges
The arrest of an Arizona man wanted for allegedly failing to register as a sex offender led Montgomery County detectives to what officials describe as one of the larger and more sophisticated methamphetamine labs ever found in the county.
The suspect, Robert W. Lindsay, was also charged with trying to infect a Montgomery detective with HIV because he bit the investigator during a long and bloody tussle, police said.read more
HIV worker's ashes scattered on Mt Vic
The ashes of a high profile Wellington HIV outreach and support volunteer have been scattered on Mt Victoria after he died of an AIDS-related illness.
Warren Shore, 51, was a long-time volunteer at the Awhina Centre where he prepared safe sex condom packs distributed around the Wellington region and further afield and made up the thousands of red ribbons needed for the Centre's annual street collections. "
According to Shore, he wishes he was cremated and his ashes brought to the Awhina Centre. A celebration of his life was held was then held at Our Bar, one of his favourite haunts. Awhina staff then scattered the ashes around a kauri tree planted in Plimmer Park on Mt Victoria in 2006 in memory of those lost through AIDS.
read more
Warren Shore, 51, was a long-time volunteer at the Awhina Centre where he prepared safe sex condom packs distributed around the Wellington region and further afield and made up the thousands of red ribbons needed for the Centre's annual street collections. "
According to Shore, he wishes he was cremated and his ashes brought to the Awhina Centre. A celebration of his life was held was then held at Our Bar, one of his favourite haunts. Awhina staff then scattered the ashes around a kauri tree planted in Plimmer Park on Mt Victoria in 2006 in memory of those lost through AIDS.
read more
Panel discusses changing faces of AIDS
The woman, in the prime of her being, was forced to have sex with the man in order to retrieve water for her children, recalled Geeta Rao Gupta at the "The New Face of AIDS" discussion held in Edgartown last week.
The man, Gupta said, wanted to claim what he believed was a right and capitalize on the vulnerability of the desperate woman. Though the two parties did not have HIV, the male-dominance dynamic, played out in countries across the globe, is one factor resulting in the spread of AIDS.
"Economic and social dependency on men is a major driver of the epidemic," Gupta said in a phone interview four days after speaking on the panel that addressed the socio-economic effects of AIDS.read more
Uganda: Utl Reaches Out to Children Living With HIV/Aids
Uganda telecom (utl) recently embarked on a mission to help children in northern Uganda who are living with HIV/Aids. Over 150,000 children are living with HIV/Aids, about 20,000 of whom were infected through mother-to-child transmission,
As part of its corporate social responsibility, utl's Annual Leadership Series took a charity stance.
The organisation, which also operates in Amuria district, hopes to expand to other places to make sure HIV-positive children are not isolated.
This is the second time utl has extended a helping hand to Health Alert, after it built a dormitory for Sunrise Home in Fort Portal.read more
As part of its corporate social responsibility, utl's Annual Leadership Series took a charity stance.
The organisation, which also operates in Amuria district, hopes to expand to other places to make sure HIV-positive children are not isolated.
This is the second time utl has extended a helping hand to Health Alert, after it built a dormitory for Sunrise Home in Fort Portal.read more
Why still exist a lot discrimination to H??
HIV/AIDS is a subject that seems to receive scant attention these days. When it does, it's usually because of some scandal. An RV park in Alabama, for example, recently refused to allow an HIV-infected 2-year-old to swim in its pool. The incident prompted a protest from AIDS activists, but it otherwise went unnoticed by most Americans.
Even worse, read a few recent speeches by presidential aspirants, Democratic or Republican, and note how infrequently the phrase HIV/AIDS appears. One of its few mentions came during a debate in June when Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) drew a standing ovation for declaring, "If HIV/AIDS were the leading cause of death of white women between the ages of 25 and 34, there would be an outraged outcry in this country." Still, nothing concrete from any candidate was offered on how to stop its spread.
Even an upcoming novel by President George W. Bush's daughter Jenna, about a Panamanian mother born with HIV, has generated little buzz.
Although our government and our compatriots' attention have pay more,our nation, as a fact, is still existing discrimination for H.The purpose to quote this section is just to attract more attention for H not only the US but the whole world. read more
Even worse, read a few recent speeches by presidential aspirants, Democratic or Republican, and note how infrequently the phrase HIV/AIDS appears. One of its few mentions came during a debate in June when Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) drew a standing ovation for declaring, "If HIV/AIDS were the leading cause of death of white women between the ages of 25 and 34, there would be an outraged outcry in this country." Still, nothing concrete from any candidate was offered on how to stop its spread.
Even an upcoming novel by President George W. Bush's daughter Jenna, about a Panamanian mother born with HIV, has generated little buzz.
Although our government and our compatriots' attention have pay more,our nation, as a fact, is still existing discrimination for H.The purpose to quote this section is just to attract more attention for H not only the US but the whole world. read more
Op-ed: Forgetting living with AIDS for week at camp
'A little bit louder!" screams the counselor. And the campers happily oblige and clap their hands, shake their hips and howl in unison: "I want a boom chick-a-boom!"
This is a familiar scene in summer camps across America. But at Birch Camp, nestled in the hills of upstate Carmel, these kids are either living with HIV or have family members infected with the virus.read more
This is a familiar scene in summer camps across America. But at Birch Camp, nestled in the hills of upstate Carmel, these kids are either living with HIV or have family members infected with the virus.read more
Number of HIV cases in HK rise to 3,400
Sexual contact among men was still the predominant way HIV-Aids was continuing to spread in Hong Kong, an expert on the disease said on Thursday....read more
Uganda: Kaberamaido Locals Struggle for HIV Tests
HEALTH workers in Kaberamaido district were on Friday overwhelmed by the high turn up of people wanting to take voluntary HIV/Aids tests.
Hundreds of residents in long queues struggled to be tested during the exercise carried out by the Population Services International (PSI) Uganda at the launch of the Basic Care Packages and Living Positively Everyday for Life campaign at Kaberamaido Township Primary School.
PSI has distributed over 112,000 basic care kits and trained about 1,500 health service providers and peer educators on HIV basic care.read more
Hundreds of residents in long queues struggled to be tested during the exercise carried out by the Population Services International (PSI) Uganda at the launch of the Basic Care Packages and Living Positively Everyday for Life campaign at Kaberamaido Township Primary School.
PSI has distributed over 112,000 basic care kits and trained about 1,500 health service providers and peer educators on HIV basic care.read more
Patient Rights Body Seeks Immediate Probe into Bogus HIV-kits Scam in Bengal
voluntary medical organisation fighting for patients' rights in India has filed a public suit against West Bengal Health Minister Surja Kanta Mishra and senior state health officials seeking immediate probe into a bogus HIV-kits scam in the state.
PBT, spearheaded by India-born AIDS researcher in the US Kunal Saha, is a medical society dedicated to protect patients' rights in India.
Saha, a researcher based in Columbus, Ohio, was appointed by the World Bank to investigate allegations of sub-standard HIV testing kits being distributed in India.read more
PBT, spearheaded by India-born AIDS researcher in the US Kunal Saha, is a medical society dedicated to protect patients' rights in India.
Saha, a researcher based in Columbus, Ohio, was appointed by the World Bank to investigate allegations of sub-standard HIV testing kits being distributed in India.read more
Possible HIV epidemic in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 29 (UPI) — A U.S. researcher working in Kabul, Afghanistan, warns increasing injection drug use and accompanying high-risk behaviors could lead to an HIV epidemic.
Our findings suggest that interventions to reduce high-risk behaviors among injection drug users are urgently needed in Afghanistan, says Dr. Catherine S. Todd, of the University of California, San Diego. The window of opportunity is rapidly closing to avert an HIV epidemic among Afghan injection drug users.
The prevalence of infection with HIV was calculated at about 3 percent, while 38 percent of the respondents tested positive for Hepatitis C infection. The high prevalence of hepatitis C may potentially foreshadow an HIV epidemic because the infections share common risk factors.read more
Our findings suggest that interventions to reduce high-risk behaviors among injection drug users are urgently needed in Afghanistan, says Dr. Catherine S. Todd, of the University of California, San Diego. The window of opportunity is rapidly closing to avert an HIV epidemic among Afghan injection drug users.
The prevalence of infection with HIV was calculated at about 3 percent, while 38 percent of the respondents tested positive for Hepatitis C infection. The high prevalence of hepatitis C may potentially foreshadow an HIV epidemic because the infections share common risk factors.read more
Gaijatra carries anti-AIDS message
KATHMANDU, Aug 29: Gaijatra, a festival celebrated among the Newar community of the valley in the memory of their deceased family members not only carries historical significance but has also become a tourist attraction.
Gaijatra dates back to the times of the Malla dynasty, Pratap Malla came up with this ingenious idea to bring his queen out of depression and ever since this festival is being celebrated every year.
It's believed that if you do not participate in the festivities and the procession the souls of those who have passed away will not rest in peace.
Apart from the families of the dead various organisations like Cruise AIDS Nepal and Sarathi Nepal were also part of the processions.
"We are here to pay our final respect to people who died of HIV/AIDS, and to raise HIV/AIDS awareness," said Mani Khadka, Cruise Nepal programme coordinator.
Besides giving continuity to Nepalese culture, the festival is also being used as a means to raise awareness on different social issues. read more
Gaijatra dates back to the times of the Malla dynasty, Pratap Malla came up with this ingenious idea to bring his queen out of depression and ever since this festival is being celebrated every year.
It's believed that if you do not participate in the festivities and the procession the souls of those who have passed away will not rest in peace.
Apart from the families of the dead various organisations like Cruise AIDS Nepal and Sarathi Nepal were also part of the processions.
"We are here to pay our final respect to people who died of HIV/AIDS, and to raise HIV/AIDS awareness," said Mani Khadka, Cruise Nepal programme coordinator.
Besides giving continuity to Nepalese culture, the festival is also being used as a means to raise awareness on different social issues. read more
Patients possibly infected with HIV
OSS/VEGHEL – 500 patients of the Bernhoven hospitals in Oss and Veghel have possibly been infected with the HIV virus, hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
Because of a technical error in four new disinfection machines at the hospital, tubes used for stomach, lung and intestinal examinations may not have been properly cleaned. The Brabants Dagblad announced this on Thursday.
The hospital stresses that the error is in the machines and that the hospital is not to blame. Bernhoven is holding supplier Sanamij from Rotterdam liable.
read more
Because of a technical error in four new disinfection machines at the hospital, tubes used for stomach, lung and intestinal examinations may not have been properly cleaned. The Brabants Dagblad announced this on Thursday.
The hospital stresses that the error is in the machines and that the hospital is not to blame. Bernhoven is holding supplier Sanamij from Rotterdam liable.
read more
HIV tests for top brass
JOHANNESBURG – Top management of Unisa will lead the way in a major HIV-status campaign on campus.
The campaign is part of a national initiative by the Higher Education Aids programme to promote voluntary counselling and testing in the higher education sector.
The campaign comes in the wake of statistics showing “a small, but encouraging” drop in HIV prevalence among teenagers (down from 16,1% in 2004 to 13,7% in 2006) and young adults aged 20 to 24 (down to 28% from 31%).read more
Pre-marital HIV tests to be mandatory in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Saudi couples who wish to get married will have to undergo compulsory premarital HIV and hepatitis tests beforehand, the Saudi daily Arab News reported Thursday, citing Deputy Minister for Preventive Medicine Dr. Khaled Al-Zahrani. "Premarital tests currently performed include genetic blood disorders and diseases," Al-Zahrani told the paper, adding that the 2003 royal decree imposing premarital mentioned that "other contagious diseases would be included in the future."
In case one partner tests positive for HIV positive, and the couple insists on getting married, then "the case would be examined in conjunction with the Justice Ministry."read more
In case one partner tests positive for HIV positive, and the couple insists on getting married, then "the case would be examined in conjunction with the Justice Ministry."read more
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
High-risk behaviors could lead to HIV epidemic in Afghanistan
In a report that is among the first to describe the prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B and C viruses in Afghanistan, a researcher from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine voiced concerns that increasing injection drug use and accompanying high-risk behavior could lead to an HIV epidemic in Afghanistan. read more
UNICEF and Family Health International: Together on HIV and AIDS
Who:
Alan Court, Director of Programme Division, UNICEF
Dr. Albert Siemens, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, FHI.
What:
Ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Understanding
When:
Tuesday, 4 September 2007 at 12:00 Noon
Where:
UNICEF House, Danny Kaye Visitors Centre
Three UN Plaza (44th Street between First and Second Avenues)
Why:
UNICEF and Family Health International have agreed to join forces to reach out to more women and children with quality HIV/AIDS programmes within the framework of the global campaign “Unite for children, Unite against AIDS” and the global goal of universal access to services.
read more
Alan Court, Director of Programme Division, UNICEF
Dr. Albert Siemens, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, FHI.
What:
Ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Understanding
When:
Tuesday, 4 September 2007 at 12:00 Noon
Where:
UNICEF House, Danny Kaye Visitors Centre
Three UN Plaza (44th Street between First and Second Avenues)
Why:
UNICEF and Family Health International have agreed to join forces to reach out to more women and children with quality HIV/AIDS programmes within the framework of the global campaign “Unite for children, Unite against AIDS” and the global goal of universal access to services.
read more
HIV self-tests ineffective in high-risk individuals
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In a study conducted at two major HIV centers in Singapore, rapid HIV self-tests were used improperly, or the results were interpreted incorrectly, by individuals at risk for HIV infection or those who were already infected.
The major problem was collecting an adequate blood sample, Dr. Vernon J. Lee of Tan Took Seng Hospital in Singapore and co-investigators report in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. In addition, a significant number of study subjects were unable to interpret results or interpreted them incorrectly.
Lee's team tested the Abbott Determine HIV 1/2 test in 350 subjects, 88 of whom were known to be HIV-positive. Before testing, 90 percent said the test steps were easy to understand and the instructions were easy to read and follow.read more
Uganda: U.S. Aids Fund Targets Circumcised Males
THOUSANDS of Ugandan men could benefit from circumcision as a means to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids, thanks to a US fund to fight the pandemic in Africa.
President George Bush set up the fund a few years ago.
The Washington Post, a US daily reported last week that the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) - a $15 billion anti-Aids effort - would begin investing significantly in making circumcision available to African men seeking to protect themselves from HIV infectionread more
President George Bush set up the fund a few years ago.
The Washington Post, a US daily reported last week that the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) - a $15 billion anti-Aids effort - would begin investing significantly in making circumcision available to African men seeking to protect themselves from HIV infectionread more
New HIV test
More than 20 drugs are currently available for treating HIV. Because HIV genes mutate so easily and the virus reproduces so rapidly, most people who are infected have many different forms of the virus in their bodies.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a highly sensitive test for identifying which drug-resistant strains of HIV are harbored in a patient's bloodstream. The test may provide physicians with a tool to guide patient treatment by predicting if a patient is likely to become resistant to a particular HIV drug, said one of its developers, Dr. Feng Gao. Drug resistance is one of the most common reasons why therapy for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, fails. read more
13 Rape Victims Now HIV Positive ?Obi
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, yesterday said13 of the secondary school girls raped by miscreants are now HIV positive.
The governor ordered for theprovision of science laboratoriesas well as ten computers in allthe secondary schools.Obi said the rehabilitation of aclassroom blocks in each of the100 secondary schools wouldbe in partnership with the hostcommunities and stakeholders.read more
The governor ordered for theprovision of science laboratoriesas well as ten computers in allthe secondary schools.Obi said the rehabilitation of aclassroom blocks in each of the100 secondary schools wouldbe in partnership with the hostcommunities and stakeholders.read more
Frightening AIDS statistics revealed
Papua New Guinea now faces a devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic and it is estimated that by the year 2010, 70% of all hospital beds nationwide will be occupied by HIV/AIDS patients.
Dr Pantumari warned that HIV/AIDS would soon take a terrible toll on the people and the economy if effective action was not taken to prevent the virus from spreading.
Dr Pantumari said the PNG Government had itself estimated that if the epidemic was left to run at the present rate of increase, 70% of the hospital beds or more could be occupied by AIDS patients in the next three years.read more
Dr Pantumari warned that HIV/AIDS would soon take a terrible toll on the people and the economy if effective action was not taken to prevent the virus from spreading.
Dr Pantumari said the PNG Government had itself estimated that if the epidemic was left to run at the present rate of increase, 70% of the hospital beds or more could be occupied by AIDS patients in the next three years.read more
UN AIDS site target of new 'vulnerability scan' attack
Hackers compromise a United Nations’ Asia Pacific AIDS information site using an emerging malicious technique which scans for multiple vulnerabilities.
Researchers at Websense have warned that the ‘Youandaids HIV/AIDS portal for Asia Pacific’ - a division of the UN AIDS initiative became the target of new hacker technique yesterday.read more
Double M Band to debut 'Time To Care' at AIDS Walk
ST. PETERSBURG - Tampa Bay’s own Double M Band will debut a new track from its forthcoming CD at AIDS Walk St. Petersburg on Saturday, Sept. 8.
In its tenth year, Double M Band features lead vocalist Mario Jooste, lead keyboardist Michael Monrad and guitarist Josh Rasmussen. Double M Band will be featured live onstage to kick off AIDS Walk this year, including a performance of “Time to Care,” a song written especially for the event.
read more
In its tenth year, Double M Band features lead vocalist Mario Jooste, lead keyboardist Michael Monrad and guitarist Josh Rasmussen. Double M Band will be featured live onstage to kick off AIDS Walk this year, including a performance of “Time to Care,” a song written especially for the event.
read more
Schools chief endorses AIDS curriculum
FORT PIERCE — St. Lucie County Schools Superintendent Michael Lannon recommended Tuesday that the school board adopt a proposed sex education curriculum that puts a greater focus on AIDS and begin using it this school year.
His proposal would call for the school board to vote on the issue in December and, if approved, for the curriculum to be taught in schools by January.
Called Get Real About AIDS, the curriculum would be primarily for high school students, but aspects of it could be used in middle school. Lannon's proposal calls for students to begin learning about diseases such as AIDS in seventh grade. Eighth-graders would be the first to learn about condoms.read more
His proposal would call for the school board to vote on the issue in December and, if approved, for the curriculum to be taught in schools by January.
Called Get Real About AIDS, the curriculum would be primarily for high school students, but aspects of it could be used in middle school. Lannon's proposal calls for students to begin learning about diseases such as AIDS in seventh grade. Eighth-graders would be the first to learn about condoms.read more
Many HIV patients living without access to health care
Barb went two years without treatment for AIDS/HIV because she said she had no insurance and could not afford the drugs.
More than 6,000 people are living with HIV in Wisconsin ?more than at any time in the history of the AIDS epidemic. More than two-thirds live in severe poverty, and 40 percent have no health insurance, said Michael Gifford, chief operating officer for AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin.
“I wouldn’t be able to afford my drugs if I had to pay the $600 a month premium for insurance,” she said.
read more
More than 6,000 people are living with HIV in Wisconsin ?more than at any time in the history of the AIDS epidemic. More than two-thirds live in severe poverty, and 40 percent have no health insurance, said Michael Gifford, chief operating officer for AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin.
“I wouldn’t be able to afford my drugs if I had to pay the $600 a month premium for insurance,” she said.
read more
AIDS Healthcare Foundation Applauds Tourism Council for Naugle Removal
US' Largest HIV/AIDS Healthcare Provider Calls Mayor Naugle's
Characterization of Broward County's HIV/AIDS Epidemic 'Misinformed and
Irresponsible'
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AIDS
Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today applauded the move by Broward County
commissioners to remove Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle from the Tourist
Development Council over his recent homophobic comments related to the
HIV/AIDS epidemic in Broward. Commissioners, upset by the negative impact
the Mayor's comments have had on tourism in the area, ousted the Mayor by
unanimous vote earlier this evening after repeated warnings asking the
Mayor to cease his attacks on the gay community which have included the
unfounded accusation that rampant gay sex in public restrooms has been
fueling Broward County's HIV/AIDS crisis.read more
Characterization of Broward County's HIV/AIDS Epidemic 'Misinformed and
Irresponsible'
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AIDS
Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today applauded the move by Broward County
commissioners to remove Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle from the Tourist
Development Council over his recent homophobic comments related to the
HIV/AIDS epidemic in Broward. Commissioners, upset by the negative impact
the Mayor's comments have had on tourism in the area, ousted the Mayor by
unanimous vote earlier this evening after repeated warnings asking the
Mayor to cease his attacks on the gay community which have included the
unfounded accusation that rampant gay sex in public restrooms has been
fueling Broward County's HIV/AIDS crisis.read more
HIV awareness campaign
HUBLI: There are several social and non government organisations working for the welfare of the HIV-affected. And now, a few HIV positive people have joined together to form a community-based organisation (COB) to work for their welfare.
The organisation conducts house visits, personal and family counselling, treatment and adherence counselling. It also conducts nutrition and positive speakers training. The network refers people living with HIV to the Anti-Retrovial Therapy (ART) centres. Recently, Jeevanmukhi conducted æ…žromote Access to Treatment?campaign in Hubli to promote access for the HIV positive to treatment.
read more
The organisation conducts house visits, personal and family counselling, treatment and adherence counselling. It also conducts nutrition and positive speakers training. The network refers people living with HIV to the Anti-Retrovial Therapy (ART) centres. Recently, Jeevanmukhi conducted æ…žromote Access to Treatment?campaign in Hubli to promote access for the HIV positive to treatment.
read more
WHO unveils strategy to curb AIDS/TB
Brazzaville, Congo - The World Health Organisation (WHO) Tuesday in Brazzaville, Congo, unveiled a strategy to control tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Africa, an official source disclosed here.
The strategy, developed by the WHO Regional Bureau for Africa, highlights key interventions for enhancing the collaboration between tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS control programmes, and for reducing the tuberculosis burden among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
It is based on seven key points, including development of the collaboration mechanism between programmes to control tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, promotion of the prevention, screening and curing these two diseases, greater access of TB patients to HIV/AIDS screening services and integration of control measures in joint interventions between TB and AIDS. read more
The strategy, developed by the WHO Regional Bureau for Africa, highlights key interventions for enhancing the collaboration between tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS control programmes, and for reducing the tuberculosis burden among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
It is based on seven key points, including development of the collaboration mechanism between programmes to control tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, promotion of the prevention, screening and curing these two diseases, greater access of TB patients to HIV/AIDS screening services and integration of control measures in joint interventions between TB and AIDS. read more
HIV AFFECTED CHILDREN
A study was conducted by UNICEF on children affected by HIV in consultation with Government at the state and national level.
The study titled ‘Barriers to services for children of HIV positive parents in six high prevalence states’ focused on the factors that impede the children from acceptance among the community members, limit their access to services like education, health and social welfare. The study also gathered opinion of key services providers in health, education and social welfare departments for solutions to overcome the stigma and discrimination faced by the children. read more
The study titled ‘Barriers to services for children of HIV positive parents in six high prevalence states’ focused on the factors that impede the children from acceptance among the community members, limit their access to services like education, health and social welfare. The study also gathered opinion of key services providers in health, education and social welfare departments for solutions to overcome the stigma and discrimination faced by the children. read more
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
HIV/AIDS Meetings Disrupted, Offices Shuttered, Advocates Targeted
BBSNews August 27, 2007 -- New York (HRW) The Chinese government's ongoing harassment of HIV/AIDS activists and intensified surveillance of AIDS support groups raise serious questions about its commitment to combating the illness, Human Rights Watch said today.
Over the past three weeks police have forced the cancellation of three separate meetings on HIV/AIDS in the city of Guangzhou in Guangdong province and Kaifeng in Henan province. Henan authorities have also ordered the closure of an HIV/AIDS support group's offices and are harassing a leading HIV/AIDS activist there.
"These individuals and groups dedicated to addressing the enormous suffering wrought by China's HIV/AIDS epidemic should not face police threats and harassment," said Joe Amon, Human Rights Watch's HIV/AIDS director. "China's grassroots HIV/AIDS activists need and deserve praise and support, not intimidation tactics by state security forces." read more
Over the past three weeks police have forced the cancellation of three separate meetings on HIV/AIDS in the city of Guangzhou in Guangdong province and Kaifeng in Henan province. Henan authorities have also ordered the closure of an HIV/AIDS support group's offices and are harassing a leading HIV/AIDS activist there.
"These individuals and groups dedicated to addressing the enormous suffering wrought by China's HIV/AIDS epidemic should not face police threats and harassment," said Joe Amon, Human Rights Watch's HIV/AIDS director. "China's grassroots HIV/AIDS activists need and deserve praise and support, not intimidation tactics by state security forces." read more
Kenya: Night HIV Tests Attract 170 People
Some 170 people have been tested for HIV in Malindi in the past three days.
The night voluntary HIV testing is spearheaded by Moonlight Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT).
A Moonlight official said those who turned up were encouraged by the "safety of darkness."
"It was surprising that a lot of men turned up for the tests. Many of them told us the night was a big incentive because few people would see them," said the official who requested anonymity.read more
The night voluntary HIV testing is spearheaded by Moonlight Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT).
A Moonlight official said those who turned up were encouraged by the "safety of darkness."
"It was surprising that a lot of men turned up for the tests. Many of them told us the night was a big incentive because few people would see them," said the official who requested anonymity.read more
5 Ways to Protect the Work Force From HIV
Compared with much of the world, Russia was late to learn about AIDS. In the 1990s, as the disease surged across sub-Saharan Africa, the number of HIV cases in Russia was relatively small.
To guarantee sustainable results, workplace education programs should be comprehensive and must consist of five key actions:
• Conduct a situation analysis and needs assessment that enables a company to create an appropriate, tailor-made program.
• Adopt a public policy that clearly states a company’s position of nondiscrimination toward HIV-positive employees.
• Organize HIV-prevention training programs for employees. Workers tend to respect information that comes from their employer, making it one of the most effective ways to achieve tangible change of behavior.
• Cooperate with local medical institutions to improve the quality of their services and care
• Evaluate and monitor the education and prevention programs.read more
To guarantee sustainable results, workplace education programs should be comprehensive and must consist of five key actions:
• Conduct a situation analysis and needs assessment that enables a company to create an appropriate, tailor-made program.
• Adopt a public policy that clearly states a company’s position of nondiscrimination toward HIV-positive employees.
• Organize HIV-prevention training programs for employees. Workers tend to respect information that comes from their employer, making it one of the most effective ways to achieve tangible change of behavior.
• Cooperate with local medical institutions to improve the quality of their services and care
• Evaluate and monitor the education and prevention programs.read more
Married Women Are Among Most Vulnerable To HIV
In the face of gender inequality, married women are among most vulnerable to HIV
A lively debate at ICAAP last Wednesday 22 August ended in the conclusion that in countries with high levels of gender inequality, such as Papua New Guinea, the ABC approach on its own - Abstinence, Be Faithful and Condoms - is ineffective in reducing HIV infection.
'Contributing factors which undermine abstinence include high levels of sexual violence against women and young girls, incest, and sex under the influence of alcohol and drugs, as well as the demands of daily living costs forcing women into commercial sex and extramarital sex,' said Kritoe Jinn Keleba of the PNG Institute of Medical Research at the session 'Identity in Gender and Sexuality'.
read more
A lively debate at ICAAP last Wednesday 22 August ended in the conclusion that in countries with high levels of gender inequality, such as Papua New Guinea, the ABC approach on its own - Abstinence, Be Faithful and Condoms - is ineffective in reducing HIV infection.
'Contributing factors which undermine abstinence include high levels of sexual violence against women and young girls, incest, and sex under the influence of alcohol and drugs, as well as the demands of daily living costs forcing women into commercial sex and extramarital sex,' said Kritoe Jinn Keleba of the PNG Institute of Medical Research at the session 'Identity in Gender and Sexuality'.
read more
Judge refuses bail variation in HIV case
Adelaide's chief magistrate has refused to allow a man accused of recklessly sprea
ding HIV to walk the streets without supervision.
Stuart McDonald is charged with endangering the lives of seven men with whom he allegedly had unprotected sex between 2001 and 2006.
He was detained in April under a Health Department control order and was granted home detention bail after two months in custody.read more
ding HIV to walk the streets without supervision.Stuart McDonald is charged with endangering the lives of seven men with whom he allegedly had unprotected sex between 2001 and 2006.
He was detained in April under a Health Department control order and was granted home detention bail after two months in custody.read more
Border agents arrest alleged smuggler with HIV, TB
An alleged drug smuggler who struck a Border Patrol vehicle and injured an agent has been taken into custody after a brief struggle.
A news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates agents noticed the suspect, identified only as an illegal immigrant, pull to the side of Highway 85 near Gila Bend on the afternoon of August 26.
According to the media release, the suspect told Border Patrol agents he has HIV and tuberculosis after suffering abrasions during their struggle to arrest him. He was taken to a Phoenix hospital for treatment and will be transported to the Ajo Station for processing and prosecution. read more
A news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates agents noticed the suspect, identified only as an illegal immigrant, pull to the side of Highway 85 near Gila Bend on the afternoon of August 26.
According to the media release, the suspect told Border Patrol agents he has HIV and tuberculosis after suffering abrasions during their struggle to arrest him. He was taken to a Phoenix hospital for treatment and will be transported to the Ajo Station for processing and prosecution. read more
HIV/Aids in Africa: Open your minds
Mbekihas gone on record trying to question the link between HIV and Aids in this country, where 1,500 new cases are recorded everyday, according to latest statistics.
In his argument, he says that poverty, rather than HIV was the principal cause of the disease. He argues that while the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) could be a contributory factor in causing Aids, it could not actually cause the syndrome.
"A virus can cause a disease, and Aids is not a disease, it is a syndrome," he recently said, and declared that while he could accept that HIV contributed to the collapse of the immune system, other factors like poverty and poor nutrition were also involved.read more
In his argument, he says that poverty, rather than HIV was the principal cause of the disease. He argues that while the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) could be a contributory factor in causing Aids, it could not actually cause the syndrome.
"A virus can cause a disease, and Aids is not a disease, it is a syndrome," he recently said, and declared that while he could accept that HIV contributed to the collapse of the immune system, other factors like poverty and poor nutrition were also involved.read more
Papua New Guinea Police Eye AIDS Claim
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea - Officials in Papua New Guinea are investigating claims by an HIV-positive woman that people with AIDS were buried alive by their relatives when they became too sick to care for, an official said Tuesday.
The acting director of Papua New Guinea's National AIDS Council, Romanus Pakure, said police and health workers were being sent to the Southern Highlands to investigate the claims.
Pakure conceded that the stigma against people with HIV was very strong in the countryside, where education about the disease is scarce. Similar claims of AIDS killings had been made in the past, he said, but none were verified.read more
The acting director of Papua New Guinea's National AIDS Council, Romanus Pakure, said police and health workers were being sent to the Southern Highlands to investigate the claims.
Pakure conceded that the stigma against people with HIV was very strong in the countryside, where education about the disease is scarce. Similar claims of AIDS killings had been made in the past, he said, but none were verified.read more
Public sex arrests to slow AIDS spread
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle doesn't want his city be known as the AIDS capital of the nation, so he took a stand. Citing the Broward Department of Health statistics: "74 percent of new AIDS cases" in the city are in the "MSM" category – that's "men having sex with men." An estimated 500 men will become HIV positive this year in Fort Lauderdale alone, so Mayor Naugle spoke out against the illegal behavior that spreads it: Anonymous public sex. Now he's called a hater.
Yes, Mayor Naugle is a hater: He hates AIDS. The most loving thing you can do for people is to stand against the activity that spreads a deadly disease. The Broward Public Health Department reports that Broward leads the nation in the number of new AIDS cases, and now one in five men who have sex with other men is HIV positive. Care about a homosexual? Tell them that. read more
Yes, Mayor Naugle is a hater: He hates AIDS. The most loving thing you can do for people is to stand against the activity that spreads a deadly disease. The Broward Public Health Department reports that Broward leads the nation in the number of new AIDS cases, and now one in five men who have sex with other men is HIV positive. Care about a homosexual? Tell them that. read more
2,075 AIDS patients registered in Yemen by 2006
Some 2,075 patients infected with the HIV virus had been registered in Yemen by 2006 but the figure was mostly likely underrecorded due to inefficient monitoring, the Yemeni news agency reported Monday.
A large number of HIV carriers were not registered as they did not go to hospitals, and the real figure of affected people might reach as many as more than 20,000, Yemen's AIDS prevention authorities were quoted as saying.
The biggest obstacles for the health department to obtain an accurate figure are the inefficient monitoring and diagnosis system, and social discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients in the country.read more
A large number of HIV carriers were not registered as they did not go to hospitals, and the real figure of affected people might reach as many as more than 20,000, Yemen's AIDS prevention authorities were quoted as saying.
The biggest obstacles for the health department to obtain an accurate figure are the inefficient monitoring and diagnosis system, and social discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients in the country.read more
Pitt gets $16M NIH contract for HIV studies
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on Monday received a $16 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to establish a center to study how the virus that causes AIDS interacts with other cells.
The grant will be used to establish the Pittsburgh Center for HIV Protein Interactions, according to a news release
The center will focus on developing methods for understanding what happens to the HIV virus, both structurally and at an atomic level, immediately after it enters the cell.read more
The grant will be used to establish the Pittsburgh Center for HIV Protein Interactions, according to a news release
The center will focus on developing methods for understanding what happens to the HIV virus, both structurally and at an atomic level, immediately after it enters the cell.read more
Men with sexual illness likely to be infected by HIV: Research
New Delhi, Aug 28: Men suffering from sexual illness are more likely to be infected with HIV as their 'concerns about their masculinity' make them seek partners outside marriage, according to a latest research.
The study also showed that most of these men visit quacks, who do not possess any recognised medical degree or diploma.
read more
The study also showed that most of these men visit quacks, who do not possess any recognised medical degree or diploma.
read more
Russian Church to open hotlines on HIV, AIDS, drugs
Moscow, August 28, Interfax - A project to set up a training and consulting center and a church confidential hotline on problems of HIV, AIDS and drug abuse treatment, was launched in Russia in August.
The project is part of the Church Against AIDS program and is intended to promote the development of the church system of supporting HIV-infected people and rehabilitation of drug addicts nationwide, the Stary Svet Christian charitable foundation, an organization with 15 years of experience in this area, told Interfax on Tuesday.read more
The project is part of the Church Against AIDS program and is intended to promote the development of the church system of supporting HIV-infected people and rehabilitation of drug addicts nationwide, the Stary Svet Christian charitable foundation, an organization with 15 years of experience in this area, told Interfax on Tuesday.read more
HIV-plus people to rally in UP for rights
Lucknow, Aug 28: A rally would be taken out here on August 31 by an NGO to fight for people living with HIV/AIDS to gain acceptability in society.
'One voice for one sign - a mark to change your life' is the motto of people living with HIV/AIDS to fight for their rights.
A number of organisations working for HIV-plus people like the Uttar Pradesh AIDS Control Society are expected to participate in the rally, its organisers said. read more
'One voice for one sign - a mark to change your life' is the motto of people living with HIV/AIDS to fight for their rights.
A number of organisations working for HIV-plus people like the Uttar Pradesh AIDS Control Society are expected to participate in the rally, its organisers said. read more
Call to overcome HIV stigma
SHIMOGA: Awareness and right information is the only cure for HIV, said District Surgeon Dr Nanda Singhe. Speaking at the Promote Access to Treatment Campaign organised by Hosakirana, the district network of People Living with HIV, at San Jos Auditorium here recently, she said people living with HIV should get rid of stigma and should come out to support each other. As agents of prevention they should be in the forefront to spread awareness.
According to President of Hosakirana Aravind Victor, the treatment not just provide access to healthy life but also gives love and affection to all the positive people. Hosakirana, the district network that started in June 2006, has 186 positive members out of whom 36 require ART. read more
According to President of Hosakirana Aravind Victor, the treatment not just provide access to healthy life but also gives love and affection to all the positive people. Hosakirana, the district network that started in June 2006, has 186 positive members out of whom 36 require ART. read more
HIV impact on Zimbabwe less than some feared-study
LONDON, Aug 27 (Reuters) - HIV has slashed life expectancy in Zimbabwe by up to 19 years for men and 22 years for women but births still outpace deaths, according to the first study to detail how the AIDS epidemic has impacted the country's wider population.
The study, led by Simon Gregson of Imperial College London, sought to gauge HIV's impact on Zimbabwe to see if researchers got it right in 1989, at the beginning of the epidemic, when they made initial predictions about how AIDS would affect populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Our research shows that, in spite of countless people having lost their lives to the virus, more people are still being born than are dying," Gregson said.
But Gregson's team wrote in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the effects of HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe were "substantial and still unfolding".read more
The study, led by Simon Gregson of Imperial College London, sought to gauge HIV's impact on Zimbabwe to see if researchers got it right in 1989, at the beginning of the epidemic, when they made initial predictions about how AIDS would affect populations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Our research shows that, in spite of countless people having lost their lives to the virus, more people are still being born than are dying," Gregson said.
But Gregson's team wrote in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the effects of HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe were "substantial and still unfolding".read more
Inmate spits blood on deputy, says he’s HIV positive
CORALVILLE - A man who allegedly sent two Coralville police officers to the hospital Saturday faces new charges for spitting blood on a Johnson County deputy, telling the deputy he was HIV positive.
Inmate assault with bodily fluids is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $7,500 fine. read more
Inmate assault with bodily fluids is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $7,500 fine. read more
AIDS fundraiser claims he was sacked for not being gay
In a major twist to a discrimination case, former executive director of AIDS/LifeCycle charity filed suit in a Los Angeles courthouse against two nonprofit organisations alleging that he was fired from his position because he was not gay.
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Centre and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation are both implicated in the alleged discrimination case.
Both organisations have refused further comment, but have assured media that they have a diverse staff that consists of both straight and gay members.
read more
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Centre and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation are both implicated in the alleged discrimination case.
Both organisations have refused further comment, but have assured media that they have a diverse staff that consists of both straight and gay members.
read more
Alcohol abuse weakens AIDS fight
SHAKAWE - Alcohol abuse by youth is a major discouragement for them from participating in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Okavango HIV/AIDS men sector chairman, Mr Setimotswe Matengani, said in an interview that most of the youth in the village drank alcohol excessively, resulting in their failure to test for HIV/AIDS and know their status.
Mr Matemgani urged the youth to refrain from engaging on anti-social activities that could destroy their future but instead uplift their lives by using government programmes such as CEDA. read more
Okavango HIV/AIDS men sector chairman, Mr Setimotswe Matengani, said in an interview that most of the youth in the village drank alcohol excessively, resulting in their failure to test for HIV/AIDS and know their status.
Mr Matemgani urged the youth to refrain from engaging on anti-social activities that could destroy their future but instead uplift their lives by using government programmes such as CEDA. read more
Zimbabwe receives seven million dollars to fight AIDS
Harare - The Zimbabwe government recently received 7 million US dollars from a global fund to finance health programmes in the cash-strapped country, reports said Tuesday. The recent donation was part of the 65 million dollars in grants to Harare announced by the Geneva-based Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria late last year.
Health Minister David Parirenyatwa said in addition to buying anti-AIDS drugs the money would be used to train doctors and nurses involved in AIDS programmes, buy laboratory equipment and upgrade hospitals. read more
Health Minister David Parirenyatwa said in addition to buying anti-AIDS drugs the money would be used to train doctors and nurses involved in AIDS programmes, buy laboratory equipment and upgrade hospitals. read more
Angola: NGO Runs Seminar on HIV/Aids Tuesday
A seminar on HIV/Aids will be held on Tuesday in Huambo City, the capital of the province with the same name, in an initiative of the non-governmental organisation Save the Children Angola, Angop has learnt.
The three-day gathering will take place under the theme "Stigma and discrimination, inter-personal communication, facilitation techniques for the Media and Religious Leaders".
Topping the agenda are themes like introduction to HIV/Aids, origin, history of the illness in Africa and in the world, risk factors, ways of transmission and strategies of prevention, its impact and clinical diagnosis.read more
The three-day gathering will take place under the theme "Stigma and discrimination, inter-personal communication, facilitation techniques for the Media and Religious Leaders".
Topping the agenda are themes like introduction to HIV/Aids, origin, history of the illness in Africa and in the world, risk factors, ways of transmission and strategies of prevention, its impact and clinical diagnosis.read more
US, Viet Nam seek to bolster co-operation on drugs, HIV
Ha Noi — Co-operation with Viet Nam in the fight against the drug trade and HIV/AIDS are premier concerns of the US besides commercial ties.
The US representative said he was satisfied with the development of the bilateral relationship, and expressed his wish that the two parliaments would enhance their close co-operation for the development of the two countries’ ties.read more
The US representative said he was satisfied with the development of the bilateral relationship, and expressed his wish that the two parliaments would enhance their close co-operation for the development of the two countries’ ties.read more
Monday, August 27, 2007
Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report
The North Carolina Commission for Public Health on Wednesday voted to recommend requiring HIV tests for all pregnant women in the state immediately before delivery if they have not already been tested in the third trimester of pregnancy, the AP/Myrtle Beach News & Observer reports. Under current regulations, pregnant women in the state are given the option of receiving an HIV test as part of prenatal care. The regulation would require women who come to a medical facility to deliver to be tested if their HIV/AIDS status is unknown.
The commission, which makes rules for medical practitioners in the state, also recommended requiring HIV testing for infants who are brought to a medical facility (AP/Myrtle Beach News & Observer, 8/24). read more
The commission, which makes rules for medical practitioners in the state, also recommended requiring HIV testing for infants who are brought to a medical facility (AP/Myrtle Beach News & Observer, 8/24). read more
AIDS services groups lose patient meals program funding
Dars Wood, head cook, serves up catfish for hungry HIV-positive clients at the Resource Center of Dallas.
When he was diagnosed with HIV in 1988, doctors gave Iyron Butler six years to live. Nineteen years later, Butler is still going strong, and he gives much of the credit to the Resource Center of Dallas’ hot lunch program.
Due to changes in federal guidelines, Dallas County Health and Human Services recently informed the Resource Center and AIN that it won’t fund the programs after February.read more
When he was diagnosed with HIV in 1988, doctors gave Iyron Butler six years to live. Nineteen years later, Butler is still going strong, and he gives much of the credit to the Resource Center of Dallas’ hot lunch program.
Due to changes in federal guidelines, Dallas County Health and Human Services recently informed the Resource Center and AIN that it won’t fund the programs after February.read more
Black doctors group wants AIDS tackled
The National Medical Association, which represents black physicians, is urging the federal government to use its resources to eradicate HIV/AIDS, says Dr. Albert W. Morris Jr., president.
From 2001 to 2005, nearly 70 percent of newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS were in black women, Morris said in an interview. About 49 percent of patients living with the disease in the United States are black, he said.
"We issued a call of action to the federal government to re-examine this terrible, terrible epidemic."read more
From 2001 to 2005, nearly 70 percent of newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS were in black women, Morris said in an interview. About 49 percent of patients living with the disease in the United States are black, he said.
"We issued a call of action to the federal government to re-examine this terrible, terrible epidemic."read more
How to deal with HIV Misinformation ????
The Internet is serving as a fertile medium for 'HIV denialists' to spread false ideas about HIV/AIDS, which could have terrible public health consequences.
Would you have some good method to check true or fake ? I sometimes really puzzled, can you share your method with me and all the people who needed?read more
Would you have some good method to check true or fake ? I sometimes really puzzled, can you share your method with me and all the people who needed?read more
United call to ease HIV victims
TWO GROUPS helping people living with HIV/AIDS have called for outlawing discrimination against those afflicted with the disease.
The National HIV/AIDS Commission and the AIDS Foundation of Barbados Inc. made the appeal yesterday when the Barbados Workers' Union (BWU) opened its 66th annual delegates conference at Solidarity House in Harmony Hall, St Michael.
read more
The National HIV/AIDS Commission and the AIDS Foundation of Barbados Inc. made the appeal yesterday when the Barbados Workers' Union (BWU) opened its 66th annual delegates conference at Solidarity House in Harmony Hall, St Michael.
read more
Orphaned HIV+: Children no one wants
NEW DELHI: It's a ray of hope in an area of gloom. Recently, a 15-day-old baby, Chhoti, was found abandoned. Though rumoured to be HIV positive, many couples on hearing about her through the media, volunteered to adopt her.
However, not many are as lucky as her. Most people don't come forward to adopt HIV positive children. Recently, an HIV positive woman in Chhattisgarh, driven by poverty, offered her newborn daughter for sale. But no one wanted the baby as she too was infected. Later, the local administration, which got to know about the issue, stopped her from selling the baby and made arrangements for her treatment. read more
However, not many are as lucky as her. Most people don't come forward to adopt HIV positive children. Recently, an HIV positive woman in Chhattisgarh, driven by poverty, offered her newborn daughter for sale. But no one wanted the baby as she too was infected. Later, the local administration, which got to know about the issue, stopped her from selling the baby and made arrangements for her treatment. read more
Genital herpes implicated in up to half of all HIV infections in some African countries
Up to half of all HIV infections in some African countries with long-standing HIV epidemics may be due to the presence of genital herpes and and its cause, HSV-2, in HIV-positive people or their partners, epidemiologists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimate.
Their projections, published this month in a supplement to the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, are drawn from data accumulated during the Four Cities study, which compared trends in HIV prevalence in four African cities in different regions, and from local trends data from each city. read more
Their projections, published this month in a supplement to the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, are drawn from data accumulated during the Four Cities study, which compared trends in HIV prevalence in four African cities in different regions, and from local trends data from each city. read more
SCED offers free no-needles HIV testing
HIV testing is important for several reasons.
Those who come to the Beckley office for testing are happy to learn there are no needles involved. Testing is done with a small pad placed inside the mouth and held between the gums and the cheek, Montgomery said.
“It’s salty and pulls out the HIV antibodies, if you have been exposed to them. We have you hold the pad in place for about two minutes. Then we send it to the lab. In a week or two, you will know the results,” she said.
All testing is confidential. “I’m the only person who knows besides the person in the lab,” she said.read more
Those who come to the Beckley office for testing are happy to learn there are no needles involved. Testing is done with a small pad placed inside the mouth and held between the gums and the cheek, Montgomery said.
“It’s salty and pulls out the HIV antibodies, if you have been exposed to them. We have you hold the pad in place for about two minutes. Then we send it to the lab. In a week or two, you will know the results,” she said.
All testing is confidential. “I’m the only person who knows besides the person in the lab,” she said.read more
Parents demand answers to HIV puzzle
The parents of twin girls are contemplating legal action against the Western Cape Health Department because they are convinced one of their daughters was infected with HIV during one of many visits to state hospitals.
Anna's parents, who live in Cape Town's northern suburbs, confirmed they had appointed a legal team to help them find who was responsible for their daughter's HIV infection by tracking her treatment at several state hospitals.read more
Anna's parents, who live in Cape Town's northern suburbs, confirmed they had appointed a legal team to help them find who was responsible for their daughter's HIV infection by tracking her treatment at several state hospitals.read more
Sex trafficking said to spread AIDS
Policies to reduce demand for sex-trafficked women and girls may significantly reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide, according to a recent Harvard School of Public Health study.
Steps should include better methods of preventing sex trafficking and of protecting its former victims, the study added.
More and more evidence suggests that sex trafficking is affecting a greater number of women and children across the globe," said Jay Silverman, lead author of the study that was released earlier this month.read more
Exhibition is breaking down the barriers about HIV
A NEW exhibition in Bendigo aims to break the stereotype that HIV is a disease confined to homosexual men.
The exhibition, A Body of Knowledge, is comprised of striking portraits of affected women and their message about the disease." Anyone can catch it," CAN executive officer Adam Wright said.
‘‘It's going mainstream.
‘‘The virus doesn't discriminate," said Mr Wright.
read more
The exhibition, A Body of Knowledge, is comprised of striking portraits of affected women and their message about the disease." Anyone can catch it," CAN executive officer Adam Wright said.
‘‘It's going mainstream.
‘‘The virus doesn't discriminate," said Mr Wright.
read more
HIV/AIDS: What teens don't know may kill them
C Beth Chaton, program coordinator for TAPESTRY, believes teen misconceptions about HIV/AIDS should prompt parents and educators to take a hard look at local and state educational efforts that are falling short. “We need to take some of the focus on academic tests and put it on health and life skills,” she said. Tyson Ritter/The Eureka Reporter“Misinformation equals risk,” said Rachael Trevino, HIV coordinator at Six Rivers Planned Parenthood. “HIV is spread through unprotected sex, blood and breast milk. HIV is not spread through holding hands, hugging or kissing. HIV is definitely not spread through tainted foods. This is just one of the reasons why it is so important to educate our youth.”read more
EAC TO MAINSTREAM GENDER, HIV AND AIDS INTERVENTIONS IN ITS PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES
EAC Headquarters, Arusha, Saturday 25 August 2007: The East African Community Secretariat in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the World Bank have organized an EAC regional workshop on mainstreaming Gender, HIV and Aids interventions into the various regional development sectors and strategic plans in the Partner States, to run from 27 to 29 August 2007 at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge in Arusha, Tanzania.
The workshop is to be attended by 70 participants from the Partner States and to be drawn from agriculture, education and youth, transport, industry, gender, labor and social welfare, fishing, public works/road construction, finance and planning, health sectors and the National Aids Commissions. Participants also expected from the National HIV and AIDS Focal Points, UNDP, UNAIDS, UNICEF and UNFPA. read more
The workshop is to be attended by 70 participants from the Partner States and to be drawn from agriculture, education and youth, transport, industry, gender, labor and social welfare, fishing, public works/road construction, finance and planning, health sectors and the National Aids Commissions. Participants also expected from the National HIV and AIDS Focal Points, UNDP, UNAIDS, UNICEF and UNFPA. read more
PNG woman says HIV victims 'buried alive'
Our PNG correspondent Steve Marshall reports Margaret Marabe has spent several months carrying out HIV awareness campaigns in PNG's remote Southern Highlands province.
She says she saw five HIV-infected people buried alive by their relatives because they could no longer care for them.
"They were crying and calling out their relatives' names and called for help. Some said 'Mama Papa' as they were forcefully buried and covered with soil. "
read more
She says she saw five HIV-infected people buried alive by their relatives because they could no longer care for them.
"They were crying and calling out their relatives' names and called for help. Some said 'Mama Papa' as they were forcefully buried and covered with soil. "
read more
Meira Paibis sensitized on HIV/AIDS issues
IMPHAL, Aug 26: A one day sensitization workshop on HIV/AIDS for Meira Paibis of Imphal West was carried out at Manipur Press Club today.
The Meira Paibis were sensitized since they play an important role as the guiding force of the community in the Manipuri society. As conveyed in the keynote address by A Arjun, general secretary SASO, the rationale behind holding this sensitization is to minimize the stiff opposition faced by NGOs in implementing harm reduction from the Meira Paibis.
Dr Manikanta, deputy director Manipur State AIDS Control Society explained the present scenario of HIV/AIDS in the state explaining the importance of harm reduction to prevent the further spread of infections.
read more
The Meira Paibis were sensitized since they play an important role as the guiding force of the community in the Manipuri society. As conveyed in the keynote address by A Arjun, general secretary SASO, the rationale behind holding this sensitization is to minimize the stiff opposition faced by NGOs in implementing harm reduction from the Meira Paibis.
Dr Manikanta, deputy director Manipur State AIDS Control Society explained the present scenario of HIV/AIDS in the state explaining the importance of harm reduction to prevent the further spread of infections.
read more
HIV forces Indian mum to sell off newborn
An HIV patient in India went out to a market square and tried to sell off her newborn who has contracted the killer virus from her, the Hindustan Times reported Monday.
The news report quoted chief medical officer R. P. Pandey as saying that she was seen trying to sell her baby off at a market square in her Kondagaon locality.read more
The news report quoted chief medical officer R. P. Pandey as saying that she was seen trying to sell her baby off at a market square in her Kondagaon locality.read more
Greater involvement of HIV carriers needed to reduce stigma and discrimination
Nhan Dan Online - The Vietnam Women’s Union, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), are organising a national workshop entitled “Turning the Tide: Promotion of the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA) and Reduction of Stigma and Discrimination” from 27 to 28 August 2007 in Hanoi.
“Addressing the stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV must be a priority for us all, and strong leadership is needed to achieve that,” said Ms Ha Thi Khiet, President of the Vietnam Women’s Union (key implementing agency of the GIPA project) and Chairwoman of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women. read more
“Addressing the stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV must be a priority for us all, and strong leadership is needed to achieve that,” said Ms Ha Thi Khiet, President of the Vietnam Women’s Union (key implementing agency of the GIPA project) and Chairwoman of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women. read more
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Human trials for UWO HIV/AIDS vaccine possible in 2008
If all goes well, a vaccine for HIV/AIDS developed at the University of Western Ontario could be tested on humans in 2008.
“It’s possible we could begin human clinical trials by the middle of next year,” the project’s lead researcher said yesterday.
The vaccine uses a combination of killed HIV virus, plus a virus genetically altered in the lab to carry the harmless HIV cells through the body to prompt an immune response. read more
“It’s possible we could begin human clinical trials by the middle of next year,” the project’s lead researcher said yesterday.
The vaccine uses a combination of killed HIV virus, plus a virus genetically altered in the lab to carry the harmless HIV cells through the body to prompt an immune response. read more
APA: Kids with HIV Infection Keep Up Academically
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 24 -- Children infected with HIV at birth appear to maintain 
normal behavior and academic performance after 10 years of follow-up, researchers reported here.
"It appears that the long-term prognosis for children infected at birth with HIV is good," said Suzie Franklin, Ph.D., assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. "There is little evidence of behavioral or academic deterioration over time that can be directly attributed to HIV infection itself."read more
normal behavior and academic performance after 10 years of follow-up, researchers reported here."It appears that the long-term prognosis for children infected at birth with HIV is good," said Suzie Franklin, Ph.D., assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. "There is little evidence of behavioral or academic deterioration over time that can be directly attributed to HIV infection itself."read more
HIV: Babies can be tested at 4 weeks
MULAGO Hospital and Uganda Virus Institute have acquired new machines that will enable babies as young as one month to be tested for HIV.
Previously, babies could only be tested at the age of 18 months.
This was revealed by Mildmay Centre director Dr. Emmanuel Luyirika, during a breakfast meeting at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala on Wednesday.
This will greatly reduce the infant mortality rate, which was partly caused by the failure to test the HIV virus early enough.
read more
US to increase HIV/Aids funding to 39tr/-
US President George Bush is keen to have the President`s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) extended for five more years and the partnership�s funding increased to 39tr/-.
Speaking during the inauguration of a new care and treatment centre for HIV/Aids at the Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam yesterday, US Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said the proposal would need Congress approval.
Leavitt, pointed out that the Mwananyamala centre would use modern technology that would lead to faster and more reliable service delivery while also being more confidential than the one previously in use.
read more
Speaking during the inauguration of a new care and treatment centre for HIV/Aids at the Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam yesterday, US Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said the proposal would need Congress approval.
Leavitt, pointed out that the Mwananyamala centre would use modern technology that would lead to faster and more reliable service delivery while also being more confidential than the one previously in use.
read more
Guam caregivers partake of HIV workshop
The Guahan Project is helping to educate local caregivers through a basic HIV instruction workshop. Executive director Alex Silverio says the workshop addresses shame and stigma issues and cultural barriers, as well as testing information and statistics. "The numbers are going up very sharply," he said. "We have an official 185 people who have tested positive for HIV since 1985. However, that doesn't take into account numbers of people who tested out of Guam and we estimate that to be much higher than 185."
Anonymous, confidential and free HIV testing is available at both the Department of Public Health or the Guahan Project. read more
Anonymous, confidential and free HIV testing is available at both the Department of Public Health or the Guahan Project. read more
US yoga buffs to fund Dharavi AIDS centre
Yoga Journal, a magazine with a circulation of over 300,000, has asked the yoga community in the US to help raise $250,000 to build a voluntary counselling and AIDS testing centre in Mumbai's Dharavi slum by World AIDS Day Dec 1.
'That ($250,000) is just 25,000 people making a donation of $10 each,' said Seane Corn, a celebrated yoga instructor in California who has conceived the Dharavi campaign called 'Off the Mat, Into the World'.
Through this campaign, Corn wants yoga enthusiasts to engage their communities in reducing the fear, ignorance and discrimination often associated with HIV/AIDS.
read more
'That ($250,000) is just 25,000 people making a donation of $10 each,' said Seane Corn, a celebrated yoga instructor in California who has conceived the Dharavi campaign called 'Off the Mat, Into the World'.
Through this campaign, Corn wants yoga enthusiasts to engage their communities in reducing the fear, ignorance and discrimination often associated with HIV/AIDS.
read more
HIV positive baby on sale - but no takers
This is the story of an HIV positive woman in Chhattisgarh who has been driven by poverty to offer her newborn daughter for sale - and the little baby whom no one wants because she too is infected with the virus.
"She was holding a week-old baby in her arms and asking people to buy the child so that she could get money for food," RP Pandey, chief medical officer of Bastar district, told IANS on telephone.
"Some people who showed initial interest in adopting the baby refused to do so after a test conducted in the government hospital confirmed that both the mother and the child are HIV positive," Pandey said.read more
"She was holding a week-old baby in her arms and asking people to buy the child so that she could get money for food," RP Pandey, chief medical officer of Bastar district, told IANS on telephone.
"Some people who showed initial interest in adopting the baby refused to do so after a test conducted in the government hospital confirmed that both the mother and the child are HIV positive," Pandey said.read more
St. Lucie County superintendent recommends adding AIDS, condom talk to sex education
Opponents of a proposed St. Lucie County sex education curriculum that includes some grades discussing condoms say the proposal teaches misleading information to teens.
But supporters say students need to know more about sex education than just abstinence.
"High school is the age where people decide to have sex," Dominque Cain said. "It's a life issue. It will help people understand more facts about HIV and AIDS."read more
But supporters say students need to know more about sex education than just abstinence.
"High school is the age where people decide to have sex," Dominque Cain said. "It's a life issue. It will help people understand more facts about HIV and AIDS."read more
XIMB holds out a LAMP for HIV+ people
BHUBANESWAR: About 91 HIV-positive persons have received certificates in ‘leadership and managerial proficiency’ (LAMP) from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB).
The infected persons were given a six-month training by the institute under a joint initiative with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched seven months ago. The programme aims to empower HIV-positive persons by imparting managerial skills to both earn a living and advocate the cause of other infected people.
read more
The infected persons were given a six-month training by the institute under a joint initiative with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched seven months ago. The programme aims to empower HIV-positive persons by imparting managerial skills to both earn a living and advocate the cause of other infected people.
read more
HIV in Rwanda drops to 3%
The number of people infected with HIV/AIDS in Rwanda dropped from seven percent in 2004 to three percent today, new statistics have revealed.
The Rwandan Health Minister, Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, said the success in the fight against AIDS was due to the increased awareness and reliable preventive mechanisms. read more
The Rwandan Health Minister, Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, said the success in the fight against AIDS was due to the increased awareness and reliable preventive mechanisms. read more
Vical Announces Results of Multiple NIH Phase II HIV Vaccine Trials
Results from a series of HIV vaccine Phase IIa clinical trials, using a plasmid DNA vaccine developed by the NIH Vaccine Research Center and manufactured by Vical, reinforced Phase I conclusions that a DNA prime-adenoviral vector boost vaccine regimen was safe and well-tolerated, and effective in inducing T-cell immune responses in up to 70 percent of the vaccine recipients, Vical reported.
According to Vical, the trials involved priming an immune response with three doses of a plasmid DNA vaccine over a two-month period and boosting the response with a single dose of adenoviral vector vaccine at six months.
read more
According to Vical, the trials involved priming an immune response with three doses of a plasmid DNA vaccine over a two-month period and boosting the response with a single dose of adenoviral vector vaccine at six months.
read more
Delhi-based AIDS group fails to sensitize sex workers
New Delhi, Aug 25: An AIDS awareness group here has said that it has had a tough time sensitizing sex workers about the dangers of HIV and the importance of safe sex.
'Mission,' an NGO, staged a street play and organised a mobile testing camp at G.B. Road, a locality with the city's biggest concentration of brothels.
The aim was to sensitize sex workers and customers alike about the importance of using condoms and getting themselves periodically tested for HIV.read more
'Mission,' an NGO, staged a street play and organised a mobile testing camp at G.B. Road, a locality with the city's biggest concentration of brothels.
The aim was to sensitize sex workers and customers alike about the importance of using condoms and getting themselves periodically tested for HIV.read more
Friday, August 24, 2007
State sued over teacher who forced pupil to take HIV test
A Mpumalanga woman is suing the Education Department for R500 000 after a school teacher allegedly forced her daughter to have HIV tests without the family’s consent.
The family alleges the privacy of their 16-year-old daughter, Thoko, and the confidentiality of her HIV tests results were violated when the school teacher allegedly ordered the epileptic girl to undergo the tests.
read more
The family alleges the privacy of their 16-year-old daughter, Thoko, and the confidentiality of her HIV tests results were violated when the school teacher allegedly ordered the epileptic girl to undergo the tests.
read more
HIV teacher shamed
How many differences existed in our life?Why some of us are discriminated for we caught diseases? It's absolutely unfair.While it really existed around us.There is a real story about a teacher:
Recently, a Napwa member at the Northern Academy High School in Polokwane was reportedly treated shabbily by other teachers at a workshop on August 6.
According to Napwa, the teacher who lives in Seshego but works at the school, was called names and some teachers refused to share a table with her.
It's reluctant to all of us, including her,to catch the disease.She is lonely enough after catching disease. Why we didn't be sympathetic to her,instead,discriminated her for no reason of disqualifying but having disease.This story largely attracts my meditation and shocks my heart.I appeal to consensus to pay a lot attention.read more
Recently, a Napwa member at the Northern Academy High School in Polokwane was reportedly treated shabbily by other teachers at a workshop on August 6.
According to Napwa, the teacher who lives in Seshego but works at the school, was called names and some teachers refused to share a table with her.
It's reluctant to all of us, including her,to catch the disease.She is lonely enough after catching disease. Why we didn't be sympathetic to her,instead,discriminated her for no reason of disqualifying but having disease.This story largely attracts my meditation and shocks my heart.I appeal to consensus to pay a lot attention.read more
Chopper rumbles into HIV battle
AIDS Vancouver, with the help of Vancouver Chopper, is launching a custom chopper raffle to spread the word about HIV/AIDS.
"There is a misconception by the public that AIDS is either cured or it is not a problem in Canada," said William Booth, executive director of AIDS Vancouver. "The infection rate is actually on the rise." read more
"There is a misconception by the public that AIDS is either cured or it is not a problem in Canada," said William Booth, executive director of AIDS Vancouver. "The infection rate is actually on the rise." read more
HIV testing urged for all moms-to-be
The state might require that all pregnant women be tested for HIV.
The N.C. Commission for Public Health, which makes the rules for medical practitioners in the state, voted Wednesday to recommend requiring testing of all women in their third trimester if they have not already been tested.
Testing also will be required on newborns when they are brought to a medical facility and their HIV/AIDS status is unknown.
The virus is transferred from mother to child during birth, so testing for the virus before labor offers a chance to prevent transmitting the disease to the child.read more
The N.C. Commission for Public Health, which makes the rules for medical practitioners in the state, voted Wednesday to recommend requiring testing of all women in their third trimester if they have not already been tested.
Testing also will be required on newborns when they are brought to a medical facility and their HIV/AIDS status is unknown.
The virus is transferred from mother to child during birth, so testing for the virus before labor offers a chance to prevent transmitting the disease to the child.read more
Ingham Co. Health Dept. amends HIV document
The Ingham County Health Department has amended a document, formerly called a "contract," offered to those who test positive for HIV after a recent outcry from within the HIV support community.
State law requires those who test positive for HIV to inform current and future partners about the test, but it does not require a signature, nor does it place a time limit or deadline on when the HIV positive person must notify partnersread more
State law requires those who test positive for HIV to inform current and future partners about the test, but it does not require a signature, nor does it place a time limit or deadline on when the HIV positive person must notify partnersread more
RAPE-SUSPECT HIV TESTS OK'D
August 24, 2007 -- ALBANY - Rape suspects can be forced to undergo HIV testing under a new law signed by Gov. Spitzer.
The measure gives rape victims the option of forcing an indicted suspect to be tested under a court order, with the results provided to the victim and the suspect.
Victims of sexual assault have a right to information that impacts their health, ability to receive timely treatment and peace of mind," Spitzer said. read more
The measure gives rape victims the option of forcing an indicted suspect to be tested under a court order, with the results provided to the victim and the suspect.
Victims of sexual assault have a right to information that impacts their health, ability to receive timely treatment and peace of mind," Spitzer said. read more
AIDS Vaccine Field Moves Toward Larger-scale Efficacy Trials: Volunteers?
Science Daily — Leading researchers from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Military HIV Research Program (USMHRP) presented final results from a collection of independent studies reexamining the medical criteria for including African volunteers in AIDS vaccine trials.
The findings, presented at the AIDS Vaccine 2007 Conference in Seattle, suggest that many healthy Southern and East Africans have, in the past, been excluded from participating in trials based on laboratory reference ranges that were developed for Western populations and may not be appropriate locally. Implementation of the results of the studies should improve participation of African volunteers in clinical trials for new drugs and vaccines against emerging infectious diseases currently ravaging Africa, including AIDS, TB and malaria, and enable clinicians to better monitor and define adverse events in trials.read more
The findings, presented at the AIDS Vaccine 2007 Conference in Seattle, suggest that many healthy Southern and East Africans have, in the past, been excluded from participating in trials based on laboratory reference ranges that were developed for Western populations and may not be appropriate locally. Implementation of the results of the studies should improve participation of African volunteers in clinical trials for new drugs and vaccines against emerging infectious diseases currently ravaging Africa, including AIDS, TB and malaria, and enable clinicians to better monitor and define adverse events in trials.read more
HIV Prevention Services To Expand To Injecting Drug Users
UNAIDS, UNODC and WHO today announced an initiative to expand HIV prevention services to injecting drug users (IDUs) at the International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP).
The initiative, “Prevention of Transmission of HIV Among Drug Users in SAARC Countries”, aims to assist governments and communities to reduce the spread of HIV among drug users and their regular sex partners in SAARC countries.
The project will scale up prevention and care programmes, including drug substitution treatment and safer practices, using outreach to provide drug users with referral to services, clean needles and syringes, voluntary confidential HIV counselling and testing and condom promotion. read more
The initiative, “Prevention of Transmission of HIV Among Drug Users in SAARC Countries”, aims to assist governments and communities to reduce the spread of HIV among drug users and their regular sex partners in SAARC countries.
The project will scale up prevention and care programmes, including drug substitution treatment and safer practices, using outreach to provide drug users with referral to services, clean needles and syringes, voluntary confidential HIV counselling and testing and condom promotion. read more
HIV :: Nutrition is not a substitute of treatment of HIV, AIDS, TB
The South Africa Department of Health has noted the study into the role of nutrition with regard to the management of HIV and AIDS and TB that was released by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) yesterday.
The study of such challenging areas as feeding options for mothers with HIV would have added value in the scientific inquiry of the relationship between HIV and AIDS and nutrition.
The findings of the study actually reaffirm the policy position of the Department. It confirms that in addition to the two infectious diseases - TB and HIV - South Africa is also facing a challenge of macronutrient deficiencies (overt hunger) and/or micronutrient deficiencies ("hidden hunger").
To deal with the latter, the Department of Health promotes good nutrition through consumption of balanced diet. The Department also provide nutritional and vitamin supplementation to address the challenges of micronutrient deficiencies. These are just some of the programmes aimed at promoting good health and improve nutritional status of our population.read more
The study of such challenging areas as feeding options for mothers with HIV would have added value in the scientific inquiry of the relationship between HIV and AIDS and nutrition.
The findings of the study actually reaffirm the policy position of the Department. It confirms that in addition to the two infectious diseases - TB and HIV - South Africa is also facing a challenge of macronutrient deficiencies (overt hunger) and/or micronutrient deficiencies ("hidden hunger").
To deal with the latter, the Department of Health promotes good nutrition through consumption of balanced diet. The Department also provide nutritional and vitamin supplementation to address the challenges of micronutrient deficiencies. These are just some of the programmes aimed at promoting good health and improve nutritional status of our population.read more
HIV :: Bhutan offers free condoms to check growing AIDS cases
After 118 men were found to carry the AIDS virus, the country's public health department is out on a massive campaign to educate people on HIV and the use of condoms.
Bhutanese men can now step on to shops, restaurants, bars and discotheques and collect the free condoms.
"Bhutanese men and teenagers must use the free condoms to prevent sexually-transmitted diseases which are on the rise," said Sonam Phuntsho, the department's joint director (Information and Communication Bureau).read more
Bhutanese men can now step on to shops, restaurants, bars and discotheques and collect the free condoms.
"Bhutanese men and teenagers must use the free condoms to prevent sexually-transmitted diseases which are on the rise," said Sonam Phuntsho, the department's joint director (Information and Communication Bureau).read more
Clinic Closure Forces HIV Patients to Look for Alternative Sources
Some people living with HIV/AIDS in Maryland have been "forced to look elsewhere" for treatment and other support services following the closure of the Washington, D.C.-based Whitman-Walker Clinic's Takoma Park, Md., facility in September 2005, the Washington Post reports.
According to the Post, some HIV-positive people living in the area are trying to find new resources for prescriptions, case management, emergency food vouchers, and mental health and nutrition counseling. read more
According to the Post, some HIV-positive people living in the area are trying to find new resources for prescriptions, case management, emergency food vouchers, and mental health and nutrition counseling. read more
HIV :: Unsafe sex No 1 cause for new HIV infections in China
Unsafe sex has for the first time surpassed drug abuse through injections as the No 1 cause of new HIV infections in China and the deadly disease is spreading faster from high-risk groups to the general public, the government said.
Injected drug use ranked second, accounting for 48.6 per cent of the total. Nevertheless, drug abuse was the dominant transmission route for the 650,000 people living with HIV, according to official figures.
read more
Injected drug use ranked second, accounting for 48.6 per cent of the total. Nevertheless, drug abuse was the dominant transmission route for the 650,000 people living with HIV, according to official figures.
read more
Health commission urges HIV testing for all pregnant women
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Health officials are suggesting that all pregnant women in North Carolina be tested for the virus that causes AIDS.
The North Carolina Commission for Public Health voted this week to recommend requiring the tests for all women who are about to deliver their babies. Women who come to a medical facility to deliver would be tested if their HIV/AIDS status is unknown.read more
The North Carolina Commission for Public Health voted this week to recommend requiring the tests for all women who are about to deliver their babies. Women who come to a medical facility to deliver would be tested if their HIV/AIDS status is unknown.read more
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Why we have this?
Why we live this world? Why our living environment is full of plague?What a pleasure if our life exist without plague!The disease,such as HIV,HPV,Chlamydia etc. all go damn.
Dating back to the origin.I remember Adam,Eve,Serpent...
Supposing the serpent have no a crafty thinking,Eve hadn't cheated by serpent,Adams hadn't eaten the apple Eve gave him...They would not be driven out of Garden of Eden by God and God would not drop down the plague down the earth.
On the contrary, if Adam and Eve hadn't eaten the apples,how people could be?
And who can invent computer? Devil knows...read more
Dating back to the origin.I remember Adam,Eve,Serpent...
Supposing the serpent have no a crafty thinking,Eve hadn't cheated by serpent,Adams hadn't eaten the apple Eve gave him...They would not be driven out of Garden of Eden by God and God would not drop down the plague down the earth.
On the contrary, if Adam and Eve hadn't eaten the apples,how people could be?
And who can invent computer? Devil knows...read more
U.S. Encourages Corporate Role In HIV/AIDS Prevention
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) formally announced the CONNECT Project, a public-private sector initiative to address HIV/AIDS in Karnataka and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The Project mobilizes companies to take up the fight against HIV/AIDS and supports them in implementing HIV/AIDS training programs and developing work-place policies.
The CONNECT Project, which began operating in October 2006, has already signed agreements with 37 companies in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and has leveraged over Rs. 40 lakhs through partnerships with businesses like Apollo Tyres and Aurobindo Pharmaceuticals.
The U.S. government supports the fight against HIV/AIDS through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) which has committed an initial $15 billion over five years in 100 target countries including India to mitigate the disease. read more
The CONNECT Project, which began operating in October 2006, has already signed agreements with 37 companies in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and has leveraged over Rs. 40 lakhs through partnerships with businesses like Apollo Tyres and Aurobindo Pharmaceuticals.
The U.S. government supports the fight against HIV/AIDS through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) which has committed an initial $15 billion over five years in 100 target countries including India to mitigate the disease. read more
Herbalists agree to stop claims of HIV cures
Local herbalists who recently met with Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy have agreed to drop the claims about cures being available for HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus).
It is important that people know the facts because many unscrupulous persons utilize this vulnerability of persons living with HIV to mislead such persons to pay hefty sums of money in the hope that a herbal concoction could cure them," the statement said.
Ramsammy welcomed the new development and has expressed hope that all herbalists would further agree to refer HIV-infected persons who visit them to join a certified treatment programme. Further, he is calling on operators of television channels to be vigilant and not permit anyone to make claims of an HIV cure on the air.read more
It is important that people know the facts because many unscrupulous persons utilize this vulnerability of persons living with HIV to mislead such persons to pay hefty sums of money in the hope that a herbal concoction could cure them," the statement said.
Ramsammy welcomed the new development and has expressed hope that all herbalists would further agree to refer HIV-infected persons who visit them to join a certified treatment programme. Further, he is calling on operators of television channels to be vigilant and not permit anyone to make claims of an HIV cure on the air.read more
Agriculture launches HIV/AIDS guidelines
KANYE - The Ministry of Agriculture launched its HIV/AIDS guidelines for operation in the workplace in Kanye recently.
When launching the book, the Principal Agriculural Scientific Officer, Mr Jimmy Singabapha, said the main aim of these guidelines was to empower the Ministry of Agriculture employees to better deal with HIV/AIDS issues in execution of their mandate.
Mr Singabapha said the guidelines intended to spell out the responsibilities of the different stakeholders in the ministry, and management of HIV/AIDS and assist leaders to better appreciate the challenges thereby enhancing efforts geared towards information and education sharing as well as counselling of staff in the workplace.
He said the ministry was dealing with a sensitive and real life epidemic, which if not properly handled, would reverse the achievements that had been recorded and therefore impact negatively in their mandate of contributing to the achievements of food security for the nation. read more
Antiretroviral Therapy of HIV: New Data From the 2007 International HIV Drug Resistance Workshop
Introduction
The XVI International HIV Drug Resistance Workshop was held in Barbados, June 12-16, 2007. This conference is consistently considered to be one of the best research meetings in the field of HIV therapeutics and provides a setting for presentation of important new data on new antiretrovirals, HIV pathogenesis, mechanisms and epidemiology of drug resistance, and new technologies for measurement of HIV drug resistance. Highlights of the conference are reviewed in this report.
1)Resistance to Integrase Inhibitors
2)Resistance to CCR5 Inhibitors
3)Resistance to NRTIs: The K65R Mutation
4)Resistance to NNRTIsread more
Asian countries need to strengthen efforts to prevent HIV outbreak, conference says
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Asian countries need to promote voluntary HIV testing, develop programs to stop transmission of the virus and empower groups at risk of infection to stop the HIV epidemic from worsening, participants at a regional AIDS conference said Thursday.
The conference called on governments with low HIV levels to remain vigilant and recognize an outbreak could occur anytime.
It called for the promotion of voluntary testing and counseling and new efforts to help those infected get treatment.read more
The conference called on governments with low HIV levels to remain vigilant and recognize an outbreak could occur anytime.
It called for the promotion of voluntary testing and counseling and new efforts to help those infected get treatment.read more
4,432 AIDS patients in state: Study
T'URAM: The HIV density study conducted by the National AIDS Control Society (NACO) in Kerala has found the presence of 24,831 HIV positives and 4432 AIDS patients in the state.
The study was conducted in 2006 jointly by the NACO, UN AIDS Cell and National Health and Family Welfare Institute in all the states.
The study shows that there are 25 lakh HIV positive patients in the country.
In Kerala, the prevalence rate of HIV positive are high among the drug addicts. About 9.57 percent is the density of HIV positive among this Category.read more
The study was conducted in 2006 jointly by the NACO, UN AIDS Cell and National Health and Family Welfare Institute in all the states.
The study shows that there are 25 lakh HIV positive patients in the country.
In Kerala, the prevalence rate of HIV positive are high among the drug addicts. About 9.57 percent is the density of HIV positive among this Category.read more
Nigeria: Over 20,000 Are HIV Positive in Bauchi
Over one hundred and twenty thousand people have been affected by HIV/Aids virus in Bauchi state, according to the project director, Medical and Health Workers Union in Bauchi state, Comrade Garba Dass.
Comrade Garba Dass said the Bauchi state government has played a crucial role in reducing the menace of HIV by creating enabling environment and increasing the resources allocated to the fight against HIV in the state.
Comrade Dass said the commitment of the project to enlighten the public on the menace of the disease led them to contact the policy makers and prompted their visit to the commissions' chairmen.read more
Comrade Garba Dass said the Bauchi state government has played a crucial role in reducing the menace of HIV by creating enabling environment and increasing the resources allocated to the fight against HIV in the state.
Comrade Dass said the commitment of the project to enlighten the public on the menace of the disease led them to contact the policy makers and prompted their visit to the commissions' chairmen.read more
HIV contract awarded to East-West Center
The East-West Center in Honolulu has been awarded a $98,000 contract to provide technical support for Vietnam's HIV national estimates and projections for 2007.
The center began developing computer models for tracking and projecting the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, a decade ago.
East-West Center-developed software now enables national health programs throughout the region to analyze local HIV epidemics and to develop effective responses.
read more
The center began developing computer models for tracking and projecting the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, a decade ago.
East-West Center-developed software now enables national health programs throughout the region to analyze local HIV epidemics and to develop effective responses.
read more
Encouraging Phase II Data on HIV Vaccine Utilizing GenVec Technologies Presented at Seattle AIDS Conference
GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GenVec, Inc. (Nasdaq:GNVC) announced that results from multiple ongoing clinical trials utilizing its adenovector vaccine technologies were presented yesterday at the AIDS Vaccine 2007 Conference taking place in Seattle, Washington this week. The trials, which are investigating a DNA prime- adenoviral vector boost strategy, incorporate a multiclade rAd5 HIV- 1 vaccine developed by GenVec in collaboration with the Vaccine Research Center (“VRC”), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (“NIH”).
Dr. Richard Koup of the VRC, delivered an oral presentation, “Update on Safety and Immunogenicity of VRC Products,” summarizing data from several ongoing studies sponsored by the NIH’s HIV Vaccine Trials Network (“HTVN”), the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (“IAVI”) and the U.S. Military HIV Research Program (“USMHRP”) using the DNA prime-boost regimen. Dr. Koup characterized a strong vaccine induced cytotoxic (CD8+) T-cell response targeting HIV-infected cells, confirming the underlying concept of this vaccine. In the TRIAD Phase II trial, immunogenicity was achieved in approximately seventy percent of the vaccinated population. Importantly, the effect of pre-existing Ad5 immunity on immunogenicity of the vaccine appeared to be small. More than ten abstracts, posters, and presentations were presented by the VRC and its collaborators at this conference.
“The Phase 2 trials have generated a tremendous amount of information on clinical application of adenovirus vectors as vaccines. These data strongly support the use of GenVec adenovirus vectors as vaccines for HIV and other diseases,” commented Dr. Rick King, GenVec’s Senior VP of Research. read more
Dr. Richard Koup of the VRC, delivered an oral presentation, “Update on Safety and Immunogenicity of VRC Products,” summarizing data from several ongoing studies sponsored by the NIH’s HIV Vaccine Trials Network (“HTVN”), the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (“IAVI”) and the U.S. Military HIV Research Program (“USMHRP”) using the DNA prime-boost regimen. Dr. Koup characterized a strong vaccine induced cytotoxic (CD8+) T-cell response targeting HIV-infected cells, confirming the underlying concept of this vaccine. In the TRIAD Phase II trial, immunogenicity was achieved in approximately seventy percent of the vaccinated population. Importantly, the effect of pre-existing Ad5 immunity on immunogenicity of the vaccine appeared to be small. More than ten abstracts, posters, and presentations were presented by the VRC and its collaborators at this conference.
“The Phase 2 trials have generated a tremendous amount of information on clinical application of adenovirus vectors as vaccines. These data strongly support the use of GenVec adenovirus vectors as vaccines for HIV and other diseases,” commented Dr. Rick King, GenVec’s Senior VP of Research. read more
Forum urges Asia Pacific to step up HIV/AIDS fight
Human trafficking into prostitution, intravenous drug use and conflict continue to spread HIV in Asia, experts warned as the eighth International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific wrapped up in the Sri Lankan capital.
"This conference ... gives us an opportunity to revisit and re-enforce our commitment to halt and reverse the HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific," said Dr. Samlee Plianbanchang, Southeast Asia regional director for the World Health Organisation.
Safeguarding rights of the most vulnerable, such as sex workers, intravenous drug users, and women and children trafficked in the region is essential in tandem with prevention programs, experts say.read more
"This conference ... gives us an opportunity to revisit and re-enforce our commitment to halt and reverse the HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific," said Dr. Samlee Plianbanchang, Southeast Asia regional director for the World Health Organisation.
Safeguarding rights of the most vulnerable, such as sex workers, intravenous drug users, and women and children trafficked in the region is essential in tandem with prevention programs, experts say.read more
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
SIR GEORGE ALLEYNE SEEKS MEDIA PARTNERSHIP ON HIV/AIDS
As all we know,media in our life play an important role,and then what about the use in dealing with HIV?
Sir George Alleyne, UNAIDS special envoy to the Caribbean on HIV/AIDS and former Director of the Pan American Health Organization, brought his concerns about the serious need for public alertness on the issue of HIV/AIDS directly to the media.
“Why I think it’s important to engage with the Media,” Sir Alleyne said at the start, “the Media has a social responsibility in the context of disseminating the best possible data and disseminating credible information.” Sir Alleyne’s entreaties were in lock step with Dr. Ferdinand’s who said, “Often the Anti-retroviral medications are not sought because of the fear of discrimination.” The fear, she disclosed, is entrenched to the degree that persons believing themselves afflicted with the virus would, if they could afford, seek medical help abroad.
Sir George Alleyne, above all, was exceedingly clear-cut in his wishes when he said, “Some organizations that should know better still engage in the stigmatization and discriminatory practices and that is why I encourage the Media to help in reducing the stigma of HIV/AIDS.read more
Sir George Alleyne, UNAIDS special envoy to the Caribbean on HIV/AIDS and former Director of the Pan American Health Organization, brought his concerns about the serious need for public alertness on the issue of HIV/AIDS directly to the media.
“Why I think it’s important to engage with the Media,” Sir Alleyne said at the start, “the Media has a social responsibility in the context of disseminating the best possible data and disseminating credible information.” Sir Alleyne’s entreaties were in lock step with Dr. Ferdinand’s who said, “Often the Anti-retroviral medications are not sought because of the fear of discrimination.” The fear, she disclosed, is entrenched to the degree that persons believing themselves afflicted with the virus would, if they could afford, seek medical help abroad.
Sir George Alleyne, above all, was exceedingly clear-cut in his wishes when he said, “Some organizations that should know better still engage in the stigmatization and discriminatory practices and that is why I encourage the Media to help in reducing the stigma of HIV/AIDS.read more
Research Shows Abstinence-Only Programs Have No Effect on HIV Prevention
A new study published in The British Medical Journal shows that abstinence-only programs are ineffective in preventing HIV and pregnancy. The research involved 13 trials with the participation of 15,940 American youths.
According to the report, the trials evaluated biological outcomes (incidence of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy) and behavioral outcomes (unprotected or protected sex, number of partners, how early students had sex the first time). When compared with control groups, abstinence-only programs had no significant effect on decreasing (or increasing) the risk of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases and on becoming pregnant. It demonstrated no effect on delaying when youths first had sex, or reducing the risk of dangerous sexual behaviors.read more
According to the report, the trials evaluated biological outcomes (incidence of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy) and behavioral outcomes (unprotected or protected sex, number of partners, how early students had sex the first time). When compared with control groups, abstinence-only programs had no significant effect on decreasing (or increasing) the risk of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases and on becoming pregnant. It demonstrated no effect on delaying when youths first had sex, or reducing the risk of dangerous sexual behaviors.read more
US official heaps praise on SA HIV/Aids plan
The visiting US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Michael Leavitt, has praised South Africa's plan to fight Aids but urged better implementation.
Leavitt said the US hopes to increase its spending to fight Aids in SA ,which has already reached $750-million (about R5,6-billion) to date.
Corresponding this, the whole world, I think,should unify to against the disease.read more
Leavitt said the US hopes to increase its spending to fight Aids in SA ,which has already reached $750-million (about R5,6-billion) to date.
Corresponding this, the whole world, I think,should unify to against the disease.read more
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
