HIV among religion

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati are conducting a two-year study funded by NIH to determine how to provide HIV support and education in a faith-based setting, which sometimes can contradict religious doctrine, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

In a study published in December 2006 and conducted by the University of Cincinnati's Institute for the Study of Health, about 80% of HIV-positive people surveyed indicated a specific religious preference; however, 24% said they felt alienated in their religious communities. Sixty percent said they did not feel welcome, and 10% reported leaving their churches because of their HIV-positive status, according to the study.

According to the Enquirer, the researchers hope to identify practices and behaviors of religious organizations that encourage acceptance of and education about HIV/AIDS. The researchers will not identify the clergy members being interviewed when the study concludes but will create a reference source for HIV-positive people that will include religious organizations providing faith-based education and support, the Enquirer reports (Howell, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8/10).
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Vulnerable Women As Face of HIV/Aids

Women necessarily take the centre stage in any attempt at halting the spread of HIV/AIDS for obvious reasons. They are the most affected when issues of the pandemic manifest in public health

According to UNAIDS 2004 report on global AIDS pandemic, women and girls are more vulnerable and susceptible to HIV/AIDS infection than men. In sub-Saharan Africa, women are 30 per cent more likely to be infected than men and 15-24 year-old women are 3 times more likely to be infected than their male counterparts.

Leaders across the world agree that women are more infected, more affected and bear the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic yet little progress has been made in the area of addressing the rights of women which has been affected with HIV/AIDS.read more

Protesters to gather at RV park that turned away HIV-positive 2-year-old

Following national outrage when an HIV-positive 2-year-old boy was denied use of a public pool, the Campaign to End AIDS is holding a "family reunion" to protest the RV park where the incident occurred.

An expected 150 attendees plan to use the pool and showers at Wales West RV Park in Silver Hill, Ala., while wearing bathing suits that read "HIV Positive." On September 3, at least 100 people living with HIV/AIDS will arrive at the park via caravans originating in Washington, D.C.; Nashville; Miami; Houston; Dallas; and Little Rock, Ark.

The owner of Wales West RV Park, Ken Zadnichek, said he welcomes the Campaign to End AIDS to the facilitiesread more