A Cedar Rapids man was sentenced to 35 years in prison today for sexually abusing three boys and potentially exposing them to HIV.
Ronald Lord pleaded guilty in July to three counts each of third-degree sexual abuse and criminal transmission of HIV.
Lord admitted he sexually abused the teenage boys between September 2005 and August 2006. However, his attorney argued that Lord prevented the boys from getting HIV because he used condoms.
Defense recommended a 25-year sentence, while prosecutors recommended 55 years.
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Saturday, September 22, 2007
New Law Aims To Get More Mainers Tested For HIV
The new law eliminates the need for people to get pre-test counseling for an HIV test. It also eliminates the need for people to sign a separate consent form for an HIV test.
Supporters of the new law say it will encourage more people to get tested for HIV by streamlining the process.
"We want people to start thinking about HIV testing as something pretty routine to have it done at least once and for some people more than once," said Dr. Eric Steele. "If you make it easy, we think we'll find more people out there that have HIV and don't know it. If we can do tha,t we can get those people earlier treatment, which is a good thing. It extends their chances of living longer and it reduces the chances of them passing it on to somebody else." read more
Supporters of the new law say it will encourage more people to get tested for HIV by streamlining the process.
"We want people to start thinking about HIV testing as something pretty routine to have it done at least once and for some people more than once," said Dr. Eric Steele. "If you make it easy, we think we'll find more people out there that have HIV and don't know it. If we can do tha,t we can get those people earlier treatment, which is a good thing. It extends their chances of living longer and it reduces the chances of them passing it on to somebody else." read more
Moxico: Health Official Calls for HIV/AIDS Combat
The acting health director of eastern Moxico province, Simão de Amaral Friday appealed to the society for the combat to the HIV/AIDS scourge in the region.
The appeal was launched at the ceremony of signing contracts of partnerships between the British NGO "Oxfam" with other four local organisations, with view to implement projects of combat to the disease, with the financing of the European Union.
Simão de Amaral urged partners for a rigorous management of the project so that the beneficiaries feel the positive efforts of the donation. read more
The appeal was launched at the ceremony of signing contracts of partnerships between the British NGO "Oxfam" with other four local organisations, with view to implement projects of combat to the disease, with the financing of the European Union.
Simão de Amaral urged partners for a rigorous management of the project so that the beneficiaries feel the positive efforts of the donation. read more
Wait for HIV/AIDS drugs in S.C. ends
Hundreds of South Carolinians with HIV/AIDS who were waiting for lifesaving medicines can take their lives off hold thanks to a healthy dose of funds from the Legislature.
The AIDS Drug Assistance Program waiting list, which started mid-2006 and grew to 567 in April, has been cleared.
“We’re very pleased that finally we have been able to eliminate our waiting list after more than a year,” said Lynda Kettinger, director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s STD/HIV division. “It has been a very challenging time for patients, local providers and our staff.”
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The AIDS Drug Assistance Program waiting list, which started mid-2006 and grew to 567 in April, has been cleared.
“We’re very pleased that finally we have been able to eliminate our waiting list after more than a year,” said Lynda Kettinger, director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s STD/HIV division. “It has been a very challenging time for patients, local providers and our staff.”
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Drug company suspends HIV vaccine work
International drug company Merck has suspended work on an experimental vaccine that was regarded as one of the most promising in the fight against HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS.
Testing of the drug has stopped after a monitoring panel judged it to be ineffective.
The experiment called 'STEP' began three years ago, enrolling 3,000 volunteers.
All of them were initially free of HIV but they were at high risk of contracting the virus.
Most were homosexual men or female sex workers and Merck says they were repeatedly counselled about how to reduce their risk of HIV infection.
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Testing of the drug has stopped after a monitoring panel judged it to be ineffective.
The experiment called 'STEP' began three years ago, enrolling 3,000 volunteers.
All of them were initially free of HIV but they were at high risk of contracting the virus.
Most were homosexual men or female sex workers and Merck says they were repeatedly counselled about how to reduce their risk of HIV infection.
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NeurogesX Completes Enrollment in Confirmatory Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Painful HIV Distal Sensory Polyneuropathy
NeurogesX, Inc. announced today that it has completed enrollment in study C119, a second Phase 3 clinical trial of its lead product candidate NGX-4010 for the treatment of painful HIV-distal sensory polyneuropathy (HIV-DSP). NGX-4010 is a dermal patch designed to manage peripheral neuropathic pain. Previously completed Phase 3 trials demonstrated that a single, 30- or 60-minute treatment with NGX-4010 applied directly to the site of pain may provide pain relief for up to three months. C119 is a randomized, double-blind, controlled study that has enrolled over 480 patients at study sites in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. read more
League players spread HIV message in PNG
For the third year running, top Australian rugby league players have visited Papua New Guinea to deliver messages about HIV/AIDS awareness and non-violence against women.
An Australian prime minister's XIII in Port Moresby to play a PNG prime minister's XIII on Sunday took time on Saturday to visit a coastal village near the capital and an army barracks.
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An Australian prime minister's XIII in Port Moresby to play a PNG prime minister's XIII on Sunday took time on Saturday to visit a coastal village near the capital and an army barracks.
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LETTER OF THE DAY - HIV epidemic deserves 'reality check'
The activities for the past few weeks have been note-worthy in many ways. The people did not give the former Prime Minister her "mandate" and the one who left for the wilderness, returning as the prodigal son is now Jamaica's eighth Prime Minister.
But when all the euphoria vanishes, what we are left with is the realism of the country in which we live. The reality which I would like to highlight to your readers is the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
I am aware that this topic is discussed preferably in hushed tones, behind closed doors. However, if we are to stem the spread of this disease, we need to get rid of the 'Ostrich Syndrome'. read more
But when all the euphoria vanishes, what we are left with is the realism of the country in which we live. The reality which I would like to highlight to your readers is the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
I am aware that this topic is discussed preferably in hushed tones, behind closed doors. However, if we are to stem the spread of this disease, we need to get rid of the 'Ostrich Syndrome'. read more
Uganda: Army Warned on HIV
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has warned the Uganda People's Defence Forces against the AIDS scourge.
Passing out 2,231 HIV-free recruits who completed a nine-month course at the Kaweweta Military School, 291km northwest of Kampala on Thursday, Museveni cautioned the soldiers against reckless living.
This is the biggest problem for you, young people, reckless living. You end up sick and becoming a disappointment to your family, the army and the country. We did not train you to die of AIDS. We have trained you to live long, work for your army and your country." read more
Passing out 2,231 HIV-free recruits who completed a nine-month course at the Kaweweta Military School, 291km northwest of Kampala on Thursday, Museveni cautioned the soldiers against reckless living.
This is the biggest problem for you, young people, reckless living. You end up sick and becoming a disappointment to your family, the army and the country. We did not train you to die of AIDS. We have trained you to live long, work for your army and your country." read more
Possible HIV carrier sought on rape charges
A Salt Lake City man wanted for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl may also have HIV - the virus that causes AIDS - and may pose a public health risk, police warned Friday.
Christians Michell Ortiz, 22, is charged with rape and two counts of forcible sodomy, all first-degree felonies, as well as second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse.
Jeff Bedard, a Salt Lake City police spokesman, said the alleged victim is the daughter of a woman with whom Ortiz is acquainted. read more
Christians Michell Ortiz, 22, is charged with rape and two counts of forcible sodomy, all first-degree felonies, as well as second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse.
Jeff Bedard, a Salt Lake City police spokesman, said the alleged victim is the daughter of a woman with whom Ortiz is acquainted. read more
Star's HIV fear out of documentary
Pop star George Michael has asked the BBC not to broadcast an interview in which he discusses his HIV fears.
The singer spoke openly with Stephen Fry for a forthcoming documentary. He is said to have admitted that he has not taken a test for at least three years because he fears it might be positive.
His former partner, Anselmo Feleppa, died of an Aids-related illness in 1995.
But the interview has now been removed from the programme at Michael's request.
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The singer spoke openly with Stephen Fry for a forthcoming documentary. He is said to have admitted that he has not taken a test for at least three years because he fears it might be positive.
His former partner, Anselmo Feleppa, died of an Aids-related illness in 1995.
But the interview has now been removed from the programme at Michael's request.
read more
South Africa 'devastated' by halt of HIV vaccine trials
The supervisor of a major HIV vaccine trial in South Africa voiced "huge disappointment" Saturday after testing was halted in the wake of poor results from sister trials in Australia and the United States.
US pharmaceutical giant Merck announced on Friday that it had halted the trials of its V520 vaccine after a study found it to be ineffective.
"It is a huge disappointment because this vaccine has shown promise all the way through, but it's only when you get in on these big trials that you start to see how the vaccine behaves," South Africa trials supervisor Glenda Gray told AFP
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US pharmaceutical giant Merck announced on Friday that it had halted the trials of its V520 vaccine after a study found it to be ineffective.
"It is a huge disappointment because this vaccine has shown promise all the way through, but it's only when you get in on these big trials that you start to see how the vaccine behaves," South Africa trials supervisor Glenda Gray told AFP
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Young think HIV is curable - expert
A belief among some young HIV patients that the virus can be cured is leading to a rise in infection levels, a specialist has warned.
Dr Veerakathy Harindra, an HIV specialist in Portsmouth, told the BBC up to a quarter of the young people he sees believe their condition can be treated successfully.
He said the number of people diagnosed with the virus at his clinic has more than doubled since 2001.
And he warns better drug treatments which help manage HIV have led some people to wrongly believe it can actually be completely cured.
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Dr Veerakathy Harindra, an HIV specialist in Portsmouth, told the BBC up to a quarter of the young people he sees believe their condition can be treated successfully.
He said the number of people diagnosed with the virus at his clinic has more than doubled since 2001.
And he warns better drug treatments which help manage HIV have led some people to wrongly believe it can actually be completely cured.
read more
Friday, September 21, 2007
ICAAC: Incidence of non-AIDS-defining cancers remains higher for HIV-positive individuals despite HAART
The risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma and anal, liver and lung cancers all remain higher for HIV-positive than HIV-negative individuals in the post-HAART era, according to an analysis of US veterans. Results were presented as a poster at the 47th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in Chicago this week.
These non-AIDS-defining cancers were commonly occurring at CD4 cell counts that would not automatically lead a doctor to recommend treatment based on current guidelines, and in the case of prostate cancer, half of diagnoses occured in people with CD4 cell counts above 350 cells/mm3, the upper threshold of immune damage at which many people might be offered HIV treatment.
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These non-AIDS-defining cancers were commonly occurring at CD4 cell counts that would not automatically lead a doctor to recommend treatment based on current guidelines, and in the case of prostate cancer, half of diagnoses occured in people with CD4 cell counts above 350 cells/mm3, the upper threshold of immune damage at which many people might be offered HIV treatment.
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Uganda: Alienating Gays, Lesbians Will Spark Backfire
Ugandan moralist and pastor, Martin Ssempa, argued while being hosted on KFM's Hard Talk that it is untrue that gays and lesbians face discrimination when seeking HIV/Aids treatment, care and counselling at public and private health clinics.
While I found this argument absolutely under-researched, it proved to me just how much our local HIV/Aids care organisations and leaders are failing to understand the links between hetero and homosexual HIV transmission
read more
While I found this argument absolutely under-researched, it proved to me just how much our local HIV/Aids care organisations and leaders are failing to understand the links between hetero and homosexual HIV transmission
read more
International Lutherans Counsel ELCA In Developing HIV And AIDS Strategy
Discrimination and stigma, poverty and hunger, distribution of medicine and access to health care are critical issues to consider in addressing the HIV and AIDS pandemic, according to Lutherans from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and the United States.
In an effort to inform and advise members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) as the church develops an HIV and AIDS strategy, some Lutherans from around the world were invited here Sept. 10 to share with ELCA churchwide staff their experiences in HIV and AIDS work.
The center of the church's action is not on the virus but on the person, not on the disease but in the discrimination, said the Rev. Lisandro Orlov, a pastor of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Argentina (Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Unida), Buenos Aires. read more
In an effort to inform and advise members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) as the church develops an HIV and AIDS strategy, some Lutherans from around the world were invited here Sept. 10 to share with ELCA churchwide staff their experiences in HIV and AIDS work.
The center of the church's action is not on the virus but on the person, not on the disease but in the discrimination, said the Rev. Lisandro Orlov, a pastor of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Argentina (Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Unida), Buenos Aires. read more
Partnership The Key To Tackling HIV, STDs in PNG
This week in Port Moresby, a landmark partnership, the PNG-Australia Sexual Health Improvement Program (PASHIP), has been formalised to tackle the spread and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections, particularly HIV.
The PNG Government, the Australian Government and local and Australian NGOs have joined together in a 50 million Kina ($20 million AUD) program to take a proactive approach in tackling the scourge of HIV that is estimated to affect up to 2.5% - or 150,000 people in Papua New Guinea.
Caritas Australia, is in charge of rolling out the new partnership in the Southern Highlands, Simbu and the National Capital District of PNG, whilst four other NGOs and health providers will be involved in a total of eight provinces. read more
The PNG Government, the Australian Government and local and Australian NGOs have joined together in a 50 million Kina ($20 million AUD) program to take a proactive approach in tackling the scourge of HIV that is estimated to affect up to 2.5% - or 150,000 people in Papua New Guinea.
Caritas Australia, is in charge of rolling out the new partnership in the Southern Highlands, Simbu and the National Capital District of PNG, whilst four other NGOs and health providers will be involved in a total of eight provinces. read more
New standard emerges for HIV and Aids management in the workplace
A new South African National Standards (Sans) system, which will improve HIV and Aids management in the workplace, was launched by the South African Bearau of Standards (SABS). Education, Training and Counselling (ETC) MD Linzi Smith says that Sans 16001:2007 can be successfully implemented in all workplace environments including the public sector, the private sector, and the nongovernmental sector.
Smith states that many organisations have been implementing HIV and Aids workplace programmes on a trial-and-error basis, identifying what works, and what does not, through a process of elimination. However, she adds that there is still a lack of support from senior and middle management in implementing such programmes. read more
Smith states that many organisations have been implementing HIV and Aids workplace programmes on a trial-and-error basis, identifying what works, and what does not, through a process of elimination. However, she adds that there is still a lack of support from senior and middle management in implementing such programmes. read more
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Pregnancy May Slow -- Not Accelerate -- Progression To AIDS
A new study may help put to rest fears that pregnancy accelerates progression to full-blown AIDS in women with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy. The study, published in the October 1st issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases and now available online, revealed that pregnancy may, in fact, slow disease progression in these women.
Before the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), many women with HIV infection or AIDS were told that becoming pregnant would be unwise because there was thought to be a 25 percent risk of transmitting the virus to the child and that the effects of pregnancy on disease progression were unclear. It is now clear that the use of HAART in pregnancy can reduce the HIV transmission to the newborn to approximately 1 percent, but the effects of pregnancy on the HIV-infected woman remain unknown. read more
Before the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), many women with HIV infection or AIDS were told that becoming pregnant would be unwise because there was thought to be a 25 percent risk of transmitting the virus to the child and that the effects of pregnancy on disease progression were unclear. It is now clear that the use of HAART in pregnancy can reduce the HIV transmission to the newborn to approximately 1 percent, but the effects of pregnancy on the HIV-infected woman remain unknown. read more
HIV/AIDS Program May Be Named for Former First Lady
To ensure that one of the issues Effi Barry championed will not be forgotten, D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) introduced legislation this week to name the city's east-of-the-river HIV/AIDS initiative after the District's beloved former first lady.
"She is the only coordinator we ever had for that program, and it is fitting that we name this program in her memory and in her honor to make sure that it continues," Gray said after Barry's funeral service Friday. "We will be asking for more money in the FY '09 budget, and we are going to make sure that they are investing in Effi's legacy." read more
"She is the only coordinator we ever had for that program, and it is fitting that we name this program in her memory and in her honor to make sure that it continues," Gray said after Barry's funeral service Friday. "We will be asking for more money in the FY '09 budget, and we are going to make sure that they are investing in Effi's legacy." read more
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