Outdated laws block earlier detection, treatment of HIV Oct 6, 2009
Up to 70 percent of new HIV infections stem from unknown carriers who are not aware they are HIV positive. Additionally, US infection rates have not fallen in over a decade, and it was recently discovered that the United States has been underestimating HIV infections by more than 40 percent. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Continuing racial differences in HIV prevalence in US Oct 6, 2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 45% of new HIV infections in the U.S. in 2006 occurred among non-Hispanic blacks. Among the 13,184 adolescents and young adults in The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative study, HIV seroprevalence was almost 0. (EurekAlert!)
CKMS teacher goes on safari in Zambia (381) Oct 5, 2009
With the village elder s permission, I carried them to the principal of a bush school with eight teachers and 400-plus students, 114 of whom are AIDS orphans and 15 with active HIV infections. Some walk 80 kilometers round trip to get their meds. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Tenfold rise in HIV treatment for poor: UN Oct 1, 2009
The biggest progress was recorded in sub-Saharan Africa, where two-thirds of all HIV infections occur, said the joint report by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). "Access to antiretroviral therapy continues to expand at a rapid rate," said the report. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Scientists join forces to explain HIV spread in Central and East Africa Sep 30, 2009
In Eastern Europe, HIV infections more than doubled from 420,000 in 1998 to 1 million in 2001. "If we can predict the specific routes of an epidemic, we can find the geographic regions more at risk and target these areas with medical intervention and strategies for prevention," Salemi said. (EurekAlert!)
Ignorance is a voluntary condition.... Sep 25, 2009
Most HIV infections are voluntary. Score: -6. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Botswana: World HIV/Aids Figures Go Up Sep 18, 2009
The theme of the three day workshop is: 'Strengthening linkages between Sexual Reproductive Health (SHR) and HIV: Sharing evidence and best practices". It has brought together health officials from the region. Malefho said according to the UNAIDS/WHO, around 67% of people living with HIV are in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa has 11.6 million orphans. He added that it is critical to identify interventions that will ensure realisation of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) especially those on... (allAfrica.com)
GJA partner GAC on HIV/AIDS education Sep 15, 2009
Dr Angela El-Adas, Acting Director-General, GAC, said even though HIV infections was stabilising in Ghana, the annual new cases being reported was very high and likely to rise. He said the Commission had therefore drawn a five-year programme to invest in evidence-based prevention interventions. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
A 'work in progress' (956) Sep 15, 2009
Michael wrote on Sep 14, 2009 9:17 AM:" Federal Law should not supersede state law.... that's the entire point of having states, so that laws may vary as the residents see fit. Yes, federal laws are in conflict with state laws. And this proves that the federal government is out of touch with the desires of the people. Local governments are naturally more in touch, so local laws should dominate.On the topic of drug legalization, follow this... (St. Joseph Herald-Pallidium, MI)
HK reports 98 HIV cases in second quarter Sep 9, 2009
HONG KONG, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong reported 98 cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in the second quarter of 2009, the Center for Health Protection of the Hong Kong government announced Tuesday. Of the 98 HIV cases, which comprised 80 males and 18 females, 20 acquired the infection via heterosexual contact, 35 via homosexual or bisexual contact, five through drug injection, one through blood/blood product infusion, one through mother-to-child transmission. (Xinhuanet, China)
Two New Antibodies Found To Cripple HIV: 'Achilles' Heel On Virus For AIDS Vaccine Researchers To Exploit Sep 6, 2009
The two newly discovered bNAbs, called PG9 and PG16, are the first to have been identified in more than a decade and are the first to have been isolated from donors in developing countries, where the majority of new HIV infections occur. Moreover, previously identified bNAbs against HIV have functioned by binding to places on HIV that have proven difficult to exploit by means of vaccine design. (Science Daily)
Msians still ignorant about the spread of AIDS Sep 6, 2009
"Worldwide, more than 50 percent of all new HIV infections occur in those between 10 and 24 years. Daily, over 7000 young people were infected with HIV," she said. Low said although the Ministry of Health had implemented the "Prostar" programme for young people aimed at increasing their knowledge on HIV/AIDS, the survey found that there was still a large number of youths who were unaware of it. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Niger: Migration, Sex, Remoteness Boost HIV Risk in East Niger Sep 5, 2009
Bosso Sex workers crossing into Niger's east, as well as busy border traffic of livestock breeders, businessmen and migrants, boost the risk of HIV infections in Diffa region, according to the government. But despite the region having the country's highest recorded HIV prevalence rate, there are too-few testing centres and little awareness about the virus among a transient population, local officials told IRIN.. (allAfrica.com)
Fresh targets give hope for HIV vaccine Sep 5, 2009
The two newly discovered HIV-specific antibodies are the first to be identified in more than a decade and the first from an HIV carrier living in the developing world, where most new HIV infections occur. The molecules target a protein on the surface of the virus called gp120 that is used to infect human cells, but at a region of the protein that is conserved among most HIV strains. (Scientific American)
How to Protect Your Child from Swin... Sep 5, 2009
Children, the elderly, and those who have compromised immune systems like patients with HIV infections are more susceptible to serious symptoms from a swine flu infection. The CDC has also for people who have a high risk factor for infection. (Suite101.com)
Scripps Discovery May Lead To AIDS Vaccine Sep 4, 2009
The two newly discovered antibodies -- PG9 and PG16 -- are the first to have been identified in more than a decade and the first to have been isolated from donors in developing countries, where the majority of new HIV infections occur, according to Scripps. Copyright 2009 by City News Service. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Rwanda: Country Achieving 'Impressive' Results With HIV, TB Sep 3, 2009
Earlier this week, Mr. Sidib; addressed the 59th session of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Kigali, where he stressed the urgent need stop new HIV infections and called for a sea-change approach to prevent sexual transmission of HIV. "Prevention must become our watchword, the banner we raise in this critical stage of the response.". Be the first to. (allAfrica.com)
They are going to 'nag' until they get their way Sep 1, 2009
MSM accounted for 71% of all HIV infections among male adults and adolescents in 2005 (based on data from 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting), even though only about 5% to 7% of male adults and adolescents in the United States identify themselves as MSM".Source: Center For Disease Control & Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/msm/resources/factsheets/msm.htm ". jbhiker wrote on Aug 31, 2009 7:07 AM:" Gosh Ed, I cannot think of a single gay person who thinks they... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Citing Condom is condoning and creatng crises Aug 30, 2009
Scientific research has proved that condom usage is one of the very few proven measures to prevent HIV infections. What these scientific findings have woefully failed to address is the inability to reveal the adverse impact of the usage of condom. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
HIV subtype linked to increased likelihood for dementia Aug 29, 2009
Nearly half of patients with advanced HIV infections have at least mild cognitive impairments, and about 5 percent have the severe form of cognitive impairment known as dementia. In earlier research, Ned Sacktor, M.D., and his colleagues found that about 31 percent of patients visiting an infectious disease clinic in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, where subtypes A and D dominate, had dementia. (EurekAlert!)
South Africa: A Diagnosis of SA's Health System - Living With Aids # 402 Aug 28, 2009
Reducing HIV infections, maternal mortality and the deaths of children under the age of five are some of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, which South Africa is a signatory to. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, acknowledged that the country is far from reaching the goals that it aspires to. (allAfrica.com)
Circumcision May Not Protect Gays From HIV Aug 27, 2009
But they account for more than half of the new HIV infections each year. Previous research has suggested circumcision doesn't make a difference when anal sex is involved. (KIRO TV, WA)
* Eastern Europe must rethink its hardline policy on drug use Aug 27, 2009
Portugal recently went a step further in voting to decriminalize recreational drugs, including heroin and cocaine X a move that has led to a significant decline in drug-related deaths and a fall in new HIV infections. Second, lawmakers should listen to their constituents X a recent public awareness campaign by Gazeta Wyborcza, a leading Polish daily newspaper, collected more than 23,000 signatures in five days for a petition calling for changes to the current drug law. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
AIDS spreading rapidly among Canada's aboriginals Aug 26, 2009
Aboriginals with HIV infections also tend to be younger than other infected Canadians and more often women. "(It's) partly because of the vulnerabilities of that group -- (especially) if they're addicted and dependent on the sex trade for their income," said Dr. Moira McKinnon, chief medical health officer for Saskatchewan. (AlertNet)
Another View: Give Obama your advice on how to combat AIDS Aug 26, 2009
According to ONAP, todays meeting in Atlanta will seek views from participants on how to reduce HIV infections, increase access to care and reduce HIV-related health disparities. Other cities on the itinerary include New York, Los Angeles, Jackson, Miss. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Educating about AIDS Aug 25, 2009
The White House says there are 56,000 new HIV infections in the U.S. each year. The first community discussion will be held Tuesday in Atlanta. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Uganda: MPs Want Compulsory HIV/Aids Testing Aug 22, 2009
He noted that out of every 100 new HIV infections, 43 are carried in marriage. "The nation can break through its stagnant seroprevalence of 6-7 per cent by fuelling a new social movement of urgency about the virus," Dr Apuuli suggested. (allAfrica.com)
Charting the HIV/AIDS epidemic Aug 22, 2009
And the latest estimates indicate that U.S. prevention efforts have averted at least 350,000 HIV infections and more than $125 billion in AIDS treatment costs alone ... This is particularly concerning since men who have sex with men account for more than half of new HIV infections in the country and this is the only group in whom new infections are increasing. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Synthetic Protein Thwarts HIV Infection in Lab Aug 19, 2009
MONDAY, Aug. 17 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers report they were able to block HIV infections in the lab with synthetic proteins that prevented the virus from entering healthy cells. In the study, researchers developed synthetic molecules that interfered with the ability of a key HIV protein called gp41 to interact with proteins in host cells. (MEDLINEplus)
Report: 50 million women in Asia at HIV risk Aug 12, 2009
Women make up 35 percent of all adult HIV infections in Asia now, up from 17 percent in 1990. Reversing a cultureMaire Bopp-Allport, head of the Pacific Islands Aids Foundation, contracted the AIDS virus from her boyfriend around 1996. (MSNBC -- Health)
50 mln women in Asia at risk of HIV infection - UNAIDS Aug 12, 2009
Women make up 35 percent of all adult HIV infections in Asia now, up from 17 percent in 1990. REVERSING A CULTURE. (AlertNet)
HIV infection: 50 mln Asian women at risk, UN warns Aug 11, 2009
Women accounted for 35 percent of all adult HIV infections in Asia in 2008, up from 17 percent in 1990, according to the report. In Cambodia, India and Thailand, the largest number of new HIV infections occur among married women and in Indonesia the virus is now spreading to long-term partners and sex workers, it added. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Safeway recalls ground beef Aug 8, 2009
Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and people with HIV infections or undergoing chemotherapy. Symptoms diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever can start within eight to 72 hours after eating salmonella-tainted food, experts say. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Immune Systems of AIDS Patients More Prone to HPV Cancers Aug 4, 2009
"Given that individuals currently infected with HIV may obtain little benefit from available HPV vaccines our results underscore the need for effective screening for cervical cancer and anal cancer among persons with HIV infections or AIDS," the researchers wrote. The study was published online July 31 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. (MEDLINEplus)
TOUGH TIMES: Budget cuts to HIV funding hurt the Imperial Valley Aug 4, 2009
Due to a recent budget cut by the state, some of the resources needed to prevent HIV infections, as well as treat those who are diagnosed, will be eliminated. In Imperial County, nearly 210 people have been diagnosed with AIDS since 1983, Curran said. (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
Uzbekistan: Activists Strive to Raise Awareness about HIV/AIDS Aug 4, 2009
Though AIDS education in schools is widespread, and young people are often well informed about the topic, the official press rarely acknowledges problems within the country, most especially the growing number of HIV infections. The Uzbek government is also reluctant to openly address a drug or HIV/AIDS problem. (EurasiaNet.org)
HIV in SA stabilising Aug 1, 2009
This will become clearer when data on new HIV infections, or incidence of the disease, become available later in the year, but the estimated incidence among young people, based on prevalence, showed a substantial drop since 2005, particularly among teenagers. Risky behaviours. (iAfrica.com)
Civil society can do more to fight AIDS Jul 31, 2009
HIV transmission associated with the sale of blood and blood plasma in central China in the 1990s appears to be largely contained, and the majority of new HIV infections were caused by syringe sharing among drug users or sexual transmission. Since 1985, about 223,000 HIV cases, including 63,000 AIDS cases, have been reported. (Xinhuanet, China)
Governor signs $84.5 billion spending plan Jul 30, 2009
Mark Cloutier, executive director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, called the cut "grossly irresponsible" and said it will lead to increased HIV infections. "This means there are going to be more people who are HIV-positive who are unwittingly infecting others," Cloutier said. (San Francisco Chronicle)
SPECIAL REPORT ON TEEN SEX: Unprotected sex leads to unplanned future for teen (350) Jul 30, 2009
Making it worse, the American Social Health Association reports that half of all new HIV infections occur in teenagers. The CDC has stated that these alarming statistics could be reduced if teenagers were properly educated, beginning at home. (Benson San Pedro Valley News Sun, AZ)
HIV families relocated in Cambodia Jul 29, 2009
The agency reported a risk of second-wave HIV infections among high-risk populations, such as female sex workers, their clients and their partners. The families relocated by the Cambodian government worked mostly as day laborers, motorcycle taxi drivers, seamstresses and cleaners, the human rights groups said. (CNN -- Health)
Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Labor, HHS, Appropriations Bill, Which Lifts Ban on Needle Exchange Jul 25, 2009
These initiatives are an effective public health intervention that reduces the number of new HIV infections without increasing the use of illegal drugs. "By lifting the ban on federal funding for needle exchange, the language in the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill reflects this sound science. Today's defeat of an amendment that would have reinstated the ban was a victory for science, for public health, for people living with HIV/AIDS, and for people at risk for HIV infection. As this... (PR Newswire)
House lifts ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs Jul 25, 2009
These initiatives are an effective public health intervention that reduces the number of new HIV infections without increasing the use of illegal drugs. The vote was taken as the House passed, 264 to 153, a massive spending bill for health, labor, and education programs for the upcoming budget year, cementing big spending increases for a swath of programs. (Boston Globe)
New Method For HIV Testing Holds Promise For Developing World Jul 24, 2009
According to UNAIDS, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for almost a third of all new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths globally ... They examined Tanzanian infants born to HIV-infected parents and people with known HIV infections who needed monitoring of their viral loads. (Science Daily)
MSF: AIDS drug shortage threatens Africa Jul 20, 2009
The United Nations last month warned governments against using the global economic crisis as an excuse to cut funding for fighting AIDS at a time when there are nearly five new HIV infections for every two people put on treatment. "With reports of drug shortages here and elsewhere foremost on our minds, we must hold our leaders accountable for the needless deaths that will result, along with countless preventable infections," said the South African co-chairman of the conference, Dr. Hoosen Jerry... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Uganda: 92,000 New HIV Infections Registered Jul 16, 2009
com: Uganda: 92,000 New HIV Infections Registered (Page 1 of 1). Uganda: 92,000 New HIV Infections Registered. (allAfrica.com)
FAIR CEO Blasts Kaiser Foundation & Public Agenda HIV/AIDS Study Results as "Absolute Nonsense" Jul 14, 2009
The studies by Kaiser and Public Agenda also suggest that the stigma associated with HIV infection is partially responsible for the new HIV infections each year. Darling responds, "It's not the stigma causing infections; it's the lack of responsibility by infected patients, their partners or IV drug users who do not employ prevention methods that will eliminate the transmission of body fluids or blood. Indeed, HIV/AIDS is preventable. This is accomplished easily and cheaply with the purchase of... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Africa: Gender Finally Moving to Forefront of Aids Fight Jul 8, 2009
Likewise, the expectation of women to continue having children and to breast-feed, even once infected, causes many pediatric HIV infections via mother-child transmission. One less-explored HIV-prevention option is birth control. (allAfrica.com)
* New DOH measures boost methadone therapy subsidies Jul 2, 2009
REDUCING AIDS: Health officials said the program has helped cut the rate of new HIV infections ... After the methadone therapy program began in 2006, the number of new HIV infections decreased from 2,381 in 2005 to 368 in 2008. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Taiwan)
Race origins and health disparites Jun 27, 2009
Her research involves both documenting and understanding trends in the distribution of HIV infections and developing effective HIV prevention interventions. She has conducted and led numerous studies examining the prevalence of HIV infection and risky behaviors in a variety of high-risk populations. (EurekAlert!)
Myths hamper Aids fight Jun 25, 2009
Last Updated: 01:35pm 28 May 2009. 5 22 SPONSORED LINKS. (iAfrica.com)
Check HIV Infections in Your Neighborhood (1:25 p.m.) Jun 23, 2009
ATLANTA (AP) - A new Internet data map offers a first-of-its-kind, county-level look at HIV cases in the U.S. and finds the infection rates tend to be highest in the South. According to the map, 25 of the 48 counties with the highest prevalence rates for HIV that hadn't yet progressed to AIDS were in Georgia. (WTVR.com, VA)
> Quarter of SA men rape? Jun 19, 2009
The country has the highest number of HIV infections in the world. Sapa Digg. (iAfrica.com)
One in four South African men admit to rape: study Jun 19, 2009
The country has the highest number of HIV infections in the world. AFP. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
AHF to L.A. County: Shut Down Porn Sets Jun 18, 2009
County Asleep at Switch on HIV Infections in Porn Industry; AHF to Call on Health Officials to Use Existing California Law to Stop Spread of STDs, including HIV ... AHF will also criticize the Countys handling and reporting of one or more recently reported HIV infections found in actors in the industry. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Same-sex partners of federal workers receive some benefits -- but not health care... Jun 18, 2009
Gay and bisexual men (MSM) comprise 54% of new HIV infections each year. If one uses Statistics Canada figure of 1. (The Drudge Report)
Between 5-10 percent HIV infections is due blood transfusion Jun 17, 2009
Ho, June 16, GNA - Dr. Geoffrey R. K. Nyamuame, Medical Superintendent of the Volta Regional Hospital on Monday said: "In our part of the world, between five to ten (5-10) per cent of HIV infections were transmitted through transfusion of contaminated blood." He said "many more recipients of blood are infected by Hepatitis B and C viruses, Syphilis and other infectious agents such as chagas". Dr. Nyamuame said this in a welcome address at the 2009 World Blood Donor Day celebration in Ho. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
UN chief warns against cutting AIDS funding Jun 17, 2009
UNITED NATIONS -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned governments Tuesday against using the economic crisis as an excuse to cut funding for fighting AIDS at a time when there are nearly five new HIV infections for every two people put on treatment. He called for "bold action" not only to increase funding but also to break down social barriers to achieve the goal set by world leaders in 2006 of universal access to comprehensive HIV prevention services, treatment, care and support by 2010. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
South Africa: President's Address Receives Mixed Reaction Jun 4, 2009
He said in the past the government would deny the reality of problems such as the crisis in Zimbabwe and the rate of HIV infections. "I am impressed with the honesty with which the President presented his address.He admitted the problems we have in corruption, crime, health and other areas. It was an address that goes back to basics.". (allAfrica.com)
Chandigarh: Condom promotion drive Jun 2, 2009
"So our aim is to educate people, especially youths and women, and to motivate them to use condoms to prevent not only HIV infections but also the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.". Yuvsatta had earlier opened 'condom bars' in its field offices in different slums to distribute free condoms. (India Times, India)
South Africa: HIV-Prevention Policy 'Not Working' Jun 1, 2009
Johannesburg A VISITING US congressman has expressed concern about SA s inability to significantly reduce the level of new HIV infections despite education and prevention campaigns. US Congressman Donald Payne, chairman of the House subcommittee on Africa and global health, told Business Day on Friday that something was amiss about SA's efforts to prevent new infections. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: How Michelle Obama Can Help Africa May 30, 2009
The facts of the Aids epidemic make a compelling case: the number of HIV infections among women and girls continues to rise in every region of the world, reaching 60 percent of those living with HIV/Aids in sub-Saharan Africa, including three-quarters of 15 to 24-year-olds in some severely affected countries. In the United States, Aids is the leading cause of death for black women aged between 25 and 34. (allAfrica.com)
Doctor: HIV infections will never be traced to VA May 10, 2009
Place an obit: (559) 441-6228. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Drugs in Portugal: Did Decriminalization Work? May 9, 2009
The paper, published by Cato in April, found that in the five years after personal possession was decriminalized, illegal drug use among teens in Portugal declined and rates of new HIV infections caused by sharing of dirty needles dropped, while the number of people seeking treatment for drug addiction more than doubled ... New HIV infections in drug users fell by 17% between 1999 and 2003, and deaths related to heroin and similar drugs were cut by more than half. (Time.com)
WHO says up to 2 billion people might get H1N1 flu May 8, 2009
Some younger people in the Southern Hemisphere may be more vulnerable because of poor diet, war, HIV infections and other factors. "We expect this kind of event to unfold over weeks and months," Fukuda said. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
