Agence France-Presse - Table of Contents 'English'

2006

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December

South Korean scientists in AIDS breakthrough: Agence France-Presse - December 29, 2006; SEOUL, Dec 29, 2006 (AFP) - South Korean scentists said Friday they are closer to understanding how a protein found in both primates and humans blocks the progression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the apes.
Libya rejects Western pressure over AIDS trial: Afaf Geblawi; Agence France-Presse - December 29, 2006; TRIPOLI, Dec 29, 2006 (AFP) - Libya accused the West on Friday of pressuring Tripoli to quash the death sentence passed on five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor convicted of deliberately infecting children with AIDS.
Algeria promotes condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS: Boubker Belkadi; Agence France-Presse - December 26, 2006; ALGIERS, Dec 26, 2006 (AFP) - Long taboo, condoms have made a startling entrance into the media in this conservative Muslim country once gripped by an Islamic insurgency but now taking on a very different threat: HIV/AIDS.
Libya, Bulgaria urged not to politicise AIDS trial: Agence France-Presse - December 23, 2006; CAIRO, Dec 23, 2006 (AFP) - The Arab League on Saturday urged all parties involved in the case of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor sentenced to death by a Libyan court in an AIDS case not to politicise the issue.
AIDS causes life insurers to take stock: Mariette le Roux; Agence France-Presse - December 22, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Dec 22, 2006 (AFP) - As AIDS continues to reap a grim toll among South Africans in their prime, life insurers are being forced to re-evaluate the products and services they offer.
India promotes female condoms to check AIDS: Agence France-Presse - December 19, 2006; KOLKATA, India, Dec 19, 2006 (AFP) - Sex workers in one of Asia's largest red light districts here are being shown how to use female condoms in a bid to contain the spread of HIV-AIDS, a first in India, officials said Tuesday.
South African centre eases pain on wallet of AIDS drugs: Fran Blandy; Agence France-Presse - December 17, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Dec 17, 2006 (AFP) - A new US-funded clinic in downtown Johannesburg is giving hundreds of South African HIV sufferers a first chance to afford anti-retroviral drugs by offering them at a third of the market rate.
Hong Kong alarmed by possible linked HIV infections: Agence France-Presse - December 14, 2006; HONG KONG, Dec 14, 2006 (AFP) - Hong Kong's health department said Thursday it had detected possible linked HIV infections in two groups of men, raising fears that more people could be infected and pushing the HIV risk in the city to a new high.
Circumcision reduces by half risk of contracting AIDS virus: studies: Agence France-Presse - December 13, 2006; WASHINGTON, Dec 13, 2006 (AFP) - Circumcision reduces by about half the risk of contracting the AIDS virus, according to two new studies released Wednesday and that could have significant implications in the fight against the deadly disease.
Global Fund says malaria "collapsing" in some areas as treatment improves: Agence France-Presse - December 13, 2006; GENEVA, Dec 13, 2006 (AFP) - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria said on Wednesday that malaria is "collapsing" in some areas of the world as more families had access to bed nets that help prevent infection.
AIDS-hit Southern Africa mulls new combat strategies: Felix Mponda; Agence France-Presse - December 12, 2006; BLANTYRE, Dec 12, 2006 (AFP) - Southern African nations Tuesday mulled ways to rope high-risk groups into the fight against HIV/AIDS in the world's worst-affected region as they started a three-day meeting in Malawi.
UN special envoy vows to help Zimbabwe fight AIDS: Agence France-Presse - December 11, 2006; HARARE, Dec 11, 2006 (AFP) - UN special envoy James Morris on Monday pledged to help Zimbabwe fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic ravaging the economically blighted nation during a farewell tour of the region.
South African lifespans cut short by AIDS: Fran Blandy; Agence France-Presse - December 11, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Dec 11, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa, which has the world's second heaviest caseload of HIV/AIDS, has seen average life expectancy fall by 13 years since 1990 to 51, a new study has said.
Africa lacks skills, money to fight AIDS-related cancer: expert: Agence France-Presse - December 11, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Dec 11, 2006 (AFP) - Africa lacks the resources and skills to combat some kinds of cancers which are spreading due to HIV and AIDS, an expert said Monday.
UNAIDS calls for full probe of Moscow drug clinic blaze: Agence France-Presse - December 11, 2006; GENEVA, Dec 11, 2006 (AFP) - The United Nations agency leading the global campaign against HIV/AIDS on Monday called for a full investigation into the fire that swept through Russia's largest drug rehabilitation clinic in Moscow, killing 45 women.
South Africa failing its children: report: Agence France-Presse - December 10, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Dec 10, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa has failed to provide its children with a way out of poverty, damning them to a life of violence and deprivation, a new report cited by a Sunday newspaper said.
India's copycat drug firms bid for healthy future in basic research: Nicolas Revise; Agence France-Presse - December 10, 2006; MUMBAI, Dec 10, 2006 (AFP) - India's pharmaceutical companies, which amassed fortunes copying generic drugs from the West, are facing up to the challenge of developing their own medicines.
AIDS: Money crunch is looming, warns UN envoy: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - December 10, 2006; PARIS, Dec 10, 2006 (AFP) - African countries are now getting serious about fighting AIDS but their efforts are once more at threat from an impending funding crisis, United Nations envoy Stephen Lewis says.
UN's envoy hails Malawi for wider rollout of free AIDS drugs: Agence France-Presse - December 9, 2006; LILONGWE, Dec 9, 2006 (AFP) - James Morris, the United Nations special envoy for southern Africa, on Saturday hailed Malawi for expanding the rollout of anti-retroviral drugs to reach 70,000 AIDS sufferers by the end of this year.
AIDS: UN envoy hails South Africa shift as "breakthrough": Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - December 9, 2006; PARIS, Dec 9, 2006 (AFP) - UN Special Envoy Stephen Lewis says South Africa had made "a breakthrough" on AIDS after sidelining its controversial health minister and unveiling a new programme for helping people with HIV.
Condoms too big for most Indian men: report: Agence France-Presse - December 8, 2006; NEW DELHI, Dec 8, 2006 (AFP) - Indian men's penises do not match international sizes and most condoms on sale in the country are too big, according to a medical study reported on Friday.
Cambodian prostitute stabs client after he snubs condom: Agence France-Presse - December 8, 2006; PHNOM PENH, Dec 8, 2006 (AFP) - A 24-year-old Cambodian prostitute has been arrested for stabbing her client in the stomach after he refused to wear a condom, police said Friday.
Indian school expels HIV pupils: Agence France-Presse - December 8, 2006; NEW DELHI, Dec 8, 2006 (AFP) - A primary school in southern India has thrown out five HIV-positive children after the parents of other pupils threatened to remove them, a newspaper reported Friday.
Malaria, AIDS virus fueling each other in Africa: US study: Agence France-Presse - December 7, 2006; SEATTLE, Washington, Dec 7, 2006 (AFP) - Malaria and the AIDS virus appear to be fueling each-other's spread in sub-Saharan Africa in a kind of self-perpetuating loop, according to a new US study published Thursday.
New scientific study takes aim at charges in Libya's AIDS trial: Agence France-Presse - December 6, 2006; PARIS, Dec 6, 2006 (AFP) - A new study published in a top science journal says that six foreign medical workers, charged in Libya with deliberately infecting hundreds of children with the AIDS virus, are innocent.
Vietnam cheers Clinton on HIV/AIDS tour: Le Thang Long; Agence France-Presse - December 6, 2006; HANOI, Dec 6, 2006 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton was greeted by cheering crowds Wednesday on an AIDS campaign stop in Vietnam, where he is fondly remembered as the first US leader to visit the communist nation.
WHO calls for more access to vaccines in developing nations: Agence France-Presse - December 6, 2006; BANGKOK, Dec 6, 2006 (AFP) - The World Health Organization on Wednesday called for more access to vaccines for life-threatening diseases such as yellow fever, influenza and hepatitis B in developing nations.
AIDS threatens half of Zambian youths: Red Cross: Agence France-Presse - December 5, 2006; LUSAKA, Dec 5, 2006 (AFP) - The Red Cross Society in Zambia warned Tuesday that half the country's youth risk dying of AIDS as it launched a 50 million dollar appeal to finance a scale-up of its fight against HIV.
Malaysia aims to cut HIV infection rate by 20 pct in next year: Agence France-Presse - December 5, 2006; KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5, 2006 (AFP) - Malaysia aims to cut its HIV infection rate by 20 percent in the next year with the implementation of several "high-impact" programs, Health Minister Chua Soi Lek said Tuesday.
Chinese AIDS patients win landmark compensation claim: Agence France-Presse - December 5, 2006; BEIJING, Dec 5, 2006 (AFP) - A group of Chinese AIDS sufferers who contracted the HIV virus from hospital blood transfusions will receive more than 2.5 million dollars compensation in a landmark case, state media said Tuesday.
Ex-US president Clinton made honorary Papua New Guinea chief: Agence France-Presse - December 4, 2006; SYDNEY, Dec 4, 2006 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton has been made an honorary chief of Papua New Guinea during a visit aimed at promoting the fight against AIDS in the disastrously-stricken Pacific nation.
China's worst hit AIDS province plans HIV tests before marriage: Peter Harmsen; Agence France-Presse - December 3, 2006; BEIJING, Dec 3, 2006 (AFP) - Officials in China's worst hit AIDS province plan compulsory pre-marital HIV tests as part of a series of tough measures to stem the spread of the fatal virus, state media said Sunday.
Nigerian president takes HIV test on World AIDS Day: Agence France-Presse - December 2, 2006; LAGOS, Dec 2, 2006 (AFP) - Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, 69, took a voluntary HIV-AIDS test Friday in Abuja in a move to encourage Nigerians to emulate the practice, press reports said Saturday.
EU stresses young women, prevention in AIDS fight: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; HELSINKI, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - At a seminar marking World AIDS day in Helsinki on Friday the Finnish EU presidency urged an improvement in the status of young women and prevention in tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Encouraging signs in Africa's anti-AIDS fight: WHO official: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - There were encouraging signs in the African continent's fight against AIDS, with an apparent decline in adult prevalence in a number of countries, the World Health Organisation said Friday.
World AIDS Day: Sexual abstinence, condom debates flare anew: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - Two ethical controversies flared into life on World AIDS Day on Friday as the United States and South Africa backed sexual abstinence in their mix of programmes to fight AIDS and British leader Tony Blair lashed at religious bans on condoms.
Rallies, condom carnival as world marks AIDS Day: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; NEW DELHI, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - AIDS sufferers marched in India, activists staged a carnival of condoms in Bangkok and UN chief Kofi Annan urged greater efforts to fight the disease as countries across the globe marked World AIDS Day Friday.
Aung San Suu Kyi's party throws feast for people with HIV: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; YANGON, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - Aung San Suu Kyi's pro-democracy party threw a feast for people with HIV to mark World AIDS Day on Friday, while urging the military government to do more to ease their suffering.
No AIDS in North Korea thanks to leader: Pyongyang: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; SEOUL, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - North Korea claimed on Friday on World AIDS Day that it has no cases of the incurable disease, attributing the absence to the wise guidance of the Stalinist state's leader Kim Jong-Il.
Condom carnival celebrates World AIDS Day in Thailand: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; BANGKOK, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - Thai activists created a carnival of condoms in a downtown Bangkok park Friday to mark World AIDS Day, hoping to reignite Thailand's celebrated prevention programs that some fear have begun to lag.
Marchers in India's northeast seek to stop AIDS "time-bomb": Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; GUWAHATI, India, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - Thousands of people in India's northeast which is in the grips of a worsening HIV-AIDs epidemic marched Friday calling for action to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
Australia vows 170 million dollars for Asia Pacific HIV battle: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; SYDNEY, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - Australia on Friday pledged an extra 215 million dollars (170 million US) to help its neighbours tackle one of the world's fastest growing HIV epidemics, amid signs it was losing its own battle.
China to promote condom use among gays: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; BEIJING, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - China will launch a five-year campaign next year to promote condom use among the country's millions of homosexuals amid data showing only one in five gays use them regularly, state media said Friday.
Stigma remains greatest hurdle in Kenya's fight against AIDS: Karen Calabria; Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; NAIROBI, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - Three-year-old Ibraham Akinyi pushes a toy car made of scrap metal across a makeshift wooden table, oblivious to the horrors that befell his mother, Beatrice, after his father's death from AIDS in 2003.
Senegal: clandestine sex workers linked to rising HIV/AIDS rates: Makiko Kitamura; Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; GUEDIAWAYE, Senegal, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - Senegal's bid to control HIV/AIDS has achieved one of Africa's lowest overall infection rates at less than one percent -- disguising a dangerous rise among vulnerable groups like sex workers and gay men.
AIDS to exact growing toll on global labour force: ILO: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2006; GENEVA, Dec 1, 2006 (AFP) - HIV/AIDS will exact a growing toll on the world's labour force despite improved access to life-saving treatments and slow down economic growth in the hardest-hit countries, the International Labour Organisation warned on Friday.

November

New worries for AIDS success stories in Southeast Asia: Nanci Bompey; Agence France-Presse - November 30, 2006; BANGKOK, Nov 30, 2006 (AFP) - Nee's blind eyes stare out vacantly as she quietly recounts the day she discovered that she had contracted HIV.
Loans, empowerment training net slow gains among South African women: Agence France-Presse - November 30, 2006; PARIS, Nov 30, 2006 (AFP) - An innovative attempt to measure the effects of microlending and gender empowerment among poor women in Africa suggests the benefits are tangible but need time to take root.
Poor country AIDS treatment risks collapse without cheaper drugs: MSF: Agence France-Presse - November 29, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 29, 2006 (AFP) - International institutions need to "get serious" about cutting the cost of essential but expensive newer HIV/AIDS medicines otherwise treatment programmes in poor countries will court collapse, the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said Wednesday.
UN calls for action to cut massive TB deaths in Asia: Agence France-Presse - November 29, 2006; JAKARTA, Nov 29, 2006 (AFP) - The United Nations Wednesday called for concerted action to tackle tuberculosis which kills more than one million people every year in Asia and is also a major cause of death for those with HIV/AIDS.
Africa urged to break deafening silence on AIDS: Jerome Cartillier; Agence France-Presse - November 29, 2006; DURBAN, South Africa, Nov 29, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's veteran Zulu leader Mangosutho Buthelezi, who has lost two children to AIDS, says the pandemic-blighted continent should stop sweeping the disease under the carpet.
South Africa finetunes AIDS policy to shore up battered image: Chris Otton; Agence France-Presse - November 29, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 29, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa, ridiculed at home and abroad over its approach to the disease, will seek to silence its critics and paper over internal rifts with a major new strategy to combat AIDS.
AIDS in figures: Agence France-Presse - November 29, 2006; PARIS, Nov 29, 2006 (AFP) - Here are the latest figures for the global AIDS pandemic (source: UNAIDS/WHO, November 2006)
AIDS: Treatment campaign at critical point, experts warn: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - November 29, 2006; PARIS, Nov 29, 2006 (AFP) - Hard-won gains in the effort to get anti-HIV drugs to the world's poor face being wiped out by government inaction, experts are warning in the runup to World AIDS Day on Friday.
A quarter-century of AIDS: A timeline: Agence France-Presse - November 29, 2006; PARIS, Nov 29, 2006 (AFP) - Here are landmarks in the history of AIDS, ahead of World AIDS Day on Friday:
HIV/AIDS cases up by more than 70 percent in Shanghai: Agence France-Presse - November 29, 2006; SHANGHAI, Nov 29, 2006 (AFP) - The number of recorded HIV/AIDS infections in Shanghai has jumped by well over 70 percent this year compared with 2005, a sharper rise than the rest of China, state media said Wednesday.
Zimbabwe matchmaker vows to conquer HIV stigma: Fanuel Jongwe; Agence France-Presse - November 29, 2006; HARARE, Nov 29, 2006 (AFP) - Delia Masumbe's world caved in when she was ditched by her fiance of five years three years ago after she tested HIV-positive ahead of their marriage planned for weeks later.
Over 1.4 million South Africans test for AIDS: Agence France-Presse - November 28, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 28, 2006 (AFP) - The number of South Africans going for voluntary HIV/AIDS counselling and tests has almost doubled to 1.7 million in the last year, the health ministry announced on Tuesday.
Tobacco deaths to surge over next 25 years: WHO: Agence France-Presse - November 28, 2006; WASHINGTON, Nov 28, 2006 (AFP) - Tobacco will kill 8.3 million people worldwide in 2030, as smoking-related deaths rise by 53 percent over the 25 years, according to a World Health Organization study published Tuesday.
Ex-US president Clinton to visit Cambodia for HIV/AIDS talks: Agence France-Presse - November 27, 2006; PHNOM PENH, Nov 27, 2006 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton is expected to arrive in Cambodia this week for talks on the country's HIV/AIDS problem, Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday.
Clinton to unveil progress in AIDS treatment for children: Agence France-Presse - November 27, 2006; WASHINGTON, Nov 27, 2006 (AFP) - Former US President Bill Clinton is to announce new progress in HIV/AIDS treatment for children in an event to mark World AIDS Day in India as part of an Asian trip, his foundation said Monday.
Police release Chinese AIDS activist after canceling public forum: Agence France-Presse - November 27, 2006; BEIJING, Nov 27, 2006 (AFP) - Leading Chinese AIDS activist Wan Yanhai was freed Monday after police detained him for three days for trying to hold a public forum on the disease, his Beijing-based non-government group said.
Pope condemns discrimination against AIDS victims: Agence France-Presse - November 26, 2006; VATICAN CITY, Nov 26, 2006 (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI condemned discrimination against AIDS victims Sunday, ahead of a December 1 World AIDS Day promoting awareness of the pandemic.
India's finance minister says HIV-AIDS biggest threat to economy: Agence France-Presse - November 26, 2006; NEW DELHI, Nov 26, 2006 (AFP) - HIV-AIDS and potential water shortages pose the biggest risks to India's economic future, India's finance minister told an international economic forum Sunday.
Uzbekistan rejects UN estimate on HIV rate: Agence France-Presse - November 23, 2006; TASHKENT, Nov 23, 2006 (AFP) - A United Nations agency report on the increase of people living with HIV in Uzbekistan is exaggerated, an Uzbek health official said Thursday rebuffing the estimate given by UNAIDS, the UN programme on HIV/AIDS.
We're only human? It's more complex than that, says gene study: Agence France-Presse - November 22, 2006; PARIS, Nov 22, 2006 (AFP) - New investigations into the code for life suggest the assumption that humans are genetically almost identical is wide of the mark, and the implications could be resounding.
African babies face uphill struggle for life: Fran Blandy; Agence France-Presse - November 22, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 22, 2006 (AFP) - A baby born in Africa faces a harrowing struggle to survive even a day due to a lack of basic ante-natal care, a report by a group of international health organisations said on Wednesday.
Healers defend South Africa's 'Dr Beetroot' against AIDS critics: Agence France-Presse - November 22, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 22, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's controversial health minister, widely derided for advocating a diet of vegetables to help combat AIDS, received a show of support Wednesday at a march by traditional healers.
South African doctor in trouble over 'AIDS' death certificate: Agence France-Presse - November 22, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 22, 2006 (AFP) - A South African pathologist faces a disciplinary hearing Thursday for attributing AIDS as the cause of death on a medical certificate in the first ever case of its kind in the country.
HIV/AIDS on the rise in China: Verna Yu; Agence France-Presse - November 22, 2006; BEIJING, Nov 22, 2006 (AFP) - China is experiencing a surge in the number of new HIV/AIDS infections as the virus spreads from high-risk groups to the general public, officials and the press said Wednesday.
Vatican 'health ministry' completes report on condoms for pope: Agence France-Presse - November 21, 2006; VATICAN CITY, Nov 21, 2006 (AFP) - The Vatican "health ministry" has completed a report on condoms requested by Pope Benedict XVI and handed it over to doctrinal authorities, a top cardinal said Tuesday.
UN highlights Asians' risky behaviour with HIV/AIDS: Peter Capella; Agence France-Presse - November 21, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 21, 2006 (AFP) - Some 8.6 million Asians are infected with the HIV virus, UNAIDS said on Tuesday, warning the disease is thriving on risky behaviour in Southeast Asia and slowly taking hold in China, the world's most populous nation.
No let up in AIDS spread: UN report: Patrick Baert; Agence France-Presse - November 21, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 21, 2006 (AFP) - HIV/AIDS tightened its deadly grip on the world in 2006 with 11,000 new infections every day and women increasingly at risk, the UN agency leading the global campaign against the disease said Tuesday.
UNAIDS 2006 update on state of HIV/AIDS worldwide: Agence France-Presse - November 21, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 21, 2006 (AFP) - Following is the latest statistical update from UNAIDS on the number of people living with HIV/AIDS across the world, as well as data on new infections and HIV-related deaths: 1) People living with HIV/AIDS in 2006 Worldwide: 39.5 million (ranging from 34.1 to 47.1 million), including 37.2
Africa still hardest hit by HIV-AIDS, women in frontline: Agence France-Presse - November 21, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 21, 2006 (AFP) - Sub-Saharan Africa is still bearing the brunt of the AIDS epidemic, accounting for almost two-thirds of all HIV infections and 72 percent of global AIDS deaths, the UN agency leading the battle against the disease said Tuesday.
HIV up 20-fold in less than 10 years in eastern Europe, Central Asia: Agence France-Presse - November 21, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 21, 2006 (AFP) - With drug use and non-sterile injection equipment still at large, the number of people living with HIV climbed to 1.7 million in eastern Europe and Central Asia in 2006, a twenty-fold increase in less than a decade, the latest UNAIDS epidemic survey said Tuesday.
Eight children die, scores infected, in AIDS scandal in Kazakhstan: Agence France-Presse - November 20, 2006; ALMATY, Nov 20, 2006 (AFP) - Eighty children in Kazakhstan have been infected with the AIDS virus due to negligent medical care, and eight of them have died from the disease, a children's AIDS charity told AFP Monday.
Dutch AIDS deaths down, but infection rate up: report: Agence France-Presse - November 20, 2006; THE HAGUE, Nov 20, 2006 (AFP) - The number of people dying from AIDS each year in the Netherlands has fallen considerably since the introduction of combination therapies a decade ago, but the rate of new HIV infections continues to rise, a report out on Monday warned.
Unsafe sex mainly to blame for rise in South Korea HIV infections: Agence France-Presse - November 20, 2006; SEOUL, Nov 20, 2006 (AFP) - New HIV infections in South Korea rose 13 percent in the first nine months of this year from a year earlier and unsafe sex was mainly to blame, a disease control agency said Monday.
Africa's hope depends on better health care: WHO: Peter Capella; Agence France-Presse - November 19, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 19, 2006 (AFP) - Africa will never climb out of poverty unless devastating health challenges such as a "silent epidemic" of maternal and child death are tackled, the World Health Organisation said in a report released on Monday.
AIDS-hit Zimbabwe has highest orphan rate: UN official: Godfrey Marawanyika; Agence France-Presse - November 19, 2006; HARARE, Nov 19, 2006 (AFP) - Zimbabwe has the highest number of orphans in the world in relation to its population, mainly due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic blighting the economically ravaged country, a UN official said Sunday.
AIDS, heroin two-pronged problem for Afghanistan: Catherine Jouault; Agence France-Presse - November 19, 2006; KABUL, Nov 19, 2006 (AFP) - With eight HIV positive cases in 2001 and 61 today, Afghanistan is worried a growing use of heroin will add the spread of AIDS to its long list of problems inherited from decades of war.
US to help ASEAN fight bird flu, AIDS: Agence France-Presse - November 17, 2006; HANOI, Nov 17, 2006 (AFP) - The United States vowed its support Friday to help Southeast Asian nations fight AIDS and bird flu and improve the region's ability to cope with the aftermath of natural disasters.
Greek HIV cases leap in 2006: Agence France-Presse - November 16, 2006; ATHENS, Nov 16, 2006 (AFP) - Greece's HIV rate leapt by more than 25 percent for the second year running in 2006 with 485 new cases, the centre of illness control and prevention (KEELPNO) announced on Thursday.
Uganda hit by soaring tuberculosis rates: Agence France-Presse - November 16, 2006; KAMPALA, Nov 16, 2006 (AFP) - Uganda is facing a steep rise in tuberculosis cases and must act to curb the spread of the disease that has been exacerbated by HIV/AIDS infections, Vice President Gilbert Bukenya said Thursday.
Drug prices for world's needy grow: MSF: Agence France-Presse - November 14, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 14, 2006 (AFP) - Drug prices have increased in the past five years despite a commitment by the World Trade Organisation's 149 members to make them more accessible to the world's poor, the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said on Tuesday.
Rich countries undermine WTO medicines deal: charities: Agence France-Presse - November 14, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 14, 2006 (AFP) - Several charities on Tuesday accused rich countries of undermining a World Trade Organisation agreement to improve access for the world's poorest people to cheaper drugs against diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Fight against poverty will cement African democracy: Mandela: Fran Blandy; Agence France-Presse - November 13, 2006; MIDRAND, South Africa, Nov 13, 2006 (AFP) - Success in the battles against poverty, unemployment and AIDS is crucial to the viability of democracy in Africa, Nelson Mandela told a meeting of the continent's own parliament Monday.
South Africa says AIDS drugs rollout on course: Agence France-Presse - November 13, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 13, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa on Monday sought to deflect criticism that it was dragging its feet on the rollout of AIDS drugs, saying some 60,000 people had been added to the programme in the past year.
Britain launches drive against surge in sexually-transmitted diseases: Agence France-Presse - November 11, 2006; LONDON, Nov 11, 2006 (AFP) - The British government launched a hard-hitting, multi-million pound campaign Saturday aimed at fighting a surge in sexually-transmitted diseases, particularly among 18 to 24 year olds.
New global health chief to focus on Africans and women: Agence France-Presse - November 9, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 9, 2006 (AFP) - Margaret Chan of China, who was elected to lead the World Health Organisation on Thursday, pledged to put health of Africans and of women worldwide at the heart of the agency's work
Lack of clean water strengthens poverty trap: UN report: Mariette le Roux; Agence France-Presse - November 9, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Nov 9, 2006 (AFP) - A lack of access to clean water kills nearly two million children a year and stunts prospects for economic growth in the world's poorest countries, a new United Nations report said Thursday.
Chan and secretive China gain WHO leadership: Peter Capella; Agence France-Presse - November 9, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 9, 2006 (AFP) - China's Margaret Chan was elected head of the World Health Organisation on Thursday, giving the world's most populous nation its most prestigious UN post ever and a leading role in global health strategy.
China gets first free AIDS clinic: Agence France-Presse - November 9, 2006; BEIJING, Nov 9, 2006 (AFP) - China's first free clinic for AIDS sufferers has opened in Beijing, state media reported Thursday, in the latest sign of increasing official willingness to openly address the growing problem.
Few Russian HIV-positives treated with antiretrovirals in 2005: Agence France-Presse - November 8, 2006; MOSCOW, Nov 8, 2006 (AFP) - Only about 10 percent of Russia's officially estimated 341,000 HIV-positive patients received treatment in 2005 with antiretroviral drugs to slow down the development of AIDS, a senior health official said Wednesday.
China's candidate nominated as world health chief: Peter Capella; Agence France-Presse - November 8, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 8, 2006 (AFP) - The World Health Organisation's 34-nation governing board on Wednesday nominated China's Margaret Chan as its new chief to guide the global struggle against a threatened flu pandemic, infectious disease and chronic illness.
Gorillas harbour AIDS-like virus, says study: Agence France-Presse - November 8, 2006; PARIS, Nov 8, 2006 (AFP) - Gorillas appear to be widely infected by a close relation to the AIDS virus, according to a study that appears on Thursday in the British journal Nature.
Genetically altered AIDS retrovirus has encouraging results: Agence France-Presse - November 6, 2006; WASHINGTON, Nov 6, 2006 (AFP) - A genetically altered AIDS retrovirus that impairs the replication of the HIV virus has shown encouraging results in a small clinical trial, US researchers said in a paper published Monday.
Arab religious leaders in Egypt to combat HIV/AIDS: Agence France-Presse - November 6, 2006; CAIRO, Nov 6, 2006 (AFP) - Over 300 religious leaders from 20 Arab countries gathered in Cairo Monday to discuss means of raising awareness in their communities of the spread of the HIV/AIDS.
19 detained in Ethiopian rally in Jerusalem: Agence France-Presse - November 6, 2006; JERUSALEM, Nov 6, 2006 (AFP) - Nineteen protestors were arrested and five policemen injured as hundreds of Ethiopian Israelis protested Monday in Jerusalem accusing the state of discrimination in rejecting blood donations.
Fight HIV/AIDS along with maternal, child health care: UN: Agence France-Presse - November 6, 2006; KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6, 2006 (AFP) - Asia-Pacific countries should fight the spread of the HIV/AIDS by integrating prevention and treatment of the disease into maternal and child health care, United Nations officials said Monday.
Laos battles scourge of synthetic drugs: Frank Zeller; Agence France-Presse - November 5, 2006; VIENTIANE, Nov 5, 2006 (AFP) - Laos this year claimed victory in the war on opium, but a wave of synthetic drugs is fast replacing heroin and turning tens of thousands of youths into addicts, UN and government experts warn.
Bhutan to fight spread of AIDS: Agence France-Presse - November 4, 2006; GUWAHATI, India, Nov 4, 2006 (AFP) - A fivefold rise in HIV infections in the last four years fueled by an increase in sex workers and low condom use has prompted Bhutan to launch a new anti-AIDS program, a report said Saturday.
Global health fund fails to select new director: Agence France-Presse - November 3, 2006; GENEVA, Nov 3, 2006 (AFP) - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria said Friday it had failed to choose a new executive director among five candidates and would renew its search, postponing a decision until April 2007.
Eight-gigabyte "RED" iPod nano joins Bono's AIDS fight: Agence France-Presse - November 3, 2006; SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 3, 2006 (AFP) - Apple added an eight-gigabyte iPod nano to the host of hip products being marketed to help rocker Bono's "RED" project raise money to battle AIDS in Africa.
114 Nobel laureates voice concern over Libyan AIDS trial: Agence France-Presse - November 3, 2006; PARIS, Nov 3, 2006 (AFP) - More than 100 Nobel laureates have pleaded for a fair trial for five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor accused of infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the HIV virus.
AIDS-hit Botswana to start HIV tests on infants: Agence France-Presse - November 2, 2006; GABORONE, Nov 2, 2006 (AFP) - AIDS-afflicted Botswana will this month start conducting HIV tests on infants aged 16 weeks and above under a United States-funded programme, an official said Thursday.
Cost of Ireland's blood scandal mounts: Agence France-Presse - November 2, 2006; DUBLIN, Nov 2, 2006 (AFP) - More than 650 million euros (829 million dollars) in awards and legal fees has been paid out to Irish victims of blood contamination scandals, the government's compensation tribunal said Thursday.
Mandela presented top rights award by Nobel laureate Gordimer: Agence France-Presse - November 1, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 1, 2006 (AFP) - South African writer Nadine Gordimer Wednesday bestowed rights group Amnesty International's highest honour on fellow Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela and hailed his lifelong fight for justice.
Red Cross unveils mass southern Africa AIDS project: Agence France-Presse - November 1, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 1, 2006 (AFP) - The Red Cross unveiled ambitious plans Wednesday to help 50 million people in southern Africa combat the scourge of AIDS, as it appealed for hundreds of millions of dollars to fund the programme.

October

Bulgarian nurses AIDS trial adjourned in Libya: Afaf Geblawi; Agence France-Presse - October 31, 2006; TRIPOLI, Oct 31, 2006 (AFP) - The retrial of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor accused of infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the HIV virus heard renewed accusations of torture Tuesday, before the case was adjourned to November 4.
UN envoy hails South Africa's AIDS u-turn: Felix Mponda; Agence France-Presse - October 31, 2006; LILONGWE, Oct 31, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's response to AIDS has undergone a sea change since the sidelining of its controversial health minister, according to the United Nations' top envoy for the pandemic in Africa.
Children raped, tortured by PNG police: Human Rights Watch: Agence France-Presse - October 30, 2006; SYDNEY, Oct 30, 2006 (AFP) - Police in Papua New Guinea regularly rape and torture children despite efforts to reform the juvenile justice system, Human Rights Watch said in a report released Monday.
UN envoy in Malawi to assess AIDS programmes: Agence France-Presse - October 29, 2006; LILONGWE, Oct 29, 2006 (AFP) - The United Nations' special envoy for HIV and AIDS in Africa accused the world's wealthiest countries on Sunday of failing to deliver on promises to increase aid to the most impoverished continent.
India flawed by focus on sex in campaign against AIDS: study: Agence France-Presse - October 27, 2006; PARIS, Oct 27, 2006 (AFP) - India is making perilous mistakes in its fight against AIDS by assuming the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is being spread overwhelmingly by sex and especially by prostitutes, a study warns.
UN could cut food aid to millions in southern Africa: Agence France-Presse - October 26, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Oct 26, 2006 (AFP) - The United Nation's food agency Thursday said a huge gap in funding could see food aid cut to up to 4.3 million people in the southern Africa region.
New study sheds light on South Africa's drug-resistant TB crisis: Agence France-Presse - October 26, 2006; PARIS, Oct 26, 2006 (AFP) - A new study published on Thursday casts light on perilous drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis that have erupted in South Africa, reaping a mortal harvest among people with the AIDS virus.
Libyan evidence against healthworkers is worthless: Nature: Agence France-Presse - October 25, 2006; PARIS, Oct 25, 2006 (AFP) - The evidence against six foreign healthworkers, accused in Libya of deliberately injecting more than 400 children with the AIDS virus, is worthless, the British science journal Nature said on Thursday.
Libyan child in Bulgaria AIDS case dies: Agence France-Presse - October 25, 2006; TRIPOLI, Oct 25, 2006 (AFP) - One of more than 400 Libyan children allegedly injected with the HIV virus by five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor has died, the association of victims' families has announced.
Wasteful diagnoses fail to trace TB in worst affected areas: WHO: Agence France-Presse - October 25, 2006; GENEVA, Oct 25, 2006 (AFP) - Large amounts of money are being wasted on ill- conceived diagnostic tools for tuberculosis that are failing to trace the disease in poor areas where they are most needed, the World Health Organisation said in a report on Wednesday.
South Africa's anti-TB fight hamstrung by constitution: Agence France-Presse - October 24, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Oct 24, 2006 (AFP) - A constitutional shield against compulsory testing and treatment is hampering South Africa's battle against a contagious and virulent form of tuberculosis, the health department said Tuesday.
Scientists urge Libya free accused in AIDS trial: Agence France-Presse - October 24, 2006; WASHINGTON, Oct 24, 2006 (AFP) - An international group of physicians and scientists urged Libya Tuesday to free five nurses and a doctor accused of deliberately injecting children with the AIDS virus, citing lack of proof.
AIDS could wreck post-indpendence progress: Zambia leader: Agence France-Presse - October 24, 2006; LUSAKA, Oct 24, 2006 (AFP) - The sourge of AIDS has the potential to undermine all progress made by Zambia since its independence from Britain more than four decades ago, President Levy Mwanawasa said Tuesday.
Foreign adoptions - answer for AIDS-stricken Africa?: Isaac Mangena; Agence France-Presse - October 22, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Oct 22, 2006 (AFP) - Madonna's bid to adopt a Malawian baby may have raised some hackles about foreign adoptions but the increasing number of African orphans underscores a pressing need to find suitable new parents.
Zanzibar adopts first-ever anti-HIV/AIDS policy but rejects Muslim amendments: Agence France-Presse - October 20, 2006; ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, Oct 20, 2006 (AFP) - Zanzibar's parliament Friday passed the islands' first-ever anti-HIV/AIDS policy but rejected conservative Muslim demands to shut all bars and ban skimpy clothing as part of the strategy.
China closes down HIV/AIDS group: Agence France-Presse - October 19, 2006; BEIJING, Oct 19, 2006 (AFP) - A non-government organization in China dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS and other health problems said Thursday it had been shut down because local authorities wanted to silence it.
4.2 million children are AIDS orphans in West, Central Africa: UN: Agence France-Presse - October 18, 2006; DAKAR, Oct 18, 2006 (AFP) - Some 4.2 million children have been orphaned by AIDS in central and western Africa, the UN children's agency UNICEF said Wednesday.
Malaysian women sues over false HIV diagnosis: report: Agence France-Presse - October 18, 2006; KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18, 2006 (AFP) - A Malaysian woman who said she was ostracised after being wrongly diagnosed with HIV while she was pregnant has won permission to sue her doctor and the government, a report said Wednesday.
Africa needs to wake up on killer TB strains: UN: Agence France-Presse - October 17, 2006; PRETORIA, Oct 17, 2006 (AFP) - Governments in Africa need to start paying more than lip service to combat a virulent form of tuberculosis, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday.
Mobile phones harnessed in the battle against AIDS, avian flu: Martin Abbugao; Agence France-Presse - October 17, 2006; SINGAPORE, Oct 17, 2006 (AFP) - Pilot projects are being carried out in Rwanda and Indonesia to develop a mobile phone software that can be used in the fight against HIV/AIDS, avian flu and potential health pandemics, industry players said Tuesday.
US gives Zambia 149 million dollars to fight AIDS: Agence France-Presse - October 16, 2006; LUSAKA, Oct 16, 2006 (AFP) - The United States is to give Zambia 149 million dollars to support the free distribution of AIDS drugs following "significant progress" in Lusaka's efforts to fight the pandemic, a statement said Monday.
Campaigners urge African leaders to set example in AIDS fight: Isaac Mangena; Agence France-Presse - October 15, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Oct 15, 2006 (AFP) - African leaders need to set an example and submit themselves publicly to tests for AIDS if they really want to demonstrate their determination to fight the disease, according to campaigners.
French virologist calls for use of therapeutic vaccines in AIDS treatment: Agence France-Presse - October 14, 2006; OUAGADOUGOU, Oct 14, 2006 (AFP) - Luc Montagnier, a French virologist who helped to first identify HIV, said on Saturday that antiretroviral drugs should be combined with a therapeutic vaccine to revive an AIDS patient's immune system.
Apple joins Bono's AIDS fight with "Red" iPod nano: Agence France-Presse - October 13, 2006; SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 13, 2006 (AFP) - Apple joined rocker Bono's charitable project Red on Friday with the unveiling of red iPod nano MP3 players to raise money to battle AIDS in Africa.
Criticism over Taiwan court ruling for removal of HIV refuge: Agence France-Presse - October 12, 2006; TAIPEI, Oct 12, 2006 (AFP) - A Taiwan district court's controversial ruling demanding the removal of a home for HIV carriers has sparked anger, campaigners said Thursday.
HIV rates surge to 10-year peak in Australia: report: Agence France-Presse - October 12, 2006; SYDNEY, Oct 12, 2006 (AFP) - New cases of HIV in Australia have surged to their highest point in a decade as advances in treatment dull fear of the disease among gay men, a report said Thursday.
Hopes in Myanmar for new fund to fight deadly diseases: Charlotte McDonald-Gibson; Agence France-Presse - October 11, 2006; YANGON, Oct 11, 2006 (AFP) - A new fund to fight deadly diseases in Myanmar has raised hopes of successfully treating the country's 50 million people without any money being funnelled to the repressive military government.
AIDS transforms Malawi youngsters into breadwinners: Isaac Mangena; Agence France-Presse - October 11, 2006; MWANZA, Malawi, Oct 11, 2006 (AFP) - If Madonna wants advice on adopting an AIDS orphan, she could do worse than turn to 13-year-old Caroline Chileka.
DRCongo patients die before drugs arrive: Isabelle Ligner; Agence France-Presse - October 11, 2006; GOMA, DRCongo, Oct 11, 2006 (AFP) - At an AIDS treatment center in this war-torn African city, doctor Nino Minani is still haunted by the despairing cry of a dying patient.
Airline tax to help 250,000 children with AIDS, TB: French FM: Agence France-Presse - October 9, 2006; GENEVA, Oct 9, 2006 (AFP) - The first beneficiaries of an international tax on air travel to help the world's poor will be 250,000 children suffering from HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Monday.
Bill Gates pledges aid to fight HIV/AIDS in talks with Nigerian leader: Agence France-Presse - October 8, 2006; LAGOS, Oct 8, 2006 (AFP) - US multi-billionaire Bill Gates promised to assist Nigeria in fighting HIV/AIDS in talks with President Olusegun Obasanjo, official News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Sunday.
More children found infected with HIV in Kazakh negligence scandal: Agence France-Presse - October 6, 2006; ALMATY, Oct 6, 2006 (AFP) - Seventy-five children and eight mothers have been found infected with the HIV virus due to medical negligence in Kazakhstan, the health ministry said Friday.
Madonna in Malawi to inspect AIDS orphans project: Felix Mponda; Agence France-Presse - October 4, 2006; BLANTYRE, Oct 4, 2006 (AFP) - Pop diva Madonna arrived in Malawi on Wednesday to inspect a five-million-dollar project she has funded to support the poor African country's growing number of AIDS orphans and possibly adopt an African child.
AIDS conference organisers bypass health minister: Agence France-Presse - October 3, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Oct 3, 2006 (AFP) - Organisers of a forthcoming major AIDS conference in South Africa have bypassed controversial Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang Tuesday by inviting her deputy and the country's vice-president instead.
Shoot the messenger: a sniper's rifle against disease: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - October 2, 2006; PARIS, Oct 2, 2006 (AFP) - Gene silencing, whose discovery earned two US researchers the world's paramount prize in medicine, holds out the entrancing vision of a cure for disease by the virtual flick of a switch.
Sierra Leone AIDS agency sacks 30 NGOs over funds abuse: Agence France-Presse - October 2, 2006; FREETOWN, Oct 2, 2006 (AFP) - Sierra Leone's national anti-AIDS coordinating agency, the National AIDS Secretariat (NAS), has terminated the contracts of 30 local non-governmental organisations for poor management of project funds.

September

69 children infected with HIV in Kazakh negligence scandal: Agence France-Presse - September 29, 2006; ALMATY, Sept 29, 2006 (AFP) - Sixty-nine children and five mothers are now known to have been infected by the HIV virus in a medical negligence scandal in Kazakhstan, the health ministry said Friday.
Irish PM inks 70m-euro Africa HIV/AIDS deal with Clinton: Agence France-Presse - September 29, 2006; DUBLIN, Sept 29, 2006 (AFP) - Ireland will provide 70 million euros (89 million dollars) to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa under an agreement signed Friday by Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and former US president, Bill Clinton.
China to open 300 needle exchange centers in AIDS fight: Agence France-Presse - September 29, 2006; BEIJING, Sept 29, 2006 (AFP) - China will open 300 needle exchange centers over the next three months in a bid to lower the incidence of HIV/AIDS infections among drug users, the official Xinhua news agency reported Friday.
AIDS threatens Botswana's economic successes: Tshepo Moipolai; Agence France-Presse - September 28, 2006; GABORONE, Sept 28, 2006 (AFP) - As Botswana celebrates 40 years of freedom this weekend, the shadow of AIDS threatens much of its successes as a stable and prosperous nation: a rarity in poverty-stricken and restive Africa.
India to carry out children's tuberculosis count: report: Agence France-Presse - September 27, 2006; NEW DELHI, Sept 27, 2006 (AFP) - India is to survey 300,000 children for tuberculosis to gauge the effectiveness of its strategy to control the disease, a report said Wednesday.
AIDS body backs change in Indian anti-gay law: Agence France-Presse - September 27, 2006; NEW DELHI, Sept 27, 2006 (AFP) - India's state-run AIDS body has given fresh backing to a growing campaign against a law, forged in 1861 when the subcontinent was a British colony, that makes homosexuality a criminal offence.
Microbial resistance, AIDS hot topics at disease conference: Jean-Louis Santini; Agence France-Presse - September 25, 2006; WASHINGTON, Sept 25, 2006 (AFP) - Thousands of doctors and researchers are meeting Wednesday in San Francisco for the world's leading conference on infectious diseases, with growing microbial resistance to antibiotics and strategies to fight the AIDS scourge among the top discussion items.
Rice meets Libyan counterpart amid controversy over AIDS trial: David Millikin; Agence France-Presse - September 23, 2006; NEW YORK, Sept 23, 2006 (AFP) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met her Libyan counterpart here Saturday for the first time since Washington renewed full diplomatic relations with Libya following a 25-year rupture.
Sexually transmitted diseases on rise among Singapore's teens: Agence France-Presse - September 23, 2006; SINGAPORE, Sept 23, 2006 (AFP) - Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infections are on the rise among Singaporean teenagers as a result of promiscuity and disregard for safe-sex practices, the Straits Times reported Saturday.
South Korea plans levy on airline tickets to raise aid to poor countries: Agence France-Presse - September 22, 2006; SEOUL, Sept 22, 2006 (AFP) - South Korea is planning a levy on international airline tickets to raise funds for international aid, Finance Minister Kwon O-Kyu said Friday.
US backs HIV/AIDS screening for all patients aged 13-64: Agence France-Presse - September 21, 2006; MIAMI, Sept 21, 2006 (AFP) - A US government agency on Thursday recommended routine screening for the virus that causes AIDS for all patients aged 13 to 64, instead of focusing on target areas and high-risk groups.
Armani guest edits British national newspaper: Katherine Haddon; Agence France-Presse - September 21, 2006; LONDON, Sept 21, 2006 (AFP) - Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani guest edited a British national newspaper Thursday, hours before he was set to stage a star-studded fashion show in London to help AIDS victims.
Bulgarian nurses AIDS trial adjourned in Libya: Agence France-Presse - September 21, 2006; TRIPOLI, Sept 21, 2006 (AFP) - The trial of six foreign medics accused of infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the HIV virus was adjourned on Thursday after the main defence lawyer was hospitalised.
Exclusive school for HIV/AIDS children in India: Agence France-Presse - September 21, 2006; BANGALORE, India, Sept 21, 2006 (AFP) - A non-profit organisation has set up a school in India for children infected with HIV/AIDS and barred from other institutions, an official said Thursday.
More effort should be dedicated to prevention of AIDS: Gates: Agence France-Presse - September 21, 2006; LONDON, Sept 21, 2006 (AFP) - Progress on the goal of universal free treatment of AIDS depends more on advancements in prevention than on improvements in treatments, according to Bill Gates.
Kazakh minister sacked over HIV infections in children's hospital: Agence France-Presse - September 20, 2006; ASTANA, Sept 20, 2006 (AFP) - Kazakh Health Minister Erbolat Dosayev and Bolat Jylkyshyev, governor of southern Kazakhstan, were sacked on Wednesday following the deaths of four children who were infected with the HIV virus at a paediatric hopital.
Jacob Zuma: a president-in-waiting rises from the ashes: Francais Suivra; Agence France-Presse - September 20, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Sept 20, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's former deputy president Jacob Zuma is an anti-apartheid veteran whose presidential ambitions have been resurrected after his exoneration in a sensational corruption case.
Five countries launch cheap AIDS drugs initiative: Agence France-Presse - September 20, 2006; NEW YORK, Sept 20, 2006 (AFP) - Brazil, Britain, Chile, France and Norway formally announced a plan to fund cheap drugs for AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis for developing nations by raising taxes on airline tickets.
South African AIDS lobby turns up drive for minister's scalp: Mariette Le Roux; Agence France-Presse - September 19, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Sept 19, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's main AIDS lobby group Tuesday stepped up a campaign for the ouster of the country's controversial health minister over her response to a pandemic affecting 5.5 million people.
Six South African miners isolated as TB scare grows: Agence France-Presse - September 19, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Sept 19, 2006 (AFP) - Six South African miners have been isolated after being diagnosed as having a virulent and drug resistant form of tuberculosis (XDR-TB) which has already killed 52 people in the country.
India takes condom campaign to the skies: Agence France-Presse - September 19, 2006; KOLKATA, India, Sept 19, 2006 (AFP) - Health activists are taking advantage of India's love of kite flying to try and boost condom usage in a country which has the world's highest number of HIV/AIDS sufferers, a campaigner said Tuesday.
HIV outbreak at Kazakh children's hospital: Agence France-Presse - September 18, 2006; ALMATY, Sept 18, 2006 (AFP) - Fifty-five children have been infected with the HIV virus in a paediatric hospital in Kazakhstan, likely through unsanitary use of needles, the health ministry said Monday.
Cambodia secures 32 million dollar grant from US for health: Agence France-Presse - September 18, 2006; PHNOM PENH, Sept 18, 2006 (AFP) - Cambodia secured 32 million dollars in health and education grants Monday from the United States, which is seeking to improve mother and child health in the impoverished country, officials said.
AIDS lobby campaign to axe minister doomed: SAfrica: Agence France-Presse - September 17, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Sept 17, 2006 (AFP) - The South African government warned the country's main anti-AIDS lobby on Sunday that a campaign to oust controversial Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang was doomed to failure.
India author Vikram Seth leads fight against anti-gay law: Parul Gupta; Agence France-Presse - September 16, 2006; NEW DELHI, Sept 16, 2006 (AFP) - Leading Indian writer Vikram Seth launched a campaign Saturday against legislation making homosexuality a criminal offence in India, saying the country must fight laws that abuse human rights.
WHO reverses tack, approves DDT to fight malaria: Agence France-Presse - September 16, 2006; GENEVA, Sept 16, 2006 (AFP) - The World Health Organisation has called for the renewed use of the insecticide DDT to control malaria, about 30 years after the chemical was phased out because of environmental and potential health risks.
GlaxoSmithKline offers cheap HIV drugs to Russia: Agence France-Presse - September 15, 2006; LONDON, Sept 15, 2006 (AFP) - British pharmaceutical group GlaxoSmithKline said on Friday that it had agreed to supply the Russian government with HIV drugs at discounted prices.
US gives millions to controversial faith-based AIDS fight in Uganda: Agence France-Presse - September 14, 2006; KAMPALA, Sept 14, 2006 (AFP) - The United States on Thursday gave 15 million dollars (12 million euros) to a coalition of five Ugandan religious groups that advocate faith-based approaches in fighting the deadly AIDS virus.
Rwanda warns against HIV/AIDS complacency after prevalance drops: Agence France-Presse - September 14, 2006; KIGALI, Sept 14, 2006 (AFP) - Rwanda on Thursday warned its citizens against complacency in the fight against HIV/AIDS after a survey released this year showed a sharp decline in prevalence of the deadly disease.
Lab work opens way to swifter, more accurate TB tests: study: Agence France-Presse - September 14, 2006; PARIS, Sept 14, 2006 (AFP) - Laboratory research into one of the biggest problems in the world's tuberculosis crisis may open the way to a new generation of fast, cheap and accurate tools to diagnose the disease, a study says.
South African woman with virulent TB put in isolation: Agence France-Presse - September 13, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Sept 13, 2006 (AFP) - A Johannesburg woman with a drug resistant and highly contagious strain of tuberculosis was placed in isolation by South African health authorities on Wednesday.
Campaigners fight to place drug-linked allergy in spotlight: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - September 13, 2006; PARIS, Sept 13, 2006 (AFP) - It was a few days before Christmas -- and it would be a Christmas that would change Karine's life.
World Bank short-changing TB epidemic in Africa: report: Agence France-Presse - September 12, 2006; WASHINGTON, Sept 12, 2006 (AFP) - The World Bank came under fire Tuesday for neglecting Africa in a global campaign against the killer disease tuberculosis.
Libyan police found AIDS vials, porn: witnesses in Bulgaria case: Agence France-Presse - September 12, 2006; TRIPOLI, Sept 12, 2006 (AFP) - Libyan police found vials containing HIV along with booze and porn in the home of one of six foreign medics accused of infecting hundreds of children with the AIDS-causing virus, witnesses said Tuesday.
WHO urges action on HIV/AIDS treatment goals: Agence France-Presse - September 11, 2006; COPENHAGEN, Sept 11, 2006 (AFP) - The World Health Organisation's European director on Monday called for a redoubling of efforts to provide treatment for all people infected with HIV/AIDS.
UN AIDS chief presses China: Cindy Sui; Agence France-Presse - September 11, 2006; BEIJING, Sept 11, 2006 (AFP) - China's fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be won without giving more voice to patients and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the head of the UN agency dealing with the disease told AFP Monday.
HIV infections among Thai wives rising: report: Agence France-Presse - September 9, 2006; BANGKOK, Sept 9, 2006 (AFP) - Married women now make up the largest group of new HIV infections in Thailand, forcing health authorities to re-think prevention strategies.
Experts call for urgent steps to battle virulent TB strain: Abhik Kumar Chandha; Agence France-Presse - September 7, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Sept 7, 2006 (AFP) - Global experts Thursday called for urgent steps to fight deadly strains of drug-resistant tuberculosis which put HIV/AIDS sufferers at more risk and pose a worldwide threat.
South Africa defends its AIDS approach: Agence France-Presse - September 7, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Sept 7, 2006 (AFP) - The South African government defended its controversial approach to HIV/AIDS Thursday and sidestepped growing calls to axe Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang over her handling of the pandemic.
Rights campaigner detained in China: Cindy Sui; Agence France-Presse - September 7, 2006; BEIJING, Sept 7, 2006 (AFP) - Chinese police Thursday detained an AIDS and human rights campaigner who has fought a series of high-profile rights abuse cases, his wife told AFP, marking the latest step in an intensifying crackdown.
Rebels in India's northeast vow to execute drug traffickers: Agence France-Presse - September 7, 2006; GUWAHATI, India, Sept 7, 2006 (AFP) - Separatist rebels in India's northeast vowed Thursday to execute drug traffickers in the region which is home to rampant heroin use and fast-spreading AIDS.
TB experts will grapple with deadly new strains: WHO: Agence France-Presse - September 6, 2006; GENEVA, Sept 6, 2006 (AFP) - Experts grappling with the emergence of deadly strains of drug-resistant tuberculosis, which compound the woes of HIV/AIDS sufferers, will thrash out ways to fight the growing public health threat when they gather for talks later this week.
Top scientists urge Mbeki to sack health minister over AIDS policy: Agence France-Presse - September 6, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Sept 6, 2006 (AFP) - More than 80 scientists and a Nobel laureate have written to South African President Thabo Mbeki asking him to sack his controversial health minister for dragging her feet on AIDS, the presidency said Wednesday.
Libya AIDS trial adjourns in absence of defence lawyer: Afaf Geblawi; Agence France-Presse - September 5, 2006; TRIPOLI, Sept 5, 2006 (AFP) - A Libyan judge Tuesday adjourned for a week the retrial of six foreign medics accused of infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the AIDS virus after a Palestinian defendant appeared without legal counsel.
S Korean cabinet moves to ban HIV discrimination: Agence France-Presse - September 5, 2006; SEOUL, Sept 5, 2006 (AFP) - South Korea's cabinet on Tuesday adopted a draft law banning any kind of discrimination against HIV patients in the workplace, officials said.
WHO worried about increase of treatment-resistant tuberculosis: Agence France-Presse - September 5, 2006; GENEVA, Sept 5, 2006 (AFP) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday expressed concern about an increase in cases of tuberculosis resistant to antibiotics, calling for reinforced measures to avoid the spread of deadly strains of the disease.
Rising number of Finns contract AIDS in Thailand: Agence France-Presse - September 4, 2006; HELSINKI, Sept 4, 2006 (AFP) - Finland is set to see a two-fold increase over five years in HIV cases, due in part to men contracting the disease while on holiday in Thailand, the Finnish government said on Monday.
South Africa probes Canada AIDS asylum reports: Agence France-Presse - September 3, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Sept 3, 2006 (AFP) - The South African government said Sunday it had contacted authorities in Canada over reports that a large number of its nationals with HIV have sought asylum after a recent AIDS conference.
Protests as Notre Dame square named after Pope: Agence France-Presse - September 3, 2006; PARIS, Sept 3, 2006 (AFP) - Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoe officially renamed the square in front of Notre Dame cathedral after the late pope John Paul II Sunday in a ceremony that was interrupted by AIDS protesters.
Africa braces for new, deadly, TB strains: Leon Engelbrecht; Agence France-Presse - September 3, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Sept 3, 2006 (AFP) - Africa is facing the prospect of a sharp increase in new and fatal strains of tuberculosis (TB) as drug-resistant forms of the disease find HIV sufferers easy victims, according to medical experts.
HIV-positive Indian has to abort her own foetus: report: Agence France-Presse - September 1, 2006; KOLKATA, India, Sept 1, 2006 (AFP) - Health authorities in eastern India began a probe into reports Friday that an HIV-positive woman was forced to perform an abortion on herself after doctors refused help.
Cancer surge overwhelming AIDS-crisis Botswana: Tshepo Moipolai; Agence France-Presse - September 1, 2006; GABORONE, Sept 1, 2006 (AFP) - Doctors in Botswana, already battling one of the highest levels of HIV per capita in the world, are being overwhelmed by a dramatic rise in cancer cases as a result of the epidemic.
Desperate HIV sufferers in Myanmar turn to weeds for cure: Hla Hla Htay; Agence France-Presse - September 1, 2006; YANGON, Sept 1, 2006 (AFP) - Aung Naing, a doctor of traditional medicine in Myanmar, believes in the healing power of herbs, but even he is worried about claims being made in the media about a common weed in the military-run nation.

August

Traditional doctors can help fight AIDS in Africa: WHO: Agence France-Presse - August 31, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 31, 2006 (AFP) - Traditional medical practitioners need to be recruited to fight AIDS in Africa, which accounts for 60 percent of the world's cases, a senior United Nations official said Thursday.
Japan court awards damages over hepatitis C infections: Agence France-Presse - August 30, 2006; TOKYO, Aug 30, 2006 (AFP) - A court Wednesday ordered the Japanese government and drugmakers to pay 168 million yen (1.4 million dollars) to 11 people who contracted hepatitis C from tainted blood products.
UNHCR chief asks Thailand to tackle AIDS in refugee camps: Agence France-Presse - August 30, 2006; BANGKOK, Aug 30, 2006 (AFP) - The UN High Commissioner for Refugees asked Thailand on Wednesday to tackle the spread of AIDS inside refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, a Thai government spokesman said.
New Zealand offers residency to HIV infected Zimbabweans: Agence France-Presse - August 30, 2006; WELLINGTON, Aug 30, 2006 (AFP) - New Zealand will offer permanent residence to Zimbabweans in the country who are HIV-positive, making an exception to its policy of barring infected applicants, Health Minister Pete Hodgson said Wednesday.
Lawyers of Bulgarian nurses barred from AIDS case retrial: Agence France-Presse - August 29, 2006; PARIS, Aug 29, 2006 (AFP) - Some of the lawyers of the Bulgarian nurses facing the death penalty in Libya have not been received authorisation to take part in their retrial, one of the lawyers told AFP on Tuesday.
South African experts concerned over AIDS toll: Agence France-Presse - August 29, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 29, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's AIDS pandemic claimed a third of a million lives in the past year, a medical association told lawmakers Tuesday, as experts slammed the health minister for promoting a quirky diet as a cure.
Libyan retrial of nurses on AIDS charges resumes: Agence France-Presse - August 29, 2006; TRIPOLI, Aug 29, 2006 (AFP) - The retrial of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor accused of infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the AIDS virus resumed on Tuesday.
South Africa's 'Dr Beetroot' digs in against AIDS critics: Jerome Cartillier; Agence France-Presse - August 27, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 27, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, dubbed "Dr Beetroot" for her championing of vegetables in the fight against AIDS, is facing growing calls to quit, both at home and abroad.
South Africa looks for gold lining to AIDS, malaria cloud: Jan Hennop; Agence France-Presse - August 27, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 27, 2006 (AFP) - Scientists in South Africa are exploring whether one of the country's most precious commodities, gold, could hold the key in the battle against diseases such as AIDS, malaria and cancer.
Fanfare as US senator tackles AIDS in Kenyan father's hometown: Odhiambo Akombo; Agence France-Presse - August 26, 2006; KISUMU, Kenya, Aug 26, 2006 (AFP) - Thousands of people turned out to greet US Senator Barack Obama in the Kenyan city of Kisumu Saturday, some perched on trees and others breaking through police barriers at a hospital where the colourful politician took an HIV/AIDS test before heading to his grandmother's village.
US drugmaker Gilead to sell cheap AIDS drug in Thailand: Agence France-Presse - August 26, 2006; BANGKOK, Aug 26, 2006 (AFP) - US pharmaceutical firm Gilead is set to sell its AIDS-fighting tenofovir drug in Thailand at a price about 90 percent cheaper than in the United States and Europe, activists said Saturday.
Myanmar lashes at Britain over NLD meeting: Agence France-Presse - August 25, 2006; YANGON, Aug 25, 2006 (AFP) - Myanmar's military government Friday accused Britain of "lacking goodwill" in funding a new program to fight AIDS and other diseases because its ambassador here met with the pro-democracy opposition.
Portugal to set up supervised drug-injection sites: Agence France-Presse - August 24, 2006; LISBON, Aug 24, 2006 (AFP) - Portugal's government on Thursday approved the creation of neighbourhood drug-injection sites where addicts can shoot up under supervision.
S. Africa to change AIDS message as opposition calls for minister's head: Mariette le Roux; Agence France-Presse - August 24, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Aug 24, 2006 (AFP) - The South African government acknowledged Thursday it was struggling to defend its AIDS policies as opposition parties and activists demanded the health minister's sacking.
South Africa defends AIDS policy: Agence France-Presse - August 24, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Aug 24, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa on Thursday defended its programme to combat AIDS but acknowledged that it had to do more to win over its critics at home and abroad.
South African AIDS protestors demand minister's scalp: Agence France-Presse - August 24, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Aug 24, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's main anti-AIDS lobby group the Treatment Action Campaign was staging a series of protests Thursday to demand the resignation of the country's controversial health minister.
US senator Obama cancels DRCongo visit: Agence France-Presse - August 23, 2006; WASHINGTON, Aug 23, 2006 (AFP) - Political rising star Barack Obama, the sole African-American in the US Senate, suffered a new hitch in his Africa tour when fierce fighting put paid to a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Chinese AIDS patient beaten while pleading for government help: Agence France-Presse - August 23, 2006; BEIJING, Aug 23, 2006 (AFP) - A Chinese woman who contracted HIV during hospital surgery said she was attacked Wednesday while she and other patients pleaded with the government for compensation.
Vietnam highlands face drug abuse, HIV threats: officials: Agence France-Presse - August 22, 2006; HANOI, Aug 22, 2006 (AFP) - Vietnam's poor northern highlands face the threat of "twin epidemics" of intravenous drug use and HIV/AIDS infection, national leaders and UN officials warned Tuesday.
Diplomats ask Uganda to act over AIDS fund graft probe: Agence France-Presse - August 22, 2006; KAMPALA, Aug 22, 2006 (AFP) - Foreign diplomats on Tuesday asked Uganda to act on an international panel's probe over alleged embezzlement of HIV/AIDS funds that led to the suspension of hundreds of millions of dollars in donations to fight the deadly disease in the country.
US senator joins chorus of disapproval over South Africa's AIDS policies: Agence France-Presse - August 21, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Aug 21, 2006 (AFP) - United States senator Barack Obama on Monday joined the chorus of criticism of South Africa's response to the AIDS pandemic, and called for some "clinical truth telling".
South African health minister faces axe call over AIDS row: Agence France-Presse - August 20, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 20, 2006 (AFP) - South African President Thabo Mbeki was urged to axe his health minister Sunday after she took a beating over the government's AIDS policies at a global conference on the pandemic.
Canada mulls whether to close supervised heroin injection site: Deborah Jones; Agence France-Presse - August 20, 2006; VANCOUVER, Canada, Aug 20, 2006 (AFP) - North America's first and only supervised heroin injection site, which opened in 2003 in this west coast city, is threatened with closure if Canada's federal government does not renew a special permit that excludes the clinic from Canada's criminal drug laws.
Little to survive on for China's HIV/AIDS sufferers: Cindy Sui; Agence France-Presse - August 20, 2006; QULOU VILLAGE, China, Aug 20, 2006 (AFP) - Every day without fail, Cao Xiaoxian goes to a local government office, as he has for a year, to beg for help for his family.
Focus in AIDS war swings back to prevention, helping women: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 19, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 19, 2006 (AFP) - Like generals locked in strategic debate about how to prosecute a war where no end is in sight, campaigners in the global AIDS pandemic broadly divide into two camps.
South Africa government 'rejects with contempt' Lewis outburst on HIV policies: Agence France-Presse - August 19, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 19, 2006 (AFP) - The South African government on Saturday gave an angry response to the previous day's scathing attack on its HIV policies by Stephen Lewis, the United Nations special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.
China touts initial success with first AIDS vaccine: Agence France-Presse - August 19, 2006; BEIJING, Aug 19, 2006 (AFP) - China Saturday said initial test results of its first AIDS vaccine showed it could protect people against the HIV virus.
South Africa's barred me, says UN envoy: Agence France-Presse - August 18, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 18, 2006 (AFP) - The United Nations' special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis, told here Friday how he had been barred from working in South Africa after falling out with its controversial health minister over AIDS policies.
UN envoy lashes S Africa's 'lunatic fringe' AIDS policies: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 18, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 18, 2006 (AFP) - UN AIDS envoy Stephen Lewis took the lash to South Africa here Friday at the end of the world's biggest AIDS conference, accusing its government of "lunatic fringe" policies on HIV and resorting to state coercion to quell dissenters.
UN AIDS special envoy accuses G8 of betraying South: Agence France-Presse - August 18, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 18, 2006 (AFP) - The United Nations special envoy for AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis, accused G8 leaders of a "betrayal" of developing countries for not keeping their funding promises in the fight against AIDS.
Grief, hope mingle at end of global AIDS talks: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 18, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 18, 2006 (AFP) - The 16th International AIDS Conference moved to a close here Friday after six days of workshops, presentations and grassroots networking, where grief for the 25 million lives claimed by AIDS mixed with hope and resolve for the future.
South African AIDS activists arrested for 'illegal' protest: Agence France-Presse - August 18, 2006; CAPE TOWN, Aug 18, 2006 (AFP) - South African police on Friday arrested 44 activists from the country's main AIDS lobby group for staging a protest over what they see as a slow response to the pandemic from controversial Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
AIDS: Women and children in brunt of pandemic: Isabel Parenthoen; Agence France-Presse - August 18, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 18, 2006 (AFP) - From a disease that 25 years ago seemed only to target gays, AIDS today principally has women and children in its cross hairs, according to evidence and testimony presented at the 16th International AIDS Conference here.
New AIDS nightmare looms for gay men: study: Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - The gay community in the western world, mauled by the first wave of the AIDS pandemic, now faces a second storm, according to a forecast released at the International AIDS conference Thursday.
AIDS activists seek truce in US 'pharma war': Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - Activists Thursday demanded a truce in what they branded a US "pharma war" on AIDS patients as well as a moratorium on US free-trade deals that, they say, thwart local production of cheap, life-saving HIV drugs.
African traditions at risk in AIDS fight that pits healers versus drugs: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - Traditional African healers are struggling to keep alive ancient holistic ways threatened by western medicines used to combat the AIDS pandemic ravaging their continent, say activists.
New regimen slashes mother-to-baby HIV risk: study: Isabel Parenthoen; Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - The risk of an HIV-infected mother handing on the AIDS virus to her baby can be reduced to less than six percent under an innovative regimen that combines drugs and bottle feeding, French researchers said at the global AIDS conference here Thursday.
Stigma, taboo create conditions for stealthy Mideast AIDS epidemic: Catherine Hours; Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - The Middle East and North Africa are at risk of plunging into a silent epidemic of AIDS, despite so far having escaped the worst of the disease's deadly onslaught, experts warn.
Explicit online content needed to teach gay men HIV prevention: Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - The use of condoms in online pornography is more likely than tedious health warnings to coax gay men to take precautions against HIV, a US researcher said Thursday.
Stopping HIV: Could circumcision be the kindest cut of all?: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - Circumcision could be a highly effective way of braking the AIDS pandemic, experts said here Thursday, cautioning though that before surgeons everywhere reached for their scalpels, major questions had to be answered.
Researchers link music tastes to HIV risks: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - US boys hooked on gospel, techno and pop are more at risk of HIV infection than devotees of other musical styles, including "bling, bling" hip hop, according to a new study.
Bollywood star falls to earth in meeting AIDS orphan: Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - Bollywood legend Sharmila Tagore on Thursday told how she was humbled when she came face-to-face with a Ugandan AIDS orphan left alone to bring up her five siblings.
Glaxo withdraws AIDS drug patent plan in Thailand, India: Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; BANGKOK, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - British pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKlein has dropped its controversial application to patent a key AIDS drug in Thailand and India, the company and international HIV campaigners said Thursday.
HIV and TB are apocalyptic duo: AIDS conference: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - Co-infection by HIV and the tuberculosis germ is a fast-growing problem in the global AIDS epidemic, with the two pathogens working in tandem to end a quarter of a million lives every year, the 16th International AIDS Conference has heard.
AIDS is meal ticket in hunger-plagued Haiti: Clarens Renois; Agence France-Presse - August 17, 2006; LASCAHOBAS, Haiti, Aug 17, 2006 (AFP) - Outside the UN World Food Program warehouse, hungry Haitians form a line and wait for the rations coming to them as victims of tuberculosis or AIDS.
Drugs users in the cold in AIDS battle in Asia, Eastern Europe: Isabel Parenthoen; Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - Countries in Asia and Eastern Europe, notably China and Russia, jeopardise millions of lives by excluding drug addicts from anti-AIDS programmes, experts warned on Wednesday.
Condoms, cannabis, beads... and networking: Secrets of AIDS forum success: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - The audience is receptive as New York prostitute-turned-author Tracy Quan, curled on a makeshift double bed adorned with silk drapes, cushions, condoms and an assortment of strap-on dildos, reads from her latest book.
Study lifts lid on Kenya's child prostitution: Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - Child prostitutes in Kenya play a risky lottery with HIV infection, seeing up to five partners a night and using condoms only 60 percent of the time, a UNICEF researcher said Wednesday.
What they're saying at the 16th International AIDS Conference: Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - Quotes from the fourth day of the 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto:
Trail-blazing Thailand is AIDS example to follow: World Bank: Stephen Collinson; Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - Trailblazing Thailand is offering life-saving HIV drugs to more than 90 percent of those in need, bucking global trends and setting an example for other developing states, the World Bank said Wednesday.
UN agency warns of critical food shortage for HIV patients: Isabel Parenthoen; Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - Despite pouring billions of dollars into life-saving AIDS drugs, the world is failing to ensure poor HIV patients have enough food to survive, the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) warned Wednesday.
Sex workers show red light to AIDS at global forum: Catherine Hours; Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - With the crack of a whip and swish of maracas, dozens of prostitutes from Bangladesh to Brazil and from Cambodia to Canada demanded recognition here of their frontline role in the war on AIDS.
World AIDS conference serves up good news on HIV drugs: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - Drugs that tackle HIV are at last moving out to poor, AIDS-hit countries in significant volumes and new treatments are starting to emerge from the research pipeline, the International AIDS Conference heard Wednesday.
AIDS testing drive could infringe rights: activists: Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - The drive to expand HIV testing in the developing world must not bruise human rights or see people treated like "cattle," activists including Irish ex-president Mary Robinson said Wednesday.
AIDS drugs now reach 24 percent of poor people with HIV: WHO: Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - Antiretroviral drugs are now reaching 1.65 million people in poor countries who are badly infected with HIV, equal to almost one in four of those in need, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said here Wednesday.
AIDS temple offers solace to abandoned Thais: Shino Yuasa; Agence France-Presse - August 16, 2006; LOP BURI, Thailand, Aug 16, 2006 (AFP) - Pu, a 29-year-old Thai woman with AIDS, is all skin and bone. She is so weak that she cannot even brush away flies off her face.
Israeli, Lebanese, Palestinian, Iranian scientists unite to fight AIDS: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - The image of the Middle East is of a tense, fractured region, with Israelis and Arabs mired in fear and mutual hostility, dwelling on ancient memories of bloodshed, grief and destruction.
Prisoners barred help to fight AIDS: activists: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - The rampant spread of HIV in prisons around the world has been largely ignored or overlooked by officials, activists said Tuesday at the 16th international conference on the deadly disease.
China pledges steely fight against AIDS problems: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - Outlining its strategic shift in the combat against AIDS, China vowed on Tuesday to fight the disease at its source, using innovative measures that just a few years ago would have been taboo or illegal.
What they're saying at the International AIDS Conference: Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - Quotes on the third day of the 16th International AIDS Conference, in the Canadian city of Toronto on Tuesday:
Four million health workers needed to face AIDS crisis: WHO: Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - Developing countries that are worst hit by AIDS need more than four million health workers to help cope with the crisis, the UN's World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated on Tuesday.
MSF demands action for half a million AIDS infants: Isabel Parenthoen; Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - Urgent action is needed to treat more than half a million children in need of AIDS drugs and to slash the price of these life-saving treatments, a top medical relief agency warned Tuesday.
US blasts AIDS plan critics: Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - The United States Tuesday blasted claims by a UN official that its AIDS policy in Africa reeks of colonialism, and rejected charges it promotes abstinence over condoms for naked political reasons.
Don't give up on HIV vaccine quest, scientists urged: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - AIDS campaigners led by former US president Bill Clinton appealed to scientists Tuesday to pursue the quest for a vaccine against HIV, a path that has been sown with innumerable disappointments.
Sex sells AIDS prevention message at conference: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - Lessons in erotic art, pornography and talking dirty have been a spicy addition to the global AIDS forum here as campaigners try to make safe sex, well, sexy.
Male circumcision, microbicides -- and tenacity -- seen as keys to AIDS prevention: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - Male circumcision and an HIV-thwarting vaginal gel could revolutionise the flagging campaign to prevent the spread of HIV, experts at the global AIDS conference said Monday.
Chirac calls on world to keep AIDS promises: Agence France-Presse - August 15, 2006; PARIS, Aug 15, 2006 (AFP) - French President Jacques Chirac called on the international community to "keep its promises" in the fight against AIDS, in a message to a global conference made public Tuesday.
Cheers, caution greet Gates at AIDS foray: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - Once demonised as a monopolistic mega-tycoon, Bill Gates has found a warm welcome among the tight-knit community of AIDS activists here.
What they're saying at the International AIDS Conference: Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - Quotes from the second day of the 16th International AIDS Conference, in the Canadian city of Toronto on Monday:
Licking the AIDS crisis: Stamps to raise cash for Global Fund: Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria on Monday launched an innovative postage-stamp campaign to raise money to fight AIDS and deliver an upbeat message about a disease that has killed 25 million people and remains without a cure or a vaccine.
Black America's plight alarms world AIDS meet: Catherine Hours; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Canada, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - The high rate of HIV infections among African-Americans raised a thorny question at the world AIDS talks: has HIV become, as one prominent US activist said, a "black disease"?
Call for new religious dimension in anti-AIDS fight: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - Faith activists on Monday called on religious leaders to shun Biblical terms like "scourge" when discussing AIDS and to use places of worship to battle a disease that respects no creed.
Clinton the political performer rallies fight against AIDS: Catherine Hours; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - Bill Clinton turned his political dazzle on the rampaging AIDS virus Monday, coaxing frontline scientists and caregivers over a "rocky road" towards victory against the murderous disease.
Suffer, little children: AIDS forum spotlights smallest victims: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - UN agencies joined the United States at the world AIDS conference on Monday in demanding help for Africa's army of AIDS orphans, warning its ragged rollcall could reach more than 15 million by the end of the decade.
Canada UN envoy: US must not 'dictate' Africa AIDS fight: Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - UN special envoy Stephen Lewis on Monday blasted the US global AIDS strategy, saying Washington was guilty of "insipient neocolonialism" by "dictating" how African governments stem the disease.
WHO calls for massive increase in global AIDS tests: Isabel Parenthoen; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - A senior world AIDS expert Monday urged community doctors to crank up testing for the killer virus, bemoaning the "appalling" fact that nine in ten HIV carriers don't know they are infected.
AIDS researchers : single strategy won't work: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - In an update on the AIDS pandemic, researchers Monday described a disease which was unfolding in myriad ways, advancing in some parts of Africa but held back in others, and which had South Asia and the countries of the former Soviet bloc in its sights.
Stop march of AIDS in South Asia : World Bank: Stephen Collinson; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Canada, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - South Asia's AIDS epidemic could smash through vulnerable populations unless India and its neighbours take the battle into high-risk areas, including the sex industry, the World Bank warned Monday.
Myanmar's military regime arrests HIV/AIDS workers: Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; WASHINGTON, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - Myanmar's military regime arrested 11 members of a local HIV/AIDS non-governmental group which wanted to organize its first program to help sufferers of the disease, a dissident group said Monday.
Volunteer doctors from Cuba tend sick children in Haiti: Clarens Renois; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; CANGE, Haiti, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - "It hurts me to see children die before they even had a chance to live," says Estrella Torres, one of 600 Cuban doctors who work in Haiti, where life expectancy is only 52 years.
Global Fund gets requests for 5.8 billion dollars to fight AIDS, TB, malaria: Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria said Monday it had received appeals for an additional 5.8 billion dollars to combat the three killer diseases over the next five years.
AIDS in southern Africa fuelled by multiple relationships: report: Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - Multiple relationships with low condom use and low levels of male circumcision are fuelling the spread of HIV in southern Africa, according to a regional report published Monday.
Taiwan offers addicts greater needle access to reduce HIV transmission: Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TAIPEI, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - Taiwanese health authorities said Monday they are considering offering drug addicts free syringes in thousands of convenience stores islandwide following a successful trial project to cut HIV transmission.
Grief, political bite, and glamour usher in AIDS parlay: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 14, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 14, 2006 (AFP) - Emotions ran high at opening ceremonies of the world AIDS conference, marked by mourning for 25 million lost lives over the last quarter century, bile for political foot-dragging and appeals to stamp out the disease by 2031.
AIDS prevention: Hopes cautiously rise for HIV gel: Isabel Parenthoen; Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - For a quarter of a century, the condom has been the only sure method of shielding men and women from the AIDS virus -- but hopes are now rising that a microbicide cream may become available just a few years from now.
HIV drugs: When three is better than two, but four is no better than three...: Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - Hopes that taking a combination of four antiretroviral drugs might provide a revolutionary new weapon against HIV are false, according to a study released at the world AIDS conference here.
What they're saying at the International AIDS Conference: Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - Quotes from the 16th International AIDS Conference, which opened in the Canadian city of Toronto on Sunday:
Make AIDS history by 2031, world conference told: Stephen Collinson; Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - The biggest AIDS summit opened Sunday with a call for the disease to be wiped out by 2031, as the world's wealthiest man, Bill Gates, vowed to spur the fight against the killer of 25 million people.
Activists slam US over abstinence in AIDS plans: Stephen Collinson; Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - Activists at the International AIDS Conference lashed the global US AIDS strategy, claiming it promoted sexual abstinence for political and moral reasons and thus hampered efforts to stem the deadly pandemic.
AIDS conference chair slams Canadian PM's no show: Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - A key figure in the global fight against AIDS on Sunday chastised Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, accusing him of snubbing the globe's biggest-ever meeting on the pandemic.
Stepping into spotlight, Gates pledges to make AIDS his biggest priority: Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - Bill Gates stepped into the spotlight at the International AIDS Conference on Sunday, vowing that the mighty cheque-wielding charity that bears his name would make AIDS its top priority, and with a special focus on women.
African grandmothers nurture AIDS orphans: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - African grandmothers left AIDS activists and experts close to tears here Sunday, relating their painful labours of love to raise grandchildren orphaned by war and disease.
New research confirms AIDS drugs a lifeline for Africa: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - HIV drugs that are now at last reaching sub-Saharan Africa can be administered safely and effectively, saving lives there just as they have in rich countries, according to research presented at the world AIDS conference on Sunday.
AIDS: Council of war gathers in Toronto: Stephen Collinson; Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - More than 20,000 delegates crammed into a Toronto convention centre on Sunday at the start of the world's biggest-ever parlay on the battle against AIDS.
Mexico to host 2008 AIDS conference: Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - Mexico will become the first country in Latin America to host the 2008 International AIDS conference, organisers said, as the current this year's biennial gathering opened Sunday in Canada.
AIDS war could last decades, UN chief warns: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - The war on AIDS may last decades, the head of the agency UNAIDS warned here, as experts gathered for the biggest-ever conference on a disease that has claimed 25 million lives in a quarter century.
Refugees need HIV treatments too: NGOs: Michel Comte; Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - New efforts show AIDS and HIV treatments can succeed in war zones, where people fear bombs and bullets more than a distant death from disease, non-governmental groups said Saturday.
Better drugs needed if China to win AIDS fight: official: Cindy Sui; Agence France-Presse - August 13, 2006; BEIJING, Aug 13, 2006 (AFP) - Three years after China launched an ambitious plan to provide free anti-retroviral treatment to all HIV/AIDS patients, it urgently needs better quality drugs and child medication, a top official says.
World AIDS talks to open Sunday with record turnout: Agence France-Presse - August 12, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 12, 2006 (AFP) - This year's international AIDS conference is set to open in Toronto Sunday with a record number of participants, organizers say.
HIV infection rate surging among gays, bisexuals in Asia: report: Agence France-Presse - August 11, 2006; TORONTO, Aug 11, 2006 (AFP) - The AIDS virus is spreading rapidly among homosexuals and bisexuals in Asia, driven by stigma, ignorance and government inaction, according to a report issued on Friday.
Chinese police releases HIV victim ahead of Toronto AIDS conference: Agence France-Presse - August 11, 2006; BEIJING, August 11, 2006 (AFP) - China has released a Chinese AIDS patient and activist detained for nearly a month -- four days ahead of the world's biggest-ever AIDS conference, a group said Friday.
Human Rights Watch blasts India, Saudi Arabia and others over HIV tests: Agence France-Presse - August 10, 2006; PARIS, Aug 10, 2006 (AFP) - The monitoring group Human Rights Watch on Thursday accused India, Saudi Arabia and other countries of breaching liberties by embracing policies of coercive testing for the AIDS virus.
Stay single, die young: Agence France-Presse - August 10, 2006; PARIS, Aug 10, 2006 (AFP) - People who never marry run a far greater risk of premature death compared with peers who tie the knot or get divorced, according to a study published on Thursday in a specialist journal.
Bill Gates pledges 500 million dollars to global AIDS fund: Agence France-Presse - August 9, 2006; GENEVA, Aug 9, 2006 (AFP) - The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged half a billion dollars to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, the Fund announced on Wednesday.
UN official calls for more debt relief to poor AIDS-hit countries: Agence France-Presse - August 9, 2006; OTTAWA, Aug 9, 2006 (AFP) - UN special envoy for AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis, on Wednesday called for rich nations to cancel the debts of the world's poorest countries to help them fight against AIDS and HIV infections.
Libya retrial of nurses on AIDS charges adjourned: Agence France-Presse - August 8, 2006; TRIPOLI, Aug 8, 2006 (AFP) - The retrial of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor accused of injecting hundreds of Libyan children with the AIDS virus was adjourned Tuesday until August 29.
AIDS, in quotes: Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2006; PARIS, Aug 7, 2006 (AFP) - Quotes illustrating the history of AIDS ahead of the 16th International AIDS Conference, running in Toronto, Canada, from Aug 13-18.
A quarter-century of AIDS: A timeline: Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2006; PARIS, Aug 7, 2006 (AFP) - Here are landmarks in the history of AIDS:
Russia finds money alone will not stem HIV: Victoria Loginova; Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2006; MOSCOW, Aug 7, 2006 (AFP) - Russia's HIV and AIDS sufferers are not getting the treatment they need despite a dramatic boost in funding because of weak administration, activists will tell a major conference in Canada.
Coping replaces despair in San Francisco gay Mecca as AIDS turns 25: Glenn Chapman; Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2006; SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 7, 2006 (AFP) - Twenty-five years ago a mysterious disease that came to be known as AIDS cut a deadly swathe through San Francisco.
US gays' role honored in fight for AIDS awareness: Jean-Louis Santini; Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2006; WASHINGTON, Aug 7, 2006 (AFP) - The US gay community won credit on the run-up to a UN AIDS conference for mobilizing against a virus that decimated its ranks in the 1980s and for raising society's awareness as well as state funding for research.
Experts take stock after first quarter-century of war on AIDS: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2006; PARIS, Aug 7, 2006 (AFP) - The biggest-ever council of war on AIDS opens next Sunday, a quarter-century after the disease, surfacing among American gays, took its first step in a global rampage that has now claimed more than 25 million lives.
AIDS-blighted Africa still slow to roll out ARV therapy: Abhik Kumar Chanda; Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 7, 2006 (AFP) - Although it has more than 60 percent of the world's HIV/AIDS cases, Africa is still struggling to provide anti-retroviral therapy to the millions who could benefit from it.
South African AIDS pandemic leads to rise in tuberculosis: Agence France-Presse - August 4, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 4, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's HIV/AIDS pandemic has led to a major rise in the rate of tuberculosis infection, with 300,000 new cases recorded last year, the government said on Friday.
Cambodian with HIV gets prison for trying to infect wife: Agence France-Presse - August 4, 2006; PHNOM PENH, Aug 4, 2006 (AFP) - An HIV-positive Cambodian man has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for trying to infect his wife by raping her without using a condom, court officials said Friday.
Nigeria sacks health officials after baby infected with HIV: Agence France-Presse - August 2, 2006; LAGOS, Aug 2, 2006 (AFP) - The Nigerian government Wednesday dismissed three senior officials at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where a baby was infected with HIV-AIDS.
South African population growth slowing: report: Agence France-Presse - August 2, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 2, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's population rate has slowed down over the last five years mainly due to declining fertility levels and rising AIDS deaths, the national statistical chief said Wednesday.

July

China shuts blog by Tibetan author that wished Dalai Lama happy birthday: Agence France-Presse - July 31, 2006; BEIJING, July 31, 2006 (AFP) - China has shut down a popular blog by a Tibetan author after she wrote birthday wishes for the Dalai Lama and touched on other sensitive topics, the writer and a website operator told AFP Monday.
Singapore gays prepare to show their IndigNation: Bernice Han; Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2006; SINGAPORE, July 30, 2006 (AFP) - Singapore's gay community is about to show some IndigNation.
HIV-positive boy tied to bed in India hospital: Agence France-Presse - July 28, 2006; NEW DELHI, July 28, 2006 (AFP) - An HIV-positive Indian teenager in a critical state was tied to his hospital bed among patients of infectious diseases, media reported Friday.
Heat-resistant HIV-AIDS drugs from US arrive Nigeria: MSF: Agence France-Presse - July 27, 2006; LAGOS, July 27, 2006 (AFP) - Heat resistant anti-retroviral HIV-AIDS drugs manufactured in the United States have arrived in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, Medecins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders), said on Thursday.
83% of girls in Nigerian capital carry condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS: official: Agence France-Presse - July 27, 2006; LAGOS, July 27, 2006 (AFP) - The vast majority of girls who work in the Nigerian capital Abuja carry condoms to protect against the HIV infection that can cause AIDS, in a country with the world's third highest prevalence rate, a senior health official said Thursday.
Man who passed on HIV virus skips sentencing in England: Agence France-Presse - July 27, 2006; LONDON, July 27, 2006 (AFP) - An English judge has issued an arrest warrant for a gay man who was convicted for "recklessly" passing on the HIV virus but skipped sentencing, court officials said Thursday.
Libya AIDS trial adjourned again: Afaf Geblawi; Agence France-Presse - July 25, 2006; TRIPOLI, July 25, 2006 (AFP) - Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor accused of infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the AIDS virus appeared in court on Tuesday in the retrial of a case for which they were originally condemned to death by firing squad.
Development banks in Vietnam fund AIDS, Mekong health projects: Agence France-Presse - July 24, 2006; HANOI, July 24, 2006 (AFP) - The World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Vietnam announced projects Monday worth a total of nearly 100 million dollars to fight HIV/AIDS and improve health care in the southern Mekong delta.
Tough-loving Pakistan wives force husbands to kick drugs: Mazhar Abbas; Agence France-Presse - July 24, 2006; KARACHI, July 24, 2006 (AFP) - For 16 years Rukhsana Ali managed to hide her husband Wajid's heroin addiction from their son and daughter, all the while ignoring her family's repeated pleas to leave him.
HIV infection rate stable: South African health department: Agence France-Presse - July 21, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, July 21, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's health department Friday said a new report showed that the prevalance of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, had increased marginally between 2004 and 2005 meaning the infection rate was stable.
AIDS spread could hamper India's economic growth: UN report: Agence France-Presse - July 20, 2006; NEW DELHI, July 20, 2006 (AFP) - India's economy, which is growing at more than eight percent, could suffer a setback if the country does not check the spread of HIV/AIDS, the United Nations Development Programme warned Thursday.
Chinese HIV victim detained after asking government for help: Agence France-Presse - July 20, 2006; BEIJING, July 20, 2006 (AFP) - A Chinese woman who contracted AIDS from a hospital blood transfusion was detained Thursday on suspicion of a serious crime after she asked the health ministry for more compensation, an activist said.
India AIDS agency pushes for legalisation of homosexuality: Agence France-Presse - July 20, 2006; NEW DELHI, July 20, 2006 (AFP) - The Indian government's AIDS prevention body has asked a court to scrap a law banning homosexuality, saying the move would help check the spread of HIV/AIDS, an official said Thursday.
Vietnam may get its first sex education website: Agence France-Presse - July 20, 2006; HANOI, July 20, 2006 (AFP) - Vietnam may soon get its first sex education website for people too scared to talk openly about reproductive health, a topic widely considered taboo in the communist country.
Gates donates 287 mln dlrs to AIDS research: Agence France-Presse - July 19, 2006; WASHINGTON, July 19, 2006 (AFP) - The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation promised on Wednesday 287 million dollars to help 165 scientists in 19 countries collaborate on an AIDS vaccine.
Family sues Las Vegas casino after girl, 5, finds used condom: Agence France-Presse - July 19, 2006; LOS ANGELES, July 19, 2006 (AFP) - A couple from Scotland is suing a Las Vegas hotel-casino, claiming their five-year-old daughter found a used condom in their bed and put it in her mouth, according to court documents published Wednesday.
Don't be ashamed of AIDS, Clinton tells Liberia: Zoom Dosso; Agence France-Presse - July 18, 2006; MONROVIA, July 18, 2006 (AFP) - 'Don't be ashamed of AIDS' was the message when Former US president Bill Clinton paid a lightning visit to Monrovia late Monday to launch an anti-AIDS drive in war-shattered Liberia.
Nigeria, Clinton Foundation sign deal to provide cheap AIDS drugs: Agence France-Presse - July 17, 2006; ABUJA, July 17, 2006 (AFP) - Nigeria on Monday signed a deal with the Clinton Foundation to facilitate the supply of affordable and high-quality drugs to fight the deadly HIV/AIDS epidemic ravaging the country.
Malawi launches national HIV testing campaign: Agence France-Presse - July 17, 2006; LILONGWE, July 17, 2006 (AFP) - Malawi on Monday launched a week-long HIV testing campaign amid fears the fight against AIDS is being hampered by people not knowing whether they have the virus.
Clinton launches AIDS programme in Ethiopia: Agence France-Presse - July 16, 2006; ADDIS ABABA, July 16, 2006 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton on Sunday launched a programme to help children suffering from AIDS in Ethiopia, where close to 3 million people are estimed to be infected with the deadly virus.
Little room for Africa at G8 rich club summit: Kevin McElderry; Agence France-Presse - July 16, 2006; SAINT PETERSBURG, July 16, 2006 (AFP) - The select G8 group of the world's richest nations promised Sunday to help build a peaceful and democratic Africa but disappointed aid agencies by announcing no big initiatives or new relief.
G8 urges lower tariffs to help poor get medicine: Agence France-Presse - July 16, 2006; SAINT PETERSBURG, July 16, 2006 (AFP) - Leaders of the Group of Eight industrialised nations called Sunday for lower customs duties on drug imports to bring medicine and medical technology into easier reach for people in the world's poorest countries.
"Choice" to help young South Africans facing AIDS, unemployment: Coumba Sylla; Agence France-Presse - July 15, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, July 15, 2006 (AFP) - Nomfundo, 20, is HIV positive. Michael, 21, is out of a job. Like millions of other young South Africans, they are asking themselves big questions about where their life is going and the government has come up with a novel way to help.
Stigma raises HIV threat in Vietnam, says US study group: Frank Zeller; Agence France-Presse - July 14, 2006; HANOI, July 14, 2006 (AFP) - The social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, along with a lack of data about the spread of the disease, raise the risk of a wider epidemic in Vietnam, a US think tank has warned.
Once-a-day HIV-AIDS pill approved in US: Agence France-Presse - July 13, 2006; WASHINGTON, July 13, 2006 (AFP) - The first once-a-day, one-pill treatment for HIV-AIDS will be available for use in the United States next week, the US Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.
Clinton and Gates in Lesotho to assess fight against HIV/AIDS: Agence France-Presse - July 12, 2006; MASERU, July 12, 2006 (AFP)-) - Former US president Bill Clinton and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates made a whistle-stop visit to Lesotho on Wednesday to assess the poverty-stricken mountain kingdom's fight against AIDS.
Circumcision could prevent millions of AIDS cases in Africa: report: Agence France-Presse - July 11, 2006; PARIS, July 11, 2006 (AFP) - The systematic circumcision of all boys in sub-Saharan Africa could potentially prevent nearly six million new HIV/AIDS infections over the next two decades, a research team says in a study published Tuesday.
African gays struggle for rights: Lillian Omariba; Agence France-Presse - July 11, 2006; NAIROBI, July 11, 2006 (AFP) - Leone Immanuel is an invisible man. Part of a minority community that many in conservative Africa prefer to believe does not exist and is reviled, shunned and prosecuted when it dares seek recognition.
Ignorance breeds children among Kenyan teens: Lucie Peytermann; Agence France-Presse - July 11, 2006; NAIROBI, July 11, 2006 (AFP) - Margaret Waigumo cuddles her baby in a squalid house in the teeming "Soweto" slum east of Nairobi, joining a growing number on the list of Kenya's teen parents, victims of taboos that inhibit sex education.
Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates to visit Lesotho: Agence France-Presse - July 9, 2006; MASERU, July 9, 2006 (AFP)-) - Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates will this week make his first visit to Lesotho in the company of his wife and former US president Bill Clinton to visit various anti-HIV/AIDS projects.
Zimbabwe hopes to double people on free AIDS drugs by end 2006: official: Agence France-Presse - July 6, 2006; HARARE, July 6, 2006 (AFP) - AIDS-ravaged Zimbabwe is hoping to double the number of people on antiretrovirals to reach 70,000 sufferers by the end of 2006, a top official said Thursday.
Libya commits 17 million dollars to fight AIDS: Agence France-Presse - July 6, 2006; TRIPOLI, July 6, 2006 (AFP) - Libya has contributed 17 million dollars to a programme to help fight HIV-AIDS in the northern town of Benghazi where hundreds have contracted the disease, a senior official said Thursday.
Defence in Libyan AIDS trial claims psychological torture of nurses: Agence France-Presse - July 6, 2006; SOFIA, July 6, 2006 (AFP) - The defence team for five Bulgarian nurses accused of infecting more than 400 Libyan children with HIV-tainted blood claims psychological torture measures were used against the nurses, Bulgarian newspapers reported Thursday.
Risky sexual history should be bared to partner: top California court: Glenn Chapman; Agence France-Presse - July 5, 2006; SAN FRANCISCO, July 5, 2006 (AFP) - People who spread HIV can be held legally responsible even if they didn't know they had the deadly sexually transmitted disease, California's top court said in an unprecedented ruling.
ADB to lend 53 million dollars to Papua New Guinea: Agence France-Presse - July 5, 2006; MANILA, July 5, 2006 (AFP) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday it had approved two loans totalling 53 million dollars for road and economic development projects in Papua New Guinea.
Preventing HIV in Asian injecting drug users could help curb AIDS epidemic: UN: Agence France-Presse - July 5, 2006; KUALA LUMPUR, July 5, 2006 (AFP) - Countries in Asia and the Pacific can help curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic by tackling the spread of the disease in injecting drugs users but must act speedily, UN officials said Wednesday.
South Africa pledges a million rand more to Global Fund: Agence France-Presse - July 4, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, July 4, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa on Tuesday promised a million rand (142,000 dollars, 111,000 euro) to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in order to help make up a funding shortfall.
Iranian journalist banned for five years over AIDS article: Agence France-Presse - July 4, 2006; TEHRAN, July 4, 2006 (AFP) - An Iranian woman journalist has been banned from working as a reporter for five years for publishing an article on AIDS, her lawyer told the ISNA news agency on Tuesday.
Chinese lawyers denounce proposed media restriction law: Agence France-Presse - July 4, 2006; BEIJING, July 4, 2006 (AFP) - A group of Chinese lawyers and rights advocates have issued a letter demanding the government scrap a proposed law that threatens to further restrict press freedom.
Vietnam gets 20 million-dollar ADB grant to fight AIDS: Agence France-Presse - July 3, 2006; MANILA, July 3, 2006 (AFP) - Vietnam will launch a project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fight the spread of AIDS among its young people, the Philippines-based lender said Monday.
Australian gay blood ban challenged: Agence France-Presse - July 3, 2006; SYDNEY, July 3, 2006 (AFP) - Gay activists in Australia Monday won the first round in a struggle against being banned from donating blood if they have had male-to-male sex in the previous 12 months.
Son of HIV-positive parents kills himself over humiliation: Agence France-Presse - July 2, 2006; NEW DELHI, July 2, 2006 (AFP) - A 15-year-old boy died Sunday from burns after he had set himself on fire because he was humiliated over his parents' HIV infections, Indian police said.
AIDS case back before Libyan court: Agence France-Presse - July 2, 2006; TRIPOLI, July 2, 2006 (AFP) - Five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor are to renew their defense against charges of infecting Libyan children with AIDS at a criminal court hearing on Tuesday.

June

Global Fund gathering in South Africa to mull finances: Agence France-Presse - June 29, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, June 29, 2006 (AFP) - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will meet in South Africa from Saturday to mull its progress and see how it could better spend donations, organisers said Thursday.
Malaysia mulls jail sentence for tainted blood donors: Agence France-Presse - June 29, 2006; KUALA LUMPUR, June 29, 2006 (AFP) - Malaysia may impose jail terms on people who donate HIV-contaminated blood, deputy prime minister Najib Razak said Thursday, sounding the alarm over rising cases of the disease.
Indian firm declares virtual war on HIV/AIDS: Elizabeth Roche; Agence France-Presse - June 28, 2006; NEW DELHI, June 28, 2006 (AFP) - Clicking to destroy demons, escape terror or hit a six in cricket are common video game scenarios on mobile phones.
Millions hungry despite good harvests in Southern Africa: WFP: Agence France-Presse - June 28, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, June 28, 2006 (AFP) - Three million people remained short of food in Southern Africa as a result of poverty and HIV/AIDS despite recent good harvests, the UN's World Food Programme said Wednesday.
AIDS children, pariahs in Russian society: Adele Brard; Agence France-Presse - June 28, 2006; MOSCOW, June 28, 2006 (AFP) - Nestled in a cradle at Moscow's Hospital Number Two, the three-week-old baby girl has no name -- or much of a future.
US capital first to try to test entire city for HIV: Agence France-Presse - June 27, 2006; WASHINGTON, June 27, 2006 (AFP) - The first attempt to test an entire city for HIV kicked off Tuesday in Washington D.C., the US capital, which has the highest HIV infection rate in the United States, officials said.
HIV/AIDS on the rise among Iranian addicts: Agence France-Presse - June 27, 2006; TEHRAN, June 27, 2006 (AFP) - The number of HIV/AIDS infections in Iran is far higher than previously thought because of a large rise in intravenous drug use, a health ministry official was quoted as saying Tuesday.
Buffett and Gates urge others to hand over their fortunes: Catherine Hours; Agence France-Presse - June 26, 2006; NEW YORK, June 26, 2006 (AFP) - Investment tycoon Warren Buffett on Monday handed over a written promise to give the bulk of his 44 billion dollar fortune to the charity foundation of Bill Gates, who said he would step up efforts to find an AIDS vaccine.
Buffett-Gates merger creates 60 billion dollar charity giant: Stephen Collinson; Agence France-Presse - June 26, 2006; WASHINGTON, June 26, 2006 (AFP) - Visions dawned Monday of a new Golden Age of philanthropy with Bill Gates atop a mammoth 60 billion dollar charity machine, with a global punch to rival world aid bodies and even governments.
Iran issues drugs threat: Hiedeh Farmani; Agence France-Presse - June 26, 2006; TEHRAN, June 26, 2006 (AFP) - Iran has threatened to allow traffickers to flood Europe with narcotics unless its costly border security operation is given a massive hike in United Nations funding.
Gay rights on parade in cities across America: Catherine Hours; Agence France-Presse - June 25, 2006; NEW YORK, June 25, 2006 (AFP) - Thousands of marchers from New York's homosexual community took part Sunday in the city's annual Gay Pride parade, although high spirits were dampened slightly by recent conservative efforts to reverse political gains by US gays and lesbians.
Super philanthropists Buffett and Gates raise charity to a new level: Dan De Luce; Agence France-Presse - June 25, 2006; WASHINGTON, June 25, 2006 (AFP) - By joining forces with his friend and fellow billionaire Bill Gates, Warren Buffett is helping shape a new era of super philanthropy with large-scale, global initiatives.
Son of former India royal family says he was disinherited for being gay: Agence France-Presse - June 25, 2006; NEW DELHI, June 25, 2006 (AFP) - The scion of a former royal family in India said Sunday he has been disinherited for admitting he is gay.
South African court orders treatment for HIV-positive prisoners: Agence France-Presse - June 22, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, June 22, 2006 (AFP) - A South African court Thursday ruled that 13 HIV-positive prisoners demanding free antiretroviral drugs in line with a government scheme launched in 2003 should be put on treatment immediately.
Swaziland dismisses teachers' threat to expel orphans: Agence France-Presse - June 21, 2006; MBABANE, June 21, 2006 (AFP) - Swaziland's education minister Wednesday dismissed a threat by school teachers to expel more than 69,000 orphaned or poor students in Swaziland because the government has not paid their fees.
Japanese state and firm blamed for hepatitis C infection: Agence France-Presse - June 21, 2006; TOKYO, June 21, 2006 (AFP) - A Japanese court Wednesday ruled that drugmakers and the state were responsible for transmitting hepatitis C through a tainted medical product, and awarded damages to nine people with the disease.
Bulgarian nurses seek delay in Libya AIDS trial: Agence France-Presse - June 20, 2006; TRIPOLI, June 20, 2006 (AFP) - Lawyers for five Bulgarian nurses on trial with a Palestinian doctor for infecting children with the AIDS virus asked for more time to call defence witnesses at a hearing in the Libyan capital Tuesday.
Irish blood scandal has cost 660 million euros so far: Agence France-Presse - June 20, 2006; DUBLIN, June 20, 2006 (AFP) - The Irish government has paid out 660 million euros (830 million dollars) in legal fees and compensation so far to some 2,000 victims of a contaminated blood scandal, the health ministry said Tuesday.
Kenya slums through children's eyes: UN book focuses on poor: Agence France-Presse - June 20, 2006; VANCOUVER, June 20, 2006 (AFP) - A book of children's ray-of-hope photographs taken in the ravaged slums of Kenya was distributed Tuesday on the second day of a UN World Urban Forum, focusing attention on the world's poor.
Princess Stephanie lends voice to AIDS charity song: Agence France-Presse - June 20, 2006; PARIS, June 20, 2006 (AFP) - Monaco's Princess Stephanie is lending her voice to a song whose proceeds will go to an AIDS charity, its producers told AFP Tuesday.
Nigerian government probes two hospitals for alleged negligence: Agence France-Presse - June 20, 2006; ABUJA, June 20, 2006 (AFP) - The Nigerian government Tuesday set up panels to investigate allegation of negligence against two major medical institutions in the handling of the cases of two babies, officials said.
Australia announces aid package for African AIDS orphans: Agence France-Presse - June 17, 2006; SYDNEY, June 17, 2006 (AFP) - Australian said Saturday it would spend 12 million dollars (US 9 million) over the next three years to help children in Africa orphaned by AIDS.
Less than five percent of HIV-stricken children get drugs: conference: Agence France-Presse - June 15, 2006; PARIS, June 15, 2006 (AFP) - Less than five percent of children who are badly infected with the AIDS virus have access to the antiretroviral drugs that could save their lives, a Unicef conference was told here Thursday.
UN AIDS chief urges Malawi to do more to fight high HIV rates: Agence France-Presse - June 14, 2006; BLANTYRE, June 14, 2006 (AFP) - The executive director of the United Nations AIDS programme said Wednesday that Malawi's HIV infection rate was "unacceptably high" and urged the government and donors to help reverse the trend.
Judge aims to speed up AIDS trial of Bulgaria nurses: Afaf Geblawi; Agence France-Presse - June 13, 2006; TRIPOLI, June 13, 2006 (AFP) - The retrial of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor accused of contaminating hundreds of Libyan children with AIDS reopened Tuesday with the judge calling for the process to be speeded up.
Malawi appeals for more drugs as top AIDS officials start visit: Agence France-Presse - June 12, 2006; BLANTYRE, June 12, 2006 (AFP) - UNAIDS executive director Peter Piot and a senior British official Monday began a tour of AIDS-ravaged Malawi as a senior official said Lilongwe would ask for more free drugs to treat sick children.
Bulgarian nurses' trial on AIDS charges resumes in Libya: Afaf Geblawi; Agence France-Presse - June 11, 2006; TRIPOLI, June 11, 2006 (AFP) - The trial of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor accused of injecting AIDS-contaminated blood into Libyan children resumes in Tripoli on Tuesday, when their lawyer will again ask that they be freed on bail.
South Africa takes small steps to fight AIDS on farms: Abhik Kumar Chanda; Agence France-Presse - June 11, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, June 11, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa is taking small steps to stop AIDS from wreaking havoc on its key farm sector in a nation with one of the world's heaviest caseloads.
New-generation AIDS drug to go into wider trial: report: Agence France-Presse - June 7, 2006; PARIS, June 7, 2006 (AFP) - A prototype drug aimed at overcoming HIV's growing resistance to existing antiretroviral treatment will enter human trials this month, New Scientist reports.
AIDS to cause billions of dollars of losses in China: Agence France-Presse - June 7, 2006; BEIJING, June 7, 2006 (AFP) - AIDS is likely to cause nearly 40 billion dollars in losses for China's economy over the next five years, mostly because of lost labor as patients die or fall sick, state media warned Wednesday.
AFP Asia Press Comment: Agence France-Presse - June 4, 2006; HONG KONG, June 4, 2006 (AFP) - The following is a selection of comments from the editorial pages of newspapers around Asia. The views expressed are those of the newspapers concerned.
Uganda's deaf missing out on key AIDS education: Agence France-Presse - June 3, 2006; KAMPALA, June 3, 2006 (AFP) - Uganda's deaf face extinction at the hands of HIV/AIDS because the country's health authorities have ignored them in their national strategy to wipe out the killer disease, activists said Saturday.
UN negotiators grind out compromise accord on AIDS policy: Giles Hewitt; Agence France-Presse - June 2, 2006; UNITED NATIONS, June 2, 2006 (AFP) - Negotiators at a high-level UN meeting on AIDS agreed Friday on the draft of a hotly debated political declaration that will serve as a blueprint for the global struggle against the pandemic.
Five African countries look at male circumcision to curb AIDS: Carole Landry; Agence France-Presse - June 2, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, June 2, 2006 (AFP) - Five southern African countries hard-hit by the AIDS pandemic want to encourage men to go for circumcision after a study showed the procedure dramatically reduces the risk of HIV infection.
South African workers trigger AIDS scare on Saint Helena: Jerome Cartillier; Agence France-Presse - June 2, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, June 2, 2006 (AFP) - South African companies bidding to build an airport on Saint Helena have triggered fears that their workers may bring the first case of AIDS to the British island.
UN AIDS meet thrashes out final declaration: Giles Hewitt; Agence France-Presse - June 1, 2006; UNITED NATIONS, June 1, 2006 (AFP) - A high-level UN meeting drew closer Thursday to agreement on a blueprint for global action on HIV/AIDS, amid heated debate on issues of gender, funding and the recognition of high-risk groups.
Kenyan president waives AIDS drugs fees: Agence France-Presse - June 1, 2006; NAIROBI, June 1, 2006 (AFP) - Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki announced Thursday that public hospitals would no longer charge HIV/AIDS patients for life-prolonging anti-retroviral drugs in a new bid to fight the deadly disease.

May

UN general assembly sees face of HIV: Agence France-Presse - May 31, 2006; UNITED NATIONS, May 31, 2006 (AFP) - A South African woman became Wednesday the first person living with HIV to address the UN General Assembly, urging countries to action rather than "empty promises" in the global fight against AIDS.
Former Soviet republics face spiralling HIV/AIDS crisis: UN report: Agence France-Presse - May 30, 2006; GENEVA, May 30, 2006 (AFP) - The countries of the former Soviet Union are facing a spiralling HIV/AIDS epidemic but lag far behind in efforts to fight the disease, a new UN report warned on Tuesday.
HIV infection rate stable for first time ever: UNAIDS: Jonathan Fowler; Agence France-Presse - May 30, 2006; GENEVA, May 30, 2006 (AFP) - The incidence of new HIV infections appears to have stabilised for the first time in the 25-year history of AIDS, although the global pandemic will still have a deep, long-term impact, a new UN report said Tuesday.
South African court hears plea for free ARVs for HIV-positive prisoners: Jerome Cartillier; Agence France-Presse - May 30, 2006; DURBAN, South Africa, May 30, 2006 (AFP) - A South African court on Tuesday began hearing an appeal from 13 HIV-positive prisoners demanding free antiretroviral drugs in line with a government scheme launched in 2003.
Gay film festival slammed for offering prize trip to anti-gay Fiji: Agence France-Presse - May 30, 2006; WELLINGTON, May 30, 2006 (AFP) - A New Zealand gay film festival has come under fire for offering a membership prize of a holiday in Fiji -- where homosexuality is illegal.
Injury toll in German knifeman's rampage rises to 35: Agence France-Presse - May 28, 2006; BERLIN, May 28, 2006 (AFP) - A justice spokesman in Berlin on Sunday said a total of 35 were injured when a drunken knife-wielding youth went on the rampage in the capital on Friday evening.
AIDS scare for those wounded in Berlin knife attack: Agence France-Presse - May 27, 2006; BERLIN, May 27, 2006 (AFP) - German police called Saturday for people injured when a teenager went on a knife rampage overnight in the German capital to undergo HIV tests, as one of the 28 victims carried the virus.
World must do more to provide drugs for children with AIDS: report: Agence France-Presse - May 26, 2006; UNITED NATIONS, May 26, 2006 (AFP) - Leading child advocacy groups made an urgent appeal here Friday for world action to provide drugs and treatment to the millions of overlooked children afflicted with the HIV virus that causes AIDS.
Sharon Stone raises four million dollars for AIDS funds: Agence France-Presse - May 26, 2006; CANNES, France, May 26, 2006 (AFP) - US actress and AIDS campaigner Sharon Stone set a new Cannes record by raising more than four million dollars for research into the disease at a celebrity auction.
Malawi expanding rollout of anti-AIDS drugs: Agence France-Presse - May 25, 2006; BLANTYRE, May 25, 2006 (AFP) - Malawi is expanding its rollout of anti-retroviral drugs to reach at least 70,000 AIDS sufferers by the end of the year, a jump of almost 35 percent, a top AIDS official said Thursday.
HIV 'natural reservoir' found in Cameroon chimps: report: Agence France-Presse - May 25, 2006; WASHINGTON, May 25, 2006 (AFP) - Scientists have long assumed people contracted HIV from apes, but a report revealed Thursday that chimpanzees in Cameroon are the "natural reservoir" for the AIDS virus.
High-profile HIV death sparks controversy in South Africa: Jerome Cartillier; Agence France-Presse - May 25, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, May 25, 2006 (AFP) - The death of a South African former lawmaker's HIV-positive daughter after she refused anti-retrovirals has sparked controversy in this AIDS-hit nation where activists are fighting for access to free treatment.
Poor countries need cheaper drugs for chronic disease: WHO: Agence France-Presse - May 24, 2006; GENEVA, May 24, 2006 (AFP) - Poor countries should waive patent protection and turn to cheaper generic copies of drugs to tackle deaths caused by chronic diseases every year, a World Health Organisation report said Wednesday.
Most HIV-positive Cambodians lack access to treatment: group: Agence France-Presse - May 24, 2006; PHNOM PENH, May 24, 2006 (AFP) - Kong Kim Sy tearfully recounted being shunned at every step -- but what was especially painful for her is the memory of being thrown out of religious ceremonies in her home village.
Sudden rise in AIDS/HIV cases in Hong Kong: Agence France-Presse - May 23, 2006; HONG KONG, May 23, 2006 (AFP) - Hong Kong saw a sudden rise in the number of people with HIV/AIDS in the first quarter, health officials said Tuesday, blaming the increase on complacency in the face of improved treatment.
World Health Organisation chief Lee Jong-Wook dies suddenly: Jonathan Fowler; Agence France-Presse - May 22, 2006; GENEVA, May 22, 2006 (AFP) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced the sudden death Monday of Director-General Lee Jong-Wook, stunning ministers and senior officials from 192 countries at the opening of the agency's flagship annual assembly.
Gay and straight couples dance in Vienna for AIDS fundraiser: Michael Adler; Agence France-Presse - May 21, 2006; VIENNA, May 21, 2006 (AFP) - A man dressed up in a merry widow corset and a woman wearing angel wings and little else were among the fantastic figures dancing into early Sunday at Vienna's alternative event, the Life Ball.
Bono applauds Africa's efforts to fight malaria: Agence France-Presse - May 21, 2006; ARUSHA, Tanzania, May 21, 2006 (AFP) - Rock music star and humanitarian aid champion Bono lauded some African countries this weekend for their efforts to control malaria, which claims millions of lives on the continent every year.
Stars Sophia Loren and Jessica Lange in plea for Russian orphans: Agence France-Presse - May 20, 2006; MOSCOW, May 20, 2006 (AFP) - Movie stars Sophia Loren and Jessica Lange appeared in Moscow Saturday to raise Russian awareness of orphans and sick children, warning of the stigmatisation of children who are HIV-positive.
Kenyan first lady slams condoms, promotes abstinence: Agence France-Presse - May 18, 2006; NAIROBI, May 18, 2006 (AFP) - Kenya's controversial first lady Lucy Kibaki said Thursday that young people had "no business" buying or using condoms as she opened a push to promote abstinence among unmarried Kenyan couples.
More than 210,000 South Africans on antiretrovirals: spokesman: Agence France-Presse - May 17, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, May 17, 2006 (AFP) - More than 210,000 people in AIDS-hit South Africa are on antiretrovirals (ARVs) in programmes run by the state, the private sector and non-governmental bodies, the chief government spokesman said Wednesday.
Bulgarian engineer says he saw nurses in Libyan AIDS trial tortured: Agence France-Presse - May 17, 2006; SOFIA, May 17, 2006 (AFP) - A Bulgarian engineer arrested in Libya in 1999 with five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor, now on retrial for "knowingly" injecting Libyan children with AIDS-contaminated blood, said Wednesday he saw the six tortured in detention.
Kenya, Brazil press for funds for neglected diseases: Agence France-Presse - May 16, 2006; NAIROBI, May 16, 2006 (AFP) - Kenya and Brazil joined forces on Tuesday to press donors and wealthy governments for more funds to develop treatments for neglected diseases that mostly affect poor people.
Bono guest-edits British newspaper with Africa message: Agence France-Presse - May 16, 2006; LONDON, May 16, 2006 (AFP) - Irish rock star Bono added journalism to his CV on Tuesday with a turn as guest editor of the British newspaper The Independent which he dedicated to combating AIDS and the poverty it inflicts in Africa.
Hundred cases a day of HIV infections in Russia: officials: Agence France-Presse - May 15, 2006; MOSCOW, May 15, 2006 (AFP) - Russian health authorities register 100 new cases of HIV infection every day, four percent more than in 2004, a senior health official said Monday.
Oscar nominee Naomi Watts joins UN fight against AIDS: Agence France-Presse - May 15, 2006; UNITED NATIONS, May 15, 2006 (AFP) - Renowned British-Australian actress Naomi Watts agreed Monday to serve as UN special envoy for the global fight against AIDS and to help break down the stigma surrounding the scourge.
U2's Bono to edit British national newspaper for a day: Agence France-Presse - May 13, 2006; LONDON, May 13, 2006 (AFP) - U2 lead singer Bono is to edit British national newspaper The Independent next week to highlight the problems facing Africa, particularly the fight against AIDS, the publication said Saturday.
India drug challenge vital to poorest AIDS patients: health groups: Penny MacRae; Agence France-Presse - May 11, 2006; NEW DELHI, May 11, 2006 (AFP) - A legal challenge has been launched in India against a patent application for a vital AIDS drug and the outcome could affect thousands of lives in the developing world, health groups said Thursday.
UN envoy condemns Zuma for hurting African AIDS fight: Agence France-Presse - May 10, 2006; NAIROBI, May 10, 2006 (AFP) - A senior UN envoy on Wednesday slammed former South African deputy president Jacob Zuma for setting back the fight against HIV/AIDS on the African continent with recent "unacceptable" behaviour.
Brazil, Gilead agree AIDS drug price cut: Agence France-Presse - May 9, 2006; BRASILIA, May 9, 2006 (AFP) - Gilead Sciences will slash by half the price of its drug tenofovir, used in an anti-AIDS cocktail, Brazil's Health Ministry said Tuesday.
New Australian budget includes big boost in foreign aid: Agence France-Presse - May 9, 2006; SYDNEY, May 9, 2006 (AFP) - The Australian government budget unveiled Tuesday for the year beginning July 1 included a big boost for foreign aid, with much of the funding destined for the Asia-Pacific and the fight against HIV/AIDS, officials said.
Nurses in Libya AIDS case face retrial: Afaf Geblawi; Agence France-Presse - May 9, 2006; TRIPOLI, May 9, 2006 (AFP) - The retrial is due to start Thursday in Tripoli of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor who have been held in jail since 1999 on charges of infecting Libyan children with AIDS.
South Africa's Zuma apologizes for not using a condom: Agence France-Presse - May 9, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, May 9, 2006 (AFP) - South African former deputy president Jacob Zuma apologized to the nation on Tuesday for having unprotected sex with an HIV-positive woman, a day after he was acquitted of rape.
South Africa's Zuma, acquitted of rape but rebuked for unsafe sex: Agence France-Presse - May 8, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, May 8, 2006 (AFP) - South African former deputy president Jacob Zuma was found "not guilty" on Monday of raping an HIV-positive woman but faced a stern rebuke from the judge for having unprotected sex.
Transatlantic slave-route rower rescued after springing a leak: Agence France-Presse - May 7, 2006; DAKAR, May 7, 2006 (AFP) - A man attempting to row across the Atlantic from Senegal to New York in memory of victims of the slave trade and to raise money to fight AIDS watched his boat sink when he was rescued on Sunday after it sprang a leak, police told AFP.
Obasanjo inaugurates African centre for AIDS management: Agence France-Presse - May 6, 2006; LAGOS, May 6, 2006 (AFP) - Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has inaugurated the African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management (ACHAM) headed by former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda, his office said Saturday.
Spanish dismantle clandestine Chinese health centres: Agence France-Presse - May 5, 2006; MADRID, May 5, 2006 (AFP) - Spanish police said Friday they had dismantled four clandestine Chinese medical centres in Madrid where poor sanitary conditions had exposed patients from the capital's Chinese community to AIDS or hepatitis.
African leaders pledge more access to AIDS, malaria treatment: Agence France-Presse - May 5, 2006; ABUJA, May 5, 2006 (AFP) - African leaders have renewed their commitments to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by providing sufferers with universal access to drugs and treatment.
Hollywood stars Hayek, Judd join Nicaragua youth AIDS fight: Agence France-Presse - May 5, 2006; MANAGUA, May 5, 2006 (AFP) - Hollywood stars Ashley Judd and Salma Hayek joined the Nicaraguan government Friday in a declaration to support the fight against AIDS, a government official said.
African leaders meet on fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria: Ola Awoniyi; Agence France-Presse - May 4, 2006; ABUJA, May 4, 2006 (AFP) - African leaders began a summit here Thursday to assess progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria which have killed millions of people in the world's poorest continent.
Kadhafi cartoons strain Bulgaria-Libya relations ahead of nurses retrial: Agence France-Presse - May 3, 2006; SOFIA, May 3, 2006 (AFP) - A Bulgarian newspaper published cartoons of Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi on Wednesday, threatening to strain relations between the two countries ahead of a crucial retrial involving five Bulgarian nurses.
Zimbabwe running out of AIDS drugs: Agence France-Presse - May 3, 2006; HARARE, May 3, 2006 (AFP) - Cash-strapped Zimbabwe is running out of AIDS drugs, with less than a month's supply of antiretrovirals (ARVs) left for 20,000 patients on a government treatment programme, a state-run daily said Wednesday.
African leaders attend health summit in Abuja: Ola Awoniyi; Agence France-Presse - May 3, 2006; ABUJA, May 3, 2006 (AFP) - African leaders will gather on Thursday in Abuja to discuss the battle against HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria on the continent at an African Union-organised summit.
South African unions focus on AIDS on May Day: Agence France-Presse - May 1, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, May 1, 2006 (AFP) - South African trade unions seized upon May Day celebrations on Monday to call for stronger action to fight AIDS, affecting one in seven people in the country, the SAPA news agency reported.

April

G8 health ministers focus on infectious disease at Moscow meet: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2006; MOSCOW, April 28, 2006 (AFP) - Group of Eight (G8) health ministers expressed concern about the worldwide spread of bird flu at a meeting in Moscow Friday, vowing to improve international coordination in containing the deadly virus and other infectious diseases, including AIDS.
Britain's Prince Harry launches Lesotho AIDS charity: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2006; MASERU, April 28, 2006 (AFP) - Prince Harry, third in line to the British throne, Friday launched a charity in memory of his late mother Princess Diana to help AIDS orphans in Lesotho.
Portuguese Catholic bishop backs call to ease ban on condoms: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2006; LISBON, April 28, 2006 (AFP) - A senior Roman Catholic bishop in Portugal called for the Vatican to ease its ban on the use of condoms under certain circumstances in order to prevent the spread of AIDS.
Global Fund turns down 43 million dlr grants for Nigerian AIDS fight: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2006; GENEVA, April 28, 2006 (AFP) - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has turned down additional funding of nearly 43 million dollars for two government-run projects in Nigeria to tackle HIV/AIDS, a spokeswoman said Friday.
Air ticket tax for AIDS fight should benefit children: France: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2006; MOSCOW, April 28, 2006 (AFP) - France proposed here Friday that its scheme for a tax on air tickets to finance the fight against AIDS should be focused particularly on helping children suffering from the disease.
Russia's Rostropovich to become UN AIDS rep: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2006; GENEVA, April 28, 2006 (AFP) - Russian cello virtuoso Mstislav Rostropovich is to become special representative of UNAIDS, the joint United Nations programme fighting AIDS, the organisation announced Friday.
Bulgarian nurses too long in Libyan captivity: Rice: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2006; SOFIA, April 28, 2006 (AFP) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Friday in Sofia that the Libyan trial against five Bulgarian nurses accused of infecting children with AIDS had taken too long and expressed hope they would soon be freed.
Russians stage flash demo demanding cheap AIDS drugs: TV: Agence France-Presse - April 27, 2006; MOSCOW, April 27, 2006 (AFP) - A dozen HIV-positive protesters Thursday staged a flash demonstration on Moscow's Red Square, demanding cheaper medicine against AIDS, before being detained by police, the NTV television channel reported.
Kenya gets conditional go-ahead for extra funding to fight AIDS, TB: Agence France-Presse - April 27, 2006; GENEVA, April 27, 2006 (AFP) - The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria approved about 70 million dollars (56 million euros) in new grants for Kenya under certain conditions, a spokeswoman for the fund said Thursday.
Plants to fight disease under threat in Borneo: WWF: Agence France-Presse - April 26, 2006; LONDON, April 26, 2006 (AFP) - A treasure trove of plants in Borneo that could offer cures for cancer, AIDS and maleria may be lost because of heavy deforestation on the Southeast Asian island, campaigners warned Wednesday.
South Africa's ex-deputy lied in rape trial: prosecutor: Fienie Grobler; Agence France-Presse - April 26, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, April 26, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's former deputy president Jacob Zuma fabricated an "exaggerated, improbable" story of consensual sex with an HIV-positive woman to defend himself against a rape charge, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Ugandan police arrest Iranian seller of fake AIDS 'drug': Agence France-Presse - April 26, 2006; KAMPALA, April 26, 2006 (AFP) - Ugandan police on Wednesday arrested an Iranian man for selling an unregistered herbal medicine as a cure for HIV/AIDS, officials said.
African leaders to hold summit on AIDS, malaria: Agence France-Presse - April 25, 2006; ABUJA, April 25, 2006 (AFP) - African leaders are to meet in Nigeria on May 4 to assess progress in fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria on the continent.
South Africa wants protection for women testing anti-AIDS gel: Agence France-Presse - April 24, 2006; CAPE TOWN, April 24, 2006 (AFP) - With South Africa at the forefront of microbicides testing, the health minister said Monday that women taking part in clinical trials to develop the AIDS-fighting cream need strong protection.
New HIV infections in India almost triple in 2005: report: Agence France-Presse - April 24, 2006; NEW DELHI, April 24, 2006 (AFP) - New HIV infections in India almost tripled in 2005 from the previous year, but were far below the half a million new cases seen in 2003, a government report said Monday.
Russians take aim at Western anti-AIDS methods: Agence France-Presse - April 23, 2006; MOSCOW, April 23, 2006 (AFP) - As AIDS cases rise in Russia, tactics to fight the disease have become a divisive issue with some politicians charging that education on safe sex pushed by Western groups amounts to promotion of immorality and calling on President Vladimir Putin to intervene.
In Swaziland, Africa's last all-powerful king opens up to opposition: Fienie Grobler; Agence France-Presse - April 23, 2006; MBABANE, April 23, 2006 (AFP) - Africa's last absolute monarch has invited banned opposition parties to enter the political playing field in Swaziland, speaking publicly on the issue for the first time in a rare interview with AFP.
Retrial of Bulgarian nurses in Libya set for May 11: Agence France-Presse - April 22, 2006; SOFIA, April 22, 2006 (AFP) - The retrial of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor, sentenced to death in Libya for having inoculated children with the virus that causes AIDS, will start on May 11, it was announced in Sofia on Saturday.
Zimbabwe says WHO life expectancy figures false: Agence France-Presse - April 21, 2006; HARARE, April 21, 2006 (AFP) - Zimbabwe on Friday rejected as false World Health Organisation (WHO) figures showing that life expectancy in the southern African country had plummeted to 34 years, the lowest in the world.
Air ticket tax-funded medicine plan to start in September: officials: Agence France-Presse - April 21, 2006; GENEVA, April 21, 2006 (AFP) - A new initiative to use taxes levied on airline tickets to help fund the battle against AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in developing countries could begin within five months, officials said Friday.
Senior Catholic cardinal advocates condoms to prevent AIDS: Agence France-Presse - April 21, 2006; ROME, April 21, 2006 (AFP) - A senior Italian cardinal who was one of the front-runners to become pope after the death of John Paul II, said on Friday it was acceptable for Catholics to use condoms to prevent AIDS, a major break with the official position of the Vatican.
Putin calls for "long term strategy" to fight AIDS in Russia: Agence France-Presse - April 21, 2006; MOSCOW, April 21, 2006 (AFP) - President Vladimir Putin called on Friday for Russia to draw up a "long-term strategy" to combat the country's AIDS epidemic, adding that he would put the matter on the agenda of July's G8 summit in St Petersburg.
Angry Kenyans protest murder of HIV-positive boy: Agence France-Presse - April 20, 2006; NAIROBI, April 20, 2006 (AFP) - Hundreds of Kenyan activists marched through the streets of the capital on Thursday to protest against the brutal murder of a teenage boy, allegedly hacked to death because he was HIV-positive.
World on track to halve poverty rate by 2015 but Africa lags well behind: report: Nathaniel Harrison; Agence France-Presse - April 20, 2006; WASHINGTON, April 20, 2006 (AFP) - A worldwide campaign is on track to halve the global poverty rate by 2015, but its success risks bypassing sub-Saharan Africa where child mortality is on the rise, a World Bank-IMF report warned Thursday.
Public sector funding for health research outweighs industry input: study: Agence France-Presse - April 20, 2006; GENEVA, April 20, 2006 (AFP) - Public sector funding for the basic health research that is needed to create new drugs vastly outweighs input by the pharmaceutical industry, according to a report released by a Geneva-based foundation on Thursday.
Central African Republic ministers approve progressive AIDS bill: Agence France-Presse - April 19, 2006; BANGUI, April 19, 2006 (AFP) - The cabinet of the Central African Republic (CAR) on Wednesday approved a bill which protects the rights of AIDS sufferers but makes it a crime for them to pass on the disease, national radio reported.
Zambia's ex-president to sue paper over HIV claim: Agence France-Presse - April 18, 2006; LUSAKA, April 18, 2006 (AFP) - Former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba, who is undergoing medical treatment in South Africa, is planning to sue a Zambian newspaper for alleging that he is HIV positive, his spokesman said Tuesday.
Elton John wardrobe sale raises 700,000 dollars: Agence France-Presse - April 17, 2006; NEW YORK, April 17, 2006 (AFP) - A haute couture yard sale from the wardrobe of flamboyant pop star Elton John has raised more than 700,000 dollars to help fund the fight against AIDS, a spokeswoman for the organisers said Monday.
Zuma rape trial to wrap up but worries over AIDS impact linger: Jerome Cartillier; Agence France-Presse - April 17, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, April 17, 2006 (AFP) - Witnesses are expected to wrap up testimony in South Africa's highest profile rape trial Tuesday as experts voice concern over the impact of evidence given by the accused himself -- former deputy president Jacob Zuma.
AIDS on rise in Iran fuelled by intravenous drug use: Agence France-Presse - April 17, 2006
HIV marriage agency struggles to find women: Agence France-Presse - April 17, 2006; MUMBAI, India, April 17, 2006 (AFP) - An Indian marriage bureau that specialises in bringing together people with HIV said Monday it was struggling because it had only one woman on its books and almost 170 men.
Africa struggles with free primary education: Beatrice Debut; Agence France-Presse - April 15, 2006; NAIROBI, April 15, 2006 (AFP) - Crammed behind wooden desks, eager pupils crowd a classroom at the Ayani Elementary School in Kenya's largest slum, taking advantage of a trend sweeping Africa: free primary education.
Legendary over-dresser Elton John cleans closet for charity: Agence France-Presse - April 11, 2006; NEW YORK, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - The flamboyant frippery of veteran pop-rock singer and legendary over-dresser Elton John went on sale here Tuesday to help fund the fight against AIDS.
Poverty, prostitution, tradition fuel AIDS on Lake Victoria shores: Lucie Peytermann; Agence France-Presse - April 11, 2006; ASAT, Kenya, April 11, 2006 (AFP) - On the banks of Africa's largest lake, a deadly cocktail of poverty, prostitution and tribal widow inheritance practices is fuelling a surge in HIV/AIDS even as progress is made in other areas.
Zambian health care free but dire: Dickson Jere; Agence France-Presse - April 10, 2006; LUSAKA, April 10, 2006 (AFP) - Amid a filthy slum on the outskirts of Zambia's capital, Lusaka, stands Kanyama Health Centre where more than 6,000 AIDS sufferers queue everyday to receive free HIV/AIDS anti-retroviral drugs.
ADB grants Vietnam 15 mln dlrs for bird flu, other diseases: Agence France-Presse - April 7, 2006; HANOI, April 7, 2006 (AFP) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has granted Vietnam 15 million dollars Friday to help fight bird flu and other communicable diseases as part of a larger regional plan, a statement said.
AIDS taking 'terrble toll' on health workers: WHO: Agence France-Presse - April 7, 2006; LUSAKA, April 7, 2006 (AFP) - The HIV/AIDS pandemic was taking a "terrible toll" on health workers, the World Health Organisation's top official said Friday, withs many communities shorthanded of workers needed to care for those living with the disease.
Beef up fight against AIDS, says Red Cross: Agence France-Presse - April 6, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, April 6, 2006 (AFP) - The international Red Cross on Thursday urged southern African governments to beef up their fight against HIV/AIDS and launched an appeal for 290 million dollars to scale up its own operations.
Poor countries face crisis shortage of 2.3 million health workers: WHO: Agence France-Presse - April 6, 2006; GENEVA, April 6, 2006 (AFP) - Poor countries from Asia to Africa are in urgent need of 2.3 million doctors, nurses and other medical staff to deal with major diseases such as HIV/AIDS and everyday health care, the World Health Organisation said Friday.
UN, EU, Canada fund film in bid to stem spread of AIDS in Haiti: Agence France-Presse - April 6, 2006; PORT-AU-PRINCE, April 6, 2006 (AFP) - The UN, the European Union and Canada have joined forces to raise awareness about AIDS in Haiti, the Caribbean country hardest hit by the pandemic, by funding a film titled "Does The Band Leader Have AIDS?"
India HIV infections jump but still below epidemic status: report: Agence France-Presse - April 6, 2006; NEW DELHI, April 6, 2006 (AFP) - India will report a 157 percent jump in new HIV infections in 2005, pushing the total number of sufferers to over 5.2 million, a newspaper said Thursday.
Amid bird flu panic, lifestyle diseases to kill 27 million Asians a year: Neil Western; Agence France-Presse - April 6, 2006; HONG KONG, April 6, 2006 (AFP) - Bird flu has the world in a flap, but health experts say more must be done to combat a far bigger problem -- chronic "lifestyle diseases" that will kill 270 million Asians over the next decade.
Pop star visits Kenyan HIV/AIDS project: Agence France-Presse - April 6, 2006; MOMBASA, Kenya, April 6, 2006 (AFP) - Grammy-award winning pop star Alicia Keys on Thursday visited a health project she, alongside other celebrities, co-funds in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa.
Los Angeles gang members at high risk for HIV-AIDS: report: Agence France-Presse - April 5, 2006; LOS ANGELES, April 5, 2006 (AFP) - Risky behavior and lack of AIDS education drives high HIV infection rates among gang members in the Los Angeles area, largely youths with illusions of invincibility, said a study published Wednesday.
S.Africa's Zuma says took shower to minimise AIDS risk: Agence France-Presse - April 5, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, April 5, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's former deputy president Jacob Zuma told his rape trial Wednesday that he took a shower after sex with his HIV-positive accuser in order to minimise the risk of contracting AIDS.
Bulgarians, Italians to develop anti-AIDS vaccine for newborns: Agence France-Presse - April 5, 2006; SOFIA, April 5, 2006 (AFP) - Bulgarian and Italian researchers signed Wednesday an agreement to develop an anti-AIDS vaccine based on a Bulgarian vaccine given to newborns against tuberculosis, an official said.
South African ex-deputy president grilled in rape trial: Fienie Grobler; Agence France-Presse - April 4, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, April 4, 2006 (AFP) - South Africa's former deputy president Jacob Zuma testified for a second day in his rape trial Tuesday as prosecutors grilled him on why he had unprotected sex with an HIV-positive woman.
Uganda bars HIV-positive recruits from military: Agence France-Presse - April 3, 2006; KAMPALA, April 3, 2006 (AFP) - Uganda has barred HIV-positive recruits from joining its armed forces and limited the activities of serving soldiers suffering from the virus that can cause AIDS, military officials said Monday.
Greek HIV-positive blood donor prosecuted for infecting patients: Agence France-Presse - April 3, 2006; SALONIKA, Greece, April 3, 2006 (AFP) - An HIV-positive blood donor whose sample infected two hospital patients with AIDS in the northern Greek city of Salonika has been prosecuted for spreading disease through conscious negligence, a local judicial source said Monday.

March

Villagers refuse to cremate Indian AIDS victim: Agence France-Presse - March 31, 2006; PATNA, India, March 31, 2006 (AFP) - A widow in an eastern Indian village could not cremate her husband's body for three days because locals refused to help for fear of contracting AIDS from the dead man, a report said Friday.
Kenya denies misusing Global Fund cash: Agence France-Presse - March 30, 2006; NAIROBI, March 30, 2006 (AFP) - The Kenyan government on Thursday denied claims it has failed to account for millions of dollars from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and dismissed suggestions it might lose major funding as a result.
Mandela seeks funds for South Africa's anti-apartheid fighters: Agence France-Presse - March 30, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, March 30, 2006 (AFP) - South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela Thursday launched an emotional appeal for funds to help thousands of liberation-era political prisoners living in poverty.
Indian patent for AIDS drugs would harm millions: medical group: Tripti Lahiri; Agence France-Presse - March 30, 2006; NEW DELHI, March 30, 2006 (AFP) - An application for an anti-AIDS treatment under India's new patent rules could push cheap drugs out of the reach of millions, medical aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) warned Thursday.
New HIV infections plunge by a third in southern India: Lancet: Agence France-Presse - March 30, 2006; PARIS, March 30, 2006 (AFP) - The number of new HIV infections in southern India fell by a third over four years, according to a study published online by The Lancet on Thursday that, if confirmed, is one of the best pieces of news in the quarter-century history of AIDS.
Kenya risks losing 100 mln dollars from Global Fund over unaccounted cash: Agence France-Presse - March 29, 2006; NAIROBI, March 29, 2006 (AFP) - Kenya risks losing some 100 million dollars (83 million euros) if it fails to account for money given by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to fight the three killer diseases, officials said on Tuesday.
French AIDS veteran to bid for Global Fund job: Agence France-Presse - March 29, 2006; PARIS, March 29, 2006 (AFP) - Michel Kazatchkine, a French immunologist and veteran AIDS campaigner, said Wednesday he was putting himself forward as the next executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
EU gives 2.2 million euros to combat drought HIV/AIDS in Zambia: Agence France-Presse - March 29, 2006; BRUSSELS, March 29, 2006 (AFP) - The European Commission said Wednesday that it is giving 2.2 million euros (2.6 million dollars) in humanitarian aid to help Zambia combat drought and HIV/AIDS.
AIDS prisoners suspend hunger strike in South Africa: Agence France-Presse - March 29, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, March 29, 2006 (AFP) - More than 200 HIV-positive prisoners in South Africa ended a two-day hunger strike on Wednesday after authorities agreed to address their demands for free treatment, a spokesman said.
Rape trial judge sees no political plot against South Africa's Zuma: Agence France-Presse - March 28, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, March 28, 2006 (AFP) - A South African judge on Tuesday cast doubt over whether a rape charge against Jacob Zuma was part of a plot to end the political career of South Africa's ex-deputy president.
Greece to improve blood transfusion checks after two hospital patients get AIDS: Agence France-Presse - March 28, 2006; ATHENS, March 28, 2006 (AFP) - Greece on Tuesday said it would take immediate steps to improve checks on blood used in transfusions after a 16-year-old girl and a 76-year old man contracted AIDS from an HIV-positive donor whose infected sample mistakenly tested negative.
UN widely misses AIDS target but remains upbeat: Agence France-Presse - March 28, 2006; GENEVA, March 28, 2006 (AFP) - UN health agencies admitted on Tuesday that they had widely missed their goal of getting AIDS drugs to three million poor people by the end of this year but insisted the initiative had succeeded in many other ways.
AIDS: China only halfway to Three by Five drugs goal: Agence France-Presse - March 28, 2006; GENEVA, March 28, 2006 (AFP) - China came only halfway to meeting its target of boosting access to anti-HIV drugs under the UN's "Three by Five" initiative, according to a report issued on Tuesday by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNAIDS.
AIDS: Main points from Three by Five report: Agence France-Presse - March 28, 2006; PARIS, March 28, 2006 (AFP) - Following are the main points from the report issued by the WHO and UNAIDS (*) on the outcome of the "Three by Five" initiative.
China releases AIDS activist: Agence France-Presse - March 28, 2006; BEIJING, March 28, 2006 (AFP) - China released a high-profile AIDS activist Tuesday, a month and a half after detaining him, his wife said.
Wife of Chinese dissident alleges intimidation after contact with US embassy: Agence France-Presse - March 27, 2006; BEIJING, March 27, 2006 (AFP) - The wife of a missing, high-profile Chinese AIDS campaigner said her car window was smashed Monday while she was driving to work, shortly after she spoke on the phone with a US embassy official.
AIDS prisoners launch hunger strike in South Africa: Agence France-Presse - March 27, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, March 27, 2006 (AFP) - More than 200 South African prison inmates suffering from AIDS went on a hunger strike on Monday to press their demands for free treatment, a spokesman said.
Burundi Catholic Church ties marriage to HIV test: Agence France-Presse - March 25, 2006; BUJUMBURA, March 25, 2006 (AFP) - The Catholic Church in Burundi has announced that it will not conduct weddings for couples unless they produce an HIV certificate indicating their status, officials said Saturday.
Foundation launches TB vaccine lab to aid poor countries: Jean-Louis Santini; Agence France-Presse - March 24, 2006; WASHINGTON, March 24, 2006 (AFP) - A newly opened laboratory in the United States aims to develop and mass-produce low-cost anti-tuberculosis vaccines for poor countries.
AIDS meeting urges Asian nations to protect children: Frank Zeller; Agence France-Presse - March 24, 2006; HANOI, March 24, 2006 (AFP) - East Asia and Pacific nations must protect young people from HIV/AIDS or face an epidemic that will kill nearly 20,000 children a year in less than a decade, health experts warned Friday.
Love's not enough, says Vietnam AIDS orphanage: Tran Thi Minh Ha; Agence France-Presse - March 23, 2006; HANOI, March 23, 2006 (AFP) - Ten-year-old Nguyen Thi Thuy isn't sure what HIV is or why she had to leave her uncle's family to live in a kindergarten with 22 other sick Vietnamese children.
TB claims 1.7 million lives as it keeps its hold on Africa: WHO: Agence France-Presse - March 22, 2006; GENEVA, March 22, 2006 (AFP) - Most of the world is on target to reduce the impact of tuberculosis, but efforts have yet to bear fruit in Africa where the disease goes hand in hand with AIDS, the UN health agency said Wednesday.
Asia told to target youth in AIDS battle: Agence France-Presse - March 22, 2006; HANOI, March 22, 2006 (AFP) - East Asian and Pacific nations must focus on young people in their efforts to control the spread of HIV/AIDS or face devastating epidemics of the killer virus, health experts warned Wednesday.
More Malaysian women infected with HIV/AIDS: report: Agence France-Presse - March 22, 2006; KUALA LUMPUR, March 22, 2006 (AFP) - The number of women infected with HIV/AIDS is on the rise in mainly-Muslim Malaysia and the majority of them are housewives, a report said Wednesday.
Love's not enough, says Vietnam AIDS orphanage: Tran Thi Minh Ha; Agence France-Presse - March 22, 2006; HANOI, March 22, 2006 (AFP) - Ten-year-old Nguyen Thi Thuy isn't sure what HIV is or why she had to leave her uncle's family to live in a kindergarten with 22 other sick Vietnamese children.
Asia-Pacific AIDS meeting to focus on children's plight: Frank Zeller; Agence France-Presse - March 21, 2006; HANOI, March 21, 2006 (AFP) - AIDS threatens to kill or orphan hundreds of thousands of children in the East Asia and Pacific region unless steps are taken now to protect them, said organisers of a conference starting Wednesday.
Wife of Chinese AIDS campaigner asks: Where is my husband?: Agence France-Presse - March 21, 2006; BEIJING, March 21, 2006 (AFP) - The wife of a high-profile Chinese AIDS campaigner missing for more than a month appealed to the international media Tuesday in hopes of finding out where he is.
Bulgarian, Italian researchers to develop anti-AIDS vaccine for newborns: Agence France-Presse - March 20, 2006; SOFIA, March 20, 2006 (AFP) - Bulgarian and Italian medical researchers are seeking to develop an anti-AIDS vaccine based on a Bulgarian vaccine given to newborns against tuberculosis, the head of the Institute for Communicable Diseases in Sofia told AFP Monday.
Madagascar hails UN chief's first-ever visit to the island: Stephane Barbier; Agence France-Presse - March 16, 2006; ANTANANARIVO, March 16, 2006 (AFP) - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Thursday applauded the island of Madagascar for its good governance and dedicated fight against corruption and poverty.
Bush to welcome Liberian president March 21: Agence France-Presse - March 16, 2006; WASHINGTON, March 16, 2006 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush will welcome Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf March 21 for talks on issues like HIV/AIDS and the need to bring ousted Liberian dictator Charles Taylor to justice, the White House said Thursday.
Czech Republic registers record number of new HIV cases: Agence France-Presse - March 16, 2006; PRAGUE, March 16, 2006 (AFP) - The Czech Republic registered a record number of 90 new cases of people infected with the HIV virus in 2005, the director of an AIDS support centre said on Thursday.
South Africa's Zuma has high AIDS risk after alleged rape, court hears: Agence France-Presse - March 16, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, March 16, 2006 (AFP) - The rape trial of South Africa's former deputy president Jacob Zuma Thursday heard testimony on his risk of contracting AIDS after allegedly raping an HIV-positive woman.
Give Africa new AIDS drug, MSF tells US pharma giant: Agence France-Presse - March 15, 2006; LAGOS, March 15, 2006 (AFP) - Medical aid agency Medecins sans Frontieres called on a major US drugs firm Wednesday to make an anti-AIDS drug, which needs no refrigeration, available to electricity-deprived Africans.
Queen Elizabeth urges support for HIV/AIDS victims: Agence France-Presse - March 13, 2006; SYDNEY, March 13, 2006 (AFP) - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II called Monday for greater support for people living with HIV/AIDS, saying many could live full and rewarding lives.
Zimbabwean villagers on the brink of starvation: Fanuel Jongwe; Agence France-Presse - March 12, 2006; NYANGA, Zimbabwe, March 12, 2006 (AFP) - Chipo Mapako, a village head in the eastern Zimbabwean district of Nyanga does not remember when he last had a square meal.
US scholars, rights groups urge China to release hunger strikers: Agence France-Presse - March 11, 2006; BEIJING, March 11, 2006 (AFP) - A broad coalition of international rights groups and more than 100 university professors and others have signed a letter urging China to release activists detained for participating in a protest hunger strike.
China puts 23 HIV/AIDS patients under house arrest: Agence France-Presse - March 11, 2006; BEIJING, March 11, 2006 (AFP) - China has put 23 HIV/AIDS patients under house arrest to prevent them from travelling to Beijing to seek redress during the annual session of parliament, a rights group said Saturday.
Nigeria sets up therapy centres for HIV/AIDS patients: Agence France-Presse - March 9, 2006; LAGOS, March 9, 2006 (AFP) - Nigeria has set up 74 centres to give HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy treatment across Africa's most populous country, the health ministry said Thursday.
China detains hundreds during parliament session: Agence France-Presse - March 8, 2006; BEIJING, March 8, 2006 (AFP) - Chinese police have detained hundreds of people in a nationwide crackdown on dissent during the annual parliament session in Beijing, rights groups and detainees said Wednesday.
South Africa's ex-deputy president's lawyers grill rape accuser: Fienie Grobler; Agence France-Presse - March 7, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, March 7, 2006 (AFP) - Former South African deputy president Jacob Zuma's electric rape trial Tuesday saw the defence grilling the alleged victim on whether she tried to seduce the accused and how she contracted HIV.
New Zealand HIV infections hit record high in 2005: Agence France-Presse - March 7, 2006; WELLINGTON, March 7, 2006 (AFP) - The number of new HIV cases in New Zealand hit a record high in 2005, new figures showed Tuesday, prompting fears that improved treatment was prompting complacency.
Activists demand China come clean on missing AIDS campaigner: Agence France-Presse - March 6, 2006; BEIJING, March 6, 2006 (AFP) - Two prominent activists have issued an open letter demanding China's government reveal what it has done with a respected AIDS campaigner, who on Monday remained missing and was feared arrested.
Toronto to host 20,000 for AIDS conference in August: Agence France-Presse - March 6, 2006; OTTAWA, March 6, 2006 (AFP) - A record 20,000 delegates are expected to meet for the 16th International AIDS conference in Toronto in August, organizers announced Monday.
Use AIDS tests not astrology, Indian HIV activist tells would-be couples: Zarir Hussain; Agence France-Presse - March 5, 2006; GUWAHATI, India, March 5, 2006 (AFP) - A social outcast five years ago, Jahnabi Goswami -- who is HIV positive -- is now campaigning to persuade Indian couples planning to wed to dump traditional horoscope-matching in favour of AIDS tests.
South African court gags vitamin peddler over AIDS claims: Agence France-Presse - March 3, 2006; CAPE TOWN, March 3, 2006 (AFP) - A South African court on Friday ordered a German-born vitamin salesman to stop accusing the country's most influential AIDS lobby of being in the pay of companies which sell "harmful" antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).
Malnutrition the worst scourge for developing countries: World Bank: Jitendra Joshi; Agence France-Presse - March 2, 2006; WASHINGTON, March 2, 2006 (AFP) - Malnutrition is today's "Black Death" in terms of global economic and social impact but too few governments are tackling the crisis head-on, the World Bank said in a report Thursday.
South Africa charting out 'roadmap' for AIDS treatment: Agence France-Presse - March 2, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, March 2, 2006 (AFP) - AIDS-ravaged South Africa is charting out a "roadmap" to make treatment available to all, the country's health minister said Thursday, adding that awareness about the disease had spread by leaps and bounds.
Rights abuses endanger anti-AIDS efforts in Ukraine: report: Agence France-Presse - March 2, 2006; KIEV, March 2, 2006 (AFP) - Routine harassment and discrimination by Ukraine's law enforcement and health care officials are undermining government efforts at fighting the country's HIV/AIDS epidemic, one of the worst in Europe, said a Human Rights Watch report released on Thursday.
12 countries signed on to tax air tickets for world's poor: France: Marc Burleigh; Agence France-Presse - March 1, 2006; PARIS, March 1, 2006 (AFP) - A French initiative to tax airline tickets to boost funds for developing nations won limited support at an international conference that wrapped up in Paris Wednesday, with a total of 12 countries saying they will adopt the measure.

February

Chirac champions air ticket tax idea to fund development aid: Marc Burleigh; Agence France-Presse - February 28, 2006; PARIS, Feb 28, 2006 (AFP) - Countries around the world were Tuesday urged to embrace a French proposal for a new tax on airline tickets as a way of boosting funds to fight poverty, hunger and disease in developing nations.
UN chief hails French idea for air ticket tax to fund development: Agence France-Presse - February 28, 2006; PARIS, Feb 28, 2006 (AFP) - UN chief Kofi Annan hailed France's idea to tax airline tickets to fund development aid Tuesday, in an address at the opening of an international conference in Paris.
Ugandan first lady picks up parliamentary seat: Agence France-Presse - February 26, 2006; KAMPALA, Feb 26, 2006 (AFP) - Uganda's colorful first lady Janet Museveni won a seat in parliament in last week's landmark elections, besting a senior opposition official who challenged her qualifications, officials said Sunday.
Actor Richard Gere praises Bush AIDS stance ahead of India trip: Agence France-Presse - February 26, 2006; WASHINGTON, Feb 26, 2006 (AFP) - One of Hollywood's top leading men, Richard Gere, has spoken out in praise of US President George W. Bush's stance on HIV/AIDS ahead of the US leader's trip to India later this week.
Human trials for HIV drug begin in China: report: Agence France-Presse - February 23, 2006; BEIJING, Feb 23, 2006 (AFP) - Human trials for a new drug to fight HIV and hepatitis B have begun in China, raising hope for a cheaper alternative treatment for AIDS sufferers, state media reported Thursday.
Australia joins Clinton in new effort to fight AIDS in Asia: Agence France-Presse - February 22, 2006; SYDNEY, Feb 22, 2006 (AFP) - Australia and visiting former US president Bill Clinton Wednesday launched a new effort to fight the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region.
Tajikistan seen at risk of HIV/AIDS epidemic: Agence France-Presse - February 22, 2006; DUSHANBE, Feb 22, 2006 (AFP) - The HIV virus that can lead to AIDS is spreading rapidly in Tajikistan, which could face an epidemic in two years despite currently having the lowest infection rate per capita in Central Asia, the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Wednesday.
Provocative T-shirt show banned in Poland: Agence France-Presse - February 21, 2006; WARSAW, Feb 21, 2006 (AFP) - A university in Poland has banned an exhibition of T-shirts bearing slogans such as "I didn't cry when the Pope died" and "I've got AIDS," saying the show was too provocative, press reports said Tuesday.
More human diseases orginating from animals: Agence France-Presse - February 20, 2006; ST LOUIS, Missouri, Feb 20, 2006 (AFP) - The number of infectious diseases threatening human life have risen in the past quarter century and most are believed to have originated from animals, according to researchers.
Bulgarian nurses in bad mental state in Libyan prison: lawyer: Agence France-Presse - February 18, 2006; PARIS, Feb 18, 2006 (AFP) - Five Bulgarian nurses held in a Libyan prison accused of infecting children with AIDS are in a "difficult psychological state", their French lawyer told AFP Saturday after visiting them.
Unlicensed US doctor swindled immigrants: prosecutors: Agence France-Presse - February 17, 2006; SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 17, 2006 (AFP) - An unlicensed doctor swindled aspiring US residents in the San Francisco area by charging them for sham immigration medical exams, prosecutors said on Friday.
Clinton calls cartoons a mistake but condemns violence: Agence France-Presse - February 17, 2006; ISLAMABAD, Feb 17, 2006 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton said Friday that printing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed was a mistake but that violent protests by Muslims have wasted a chance to build bridges with the West.
Catholic Church set to release Bollywood film with a message: Agence France-Presse - February 16, 2006; MUMBAI, Feb 16, 2006 (AFP) - A song and dance movie with an AIDS message is set for release across India on Friday after an unlikely collaboration between the country's Roman Catholic Church and the Bollywood film industry.
Elton John accepts libel damages, apology over report: Agence France-Presse - February 16, 2006; LONDON, Feb 16, 2006 (AFP) - Rock legend Sir Elton John on Thursday accepted undisclosed libel damages and a public apology from a British newspaper over a report that alleged he was arrogant and rude at an AIDS fundraising ball.
ASIAN LIVES: Myanmar doctor tends wounds from hidden war: Griffin Shea; Agence France-Presse - February 15, 2006; When pro-democracy uprisings swept across Myanmar in 1988, Dr Cynthia Maung left the village clinic where she was working in Karen state to join the tens of thousands fleeing across the border to Thailand. There she provided medical care to the new arrivals as they struggled to rebuild their lives. She expected to return home soon, but more than 17 years later, her clinic has grown into a sprawling medical center that cares for some 60,000 refugees and migrants. She tells Bangkok News Editor Griffin Shea about her work and her fears for Myanmar's youth
Hong Kong records largest yearly HIV gain in 2005: Agence France-Presse - February 14, 2006; HONG KONG, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) - Hong Kong registered a record number of 313 HIV cases in 2005, a rise of 17 percent from 2004 as sexual transmission continues to be the major mode of HIV spread, a health official said Tuesday.
Thailand aims to halve HIV infections within three years: official: Agence France-Presse - February 14, 2006; BANGKOK, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) - Thailand plans to halve new HIV infections within three years as part of Asia Pacific efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic, a senior Thai health official said Tuesday.
Rape shames South African miracle: Jan Hennop; Agence France-Presse - February 14, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Feb 14, 2006 (AFP) - As South Africa's former deputy president Jacob Zuma stands trial for rape, women's groups are accusing the government of dragging its heels in changing laws aimed at curbing sexual violence.
Libya AIDS children to be treated in France: Agence France-Presse - February 13, 2006; TRIPOLI, Feb 13, 2006 (AFP) - A group of HIV-positive Libyan children at the centre of the case of five Bulgarian nurses detained over their infection are to be sent to France for treatment, officials said on Monday.
China issues guidelines on tackling HIV/AIDS crisis: Cindy Sui; Agence France-Presse - February 12, 2006; BEIJING, Feb 12, 2006 (AFP) - China on Sunday issued its first detailed policy guidelines on dealing with its exploding HIV/AIDS epidemic, including requiring local governments to offer free drugs and testing.
Swazi king warns 'enemies of peace' over firebomb attacks: Agence France-Presse - February 10, 2006; LOBAMBA, Swaziland, Feb 10, 2006 (AFP) - Swazi King Mswati III on Friday vowed to act against those who resort to violence following a string of firebombings in his southern African kingdom that have been blamed on anti-monarchists.
China publishes in depth report on homosexuality: Agence France-Presse - February 10, 2006; BEIJING, Feb 10, 2006 (AFP) - The first report focused on gay sex among men in China has been published detailing homosexual behavior that has long been taboo in the country, state press reported Friday.
25 years on, scientists still struggling to conquer AIDS: Jean-Louis Santini; Agence France-Presse - February 9, 2006; DENVER, Colorado, Feb 9, 2006 (AFP) - Twenty-five years after AIDS was discovered, scientists are still struggling to find a vaccine to thwart the virus or drugs to cure it.
US literary hoax exposed: cult male author is really a woman: Agence France-Presse - February 7, 2006; NEW YORK, Feb 7, 2006 (AFP) - A long-running literary hoax appeared to have run its course Tuesday, with the admission that cult US author JT LeRoy does not exist and his books were written by a 40-year-old woman, Laura Albert.
AIDS drug cocktail can block HIV transmission: study: Agence France-Presse - February 7, 2006; DENVER, Colorado, Feb 7, 2006 (AFP) - Transmission of the HIV virus during sex might be blocked by a daily injection of a cocktail of drugs now used to prevent the development of AIDS in people, a new study on monkeys showed.
Brazil to give out 25 million free condoms during carnival: Agence France-Presse - February 6, 2006; BRASILIA, Feb 6, 2006 (AFP) - The Brazilian government said Monday it will hand out 25 million free condoms to Carnival goers this year, as part of its AIDS prevention effort in this country of 180 million people.
Mbeki says South Africa's AIDS program among the world's biggest: Agence France-Presse - February 3, 2006; CAPE TOWN , Feb 3, 2006 (AFP) - South African President Thabo Mbeki Friday sought to defuse criticism of his government's HIV/AIDS policy, saying more than 100,000 people were getting free drugs in one of the world's biggest public health programs.
Zambia to recruit 800 health workers to fight AIDS: Agence France-Presse - February 3, 2006; LUSAKA, Feb 3, 2006 (AFP) - Zambia will recruit 800 health workers and doctors this year to help fight the AIDS pandemic, in particular in rural areas, the finance minister said Friday in his annual budget speech.
Change in sex habits cut HIV infections in Zimbabwe: study: Agence France-Presse - February 2, 2006; WASHINGTON, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - A change in the sexual behavior of young people in Zimbabwe probably caused a sharp decline in HIV virus infections in the south African country, according to a study published in the United States Thursday.
Namibia joins southern African hunger crisis: Agence France-Presse - February 2, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Feb 2, 2006 (AFP) - Namibia is joining six other countries in southern Africa that will receive international food aid, with the donations going to AIDS orphans, the director of the World Food Programme (WFP) said Thursday.
Despite economic revival, Mozambique needs aid, says UN envoy: Agence France-Presse - February 1, 2006; MAPUTO, Feb 1, 2006 (AFP) - Mozambique may be on the road to economic recovery but the southern African country still needs donor aid to cope with the AIDS pandemic, natural disasters and food shortages, a UN envoy said Wednesday.

January

UN population fund endorses 27-million-dollar China program: Agence France-Presse - January 30, 2006; UNITED NATIONS, Jan 30, 2006 (AFP) - The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said Monday its executive board had approved a 27 million dollar, five-year program for China to finance reproductive health activities and AIDS prevention.
Blood donor infects 27 with AIDS in China: report: Agence France-Presse - January 27, 2006; BEIJING, Jan 27, 2006 (AFP) - A man in northeast China has infected a total of 27 people with the AIDS virus via sexual intercourse and the sale of his tainted blood, state media said Friday.
China facing worsening AIDS epidemic despite lower figure: Cindy Sui; Agence France-Presse - January 25, 2006; BEIJING, Jan 25, 2006 (AFP) - China is in the grip of a worsening HIV-AIDS epidemic, the government and UN health groups warned Wednesday, despite new official figures showing that earlier assessments overestimated the number of cases.
Libyan HIV fund set up in jailed Bulgarian nurses' saga: Agence France-Presse - January 21, 2006; TRIPOLI, Jan 21, 2006 (AFP) - An international fund to help HIV-infected Libyan children, whose plight originally led to death sentences on five Bulgarian nurses, was set up in Tripoli on Saturday but without a cash figure being settled.
US First Lady defends abstinence approach to AIDS in Africa: Agence France-Presse - January 20, 2006; WASHINGTON, Jan 20, 2006 (AFP) - First Lady Laura Bush on Friday defended the US government's emphasis on abstinence in battling the HIV-AIDS epidemic, saying it had proven to be effective.
Bush picks AIDS assistance coordinator to head USAID: Agence France-Presse - January 19, 2006; WASHINGTON, Jan 19, 2006 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush has chosen the US global AIDS assistance coordinator, Randall Tobias, to lead the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the White House said Thursday.
US halts AIDS study that put patients at risk: Agence France-Presse - January 19, 2006; WASHINGTON, Jan 19, 2006 (AFP) - The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) said it has stopped an international study on intermittent AIDS treatment because it increased health risks to patients.
More efficient HIV treatment discovered: study: Jean-Louis Santini; Agence France-Presse - January 18, 2006; WASHINGTON, Jan 18, 2006 (AFP) - An international team of AIDS researchers has found that a once-daily combination of three antiretroviral drugs works better as an initial treatment for HIV infection than another widely-accepted three-drug combination, according to a new study made public Wednesday.
Laura Bush meets Nigerian president, announces AIDS package: Agence France-Presse - January 18, 2006; ABUJA, Jan 18, 2006 (AFP) - First Lady Laura Bush on Wednesday announced the United States government will provide more than 163 million dollars in AIDS funding to Nigeria this year after meeting Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Israeli army denies entry to Gaza AIDS patient: Agence France-Presse - January 17, 2006; JERUSALEM, Jan 17, 2006 (AFP) - A haemophiliac from Gaza City who has the AIDS virus has been denied entry by the army for treatment in Israel on three occasions despite warnings by doctors that his life is in danger, medics said Tuesday.
UNESCO, big business join forces against AIDS: Agence France-Presse - January 16, 2006; PARIS, Jan 16, 2006 (AFP) - The UN's educational, scientific and cultural organisation and a coalition of big businesses on Monday signed a partnership aimed at increasing action by the private sector to combat HIV/AIDS.
Libya AIDS talks delayed by a week: Agence France-Presse - January 14, 2006; TRIPOLI, Jan 14, 2006 (AFP) - Talks due to start Sunday between the families of HIV-infected Libyan children and international officials over the fate of imprisoned Bulgarian nurses have been delayed by around a week, a spokesman said.
Gay South Africans excluded from donating blood: Agence France-Presse - January 12, 2006; JOHANNESBURG, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - Sexually active gay men in South Africa have been excluded by the country's blood service from donating blood, causing an outcry from gay and lesbian groups in the southern African country.
Bill Clinton unveils deal to slash price of AIDS tests, drugs: Agence France-Presse - January 12, 2006; NEW YORK, Jan 12, 2006 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton announced Thursday that his foundation had negotiated major price discounts on AIDS tests and drugs with nine companies from five countries, including India and China.
Thailand, China to launch herbal drug for people with HIV: Agence France-Presse - January 11, 2006; BANGKOK, Jan 11, 2006 (AFP) - Thailand and China are set to release an herbal drug which they claim can strengthen the immune systems of people with HIV and help control the virus, Thai health authorities said Wednesday.
Hoax charges levelled at best-selling writers: Giles Hewitt; Agence France-Presse - January 10, 2006; NEW YORK, Jan 10, 2006 (AFP) - The gossip mill in US literary circles has gone into overdrive over alleged hoaxes by two best-selling cult authors -- one a former truck-stop prostitute, the other a recovered crack addict.
Thousands protest as Thailand and US resume trade talks: Pornchai Kittiwongsakul; Agence France-Presse - January 9, 2006; CHIANG MAI, Thailand, Jan 9 (AFP) - Thousands of Thais on Monday protested at talks with the United States on a free trade agreement which they say will hurt farmers and reduce access to life-saving drugs, but which the government believes will fuel economic growth.
Bulgaria expresses gratitude for French concern in Libyan AIDS case: Agence France-Presse - January 5, 2006; SOFIA, Jan 5 (AFP) - Bulgaria expressed gratitude Thursday for France's active engagement in the case of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor convicted of infecting more than 400 Libyan children with the AIDS virus.
'Don't forget us' begs jailed Bulgarian nurse in Libya: Christophe de Roquefeuil; Agence France-Presse - January 5, 2006; TRIPOLI, Jan 5 (AFP) - "Don't forget us," a Bulgarian nurse who is behind bars accused of infecting Libyan children with the AIDS virus begged during a prison visit by the French foreign minister on Thursday.
Nigeria to release 25,000 prisoners including the elderly and sick: Agence France-Presse - January 4, 2006; ABUJA, Jan 4 (AFP) - Nigeria will release 25,000 prisoners from its overcrowded jails including people carrying the HIV virus and other potentially deadly diseases, Justice Minister Bayo Ojo told journalists on Wednesday.
Iran-health-AIDS: Iran's HIV cases top 12,000: Agence France-Presse - January 2, 2006; Some 12,556 people in Iran are infected with the HIV virus, 631 of whom have already developed AIDS, according to the health ministry's latest figures reported by the student news agency ISNA on Monday.
Thai AIDS death toll down sharply in 2005: Agence France-Presse - January 1, 2006; The number of deaths from AIDS last year fell sharply because of much wider access to anti-retroviral drugs in Thailand, the public health ministry said Monday.

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