AEGiS-DMG: Estimated worldwide HIV infections: 49 922 230 at 10.30am on Thursday, December 19, 2002

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Estimated worldwide HIV infections: 49 922 230 at 10.30am on Thursday, December 19, 2002

Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - December 19, 2002

Undeserving: A Swaziland government official says the government might stop providing medical support to HIV/Aids patients. Senator Walter Bennett, a senior adviser to King Mswati III, told a rally in the commercial capital of Manzini it was unfair to continue taking care of people with HIV/Aids because others were more deserving. "The government is wasting a lot of money, yet these people got this disease out of their evil habits and out of choice," he said. About 33% of Swaziland's population has HIV/Aids. Bennett said it was obvious that promiscuity was playing a big part in the spread of the disease and he urged the government to close down entertainment places. "Swaziland can do without these places and this could lower the HIV/Aids prevalence in Swaziland," he said. His remarks were condemned by Hani Dlamini, chairperson of the Association of People Living with HIV/Aids, who said it was an irresponsible statement from a senior government official.

Dodgy protection: Questions have been raised about the commercial launch in Europe of a latex female condom made in India. Intellx of the United States is marketing the device, made by its Indian subsidiary. Studies are under way on the new condom, marketed as V-Amour, but there are reports of breakages, slippages and other indications that it may not be reliable and may need further design changes before it is fit for general sale or distribution.

Source: Sapa, www.aidsmap.com

021219
MG021203

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .