2004

BURKINA FASO: Government needs help to increase numbers on ARV, aid workers say: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 31, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] OUAGADOUGOU (PLUSNEWS) - Health authorities in Burkina Faso have already admitted they will not be able to meet global goals for providing antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to people living with AIDS, but aid workers say even the government s scaled-do
SOUTH AFRICA: Tired of the "same old" AIDS messages: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 31, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - AIDS activists in South Africa have called for the revision of outdated HIV/AIDS messages which have been circulating for years but have failed to achieve behaviour change. Handing out pamphlets with catchy slogans has little
SWAZILAND: Prominent traditional leader condemns AIDS drugs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 30, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] MBABANE (PLUSNEWS) - Swaziland s AIDS control programme received a set back this month in the shape of a prominent traditional healer who has condemned the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Why do we spend money on something which does not cure
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Rising child deaths illustrate region's health crisis: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 29, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - When Dr Keith Bolton treated children in the 1990s, the death of a patient was still relatively infrequent. As head of child health at South Africa s Coronation Hospital in Johannesburg, Bolton saw an average of one chi
MALAWI: Community NGO breaks silence around HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 27, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LILONGWE, 27 December (PLUSNEWS) - In a small village in Kaswela in Karonga district in the northern region of Malawi , 35-year-old Lucy Banda has been critically ill for a year, and her neighbours suspect she is HIV-positive. Despite numero
SOUTH AFRICA: NGO launches countrywide monitoring of ARV rollout: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 23, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - A new project by the South African NGO, Health Systems Trust (HST), will enable communities across the country to provide feedback on progress in the rollout of free anti-AIDS medication. HST, based in the east-coast city of
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Millions will go hungry this festive season says WFP: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 23, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of a grim Christmas season and new year for the millions of people across Southern Africa who are facing hunger. The agency lacks the funding to ensure adequate food supplies
SWAZILAND: Army to Reject HIV-Positive Recruits: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 23, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG(PLUSNEWS) - Swaziland officials announced last week that the country s armed forces would not accept HIV-positive recruits. The army is experiencing a rise in HIV/AIDS-related illnesses and deaths, and this has adverse effects on th
AFRICA: AIDS could orphan 20 million children by 2010 - World Bank: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 22, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The HIV/AIDS epidemic is likely to rob as many as 20 million children of their parents by 2010, a new World Bank report has found. According to the report, Reaching Out to Africa s Orphans , caring for the rising number
AFRICA: Drug manufacturers collaborate to develop single-dose daily ARV: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 22, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Two drug-manufacturing firms this week launched a collaboration to develop the first single-dose daily combination antiretroviral drug to treat HIV-positive people. The combination pill, to be manufactured by Gilead and
ANGOLA: World Bank approves US $21 million grant: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 22, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A World Bank initiative has been launched to mitigate a potential rise in the HIV/AIDS infection rate in Angola . The World Bank this week approved a grant of US $21 million to assist Angola s government in implementing
SOUTH AFRICA: Hope for those co-infected with HIV/AIDS and TB: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - All Dr Gilles van Cutsem would like for Christmas is a painless way of testing children for tuberculosis (TB). The standard test used in Africa detects the TB bacillus in the sputum, but obtaining a sample is difficult,
KENYA: HIV/AIDS policy to protect HIV-positive teachers: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Kenya plans to launch an HIV/AIDS policy to prevent discrimination against HIV-positive teachers in the workplace. Secretary of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Gabriel Lengoiboni, was reported by the Nation newsp
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE: Island state steps up fight against HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] SAO TOME, 21 December (PLUSNEWS) - Sao Tome and Principe is stepping up the fight against HIV/AIDS, which is becoming a serious problem in this small twin-island state as drilling for oil gets underway in its offshore waters.
ZIMBABWE: Mental health policy launched: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Activists have welcomed the launch of the Zimbabwe s first national mental health policy, but warned that delays in implementation could make it irrelevant. Elizabeth Matare, director of the Zimbabwe National Associatio
SOUTH AFRICA: TAC slams government on Nevirapine safety claims: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South African AIDS lobby group, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), has accused the national health department of trying to undermine public health with its unscientific, irresponsible and inaccurate statement on the a
GUINEA: Global Fund donation lowers ARV price dramatically: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - An international donation of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) will see a dramatic reduction in the price of the anti-AIDS medication in Guinea . The consignment of ARVs from the Global Fund will enable 150 people, including
MOZAMBIQUE: National AIDS council spent less than 40 percent of budget: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Mozambique s National Council for the Fight Against AIDS (CNCS) has spent less than 40 percent of the funds allocated to HIV/AIDS activities in the country this year. According to the local news agency, AIM, the CNCS ha
GUINEA: First donation of ARVs will help slash costs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] CONAKRY (PLUSNEWS) - Guinea received a donation of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) from the international community for the first time on Friday that will allow costs to be dramatically reduced. The consignment of ARVs, which will enable 150 people
SOUTH AFRICA: HIV-positive and pregnant - weighing the risk: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - As anti-AIDS drugs become available to more South Africans, a growing number of HIV-positive women are choosing to become pregnant in spite of their status. Although it is generally accepted that all women have the righ
AFRICA: MSF calls for child-friendly ARVs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Seven months ago, Nomlindelo Nkoninga began giving her four-year-old son a combination of drugs to stem the progress of HIV. But only last month did he weigh enough to take the antiretroviral (ARVs) medication as three
SOUTH AFRICA: "Positive living" eclipsed by ARV drive: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - In sub-Saharan Africa, the region hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the thrust to bring antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to the 3.8 million people who need them has tended to overshadow all other treatment efforts. The
AFRICA: Local manufacture - competition key to cheaper ARVs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] PORT ELIZABETH (PLUSNEWS) - The high-tech compression machine at Aspen Pharmacare s new facility in Port Elizabeth, South Africa , spits out Nevirapine tablets at a rate of 150,000 an hour. Pharmacists clad in surgical masks and hairnets fiddle
ZAMBIA: Second-class women left behind in access queue: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LUSAKA (PLUSNEWS) - Zambia s rollout of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is one of the largest in Africa, but it is missing a vital chunk of the population - HIV-positive women. According to Central Board of Health figures, of the 1,483 people who e
SOUTH AFRICA: Monitoring access to free ARVs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - A South African non-profit organisation has initiated a nationwide network to monitor access to free antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. The project, called the Treatment Monitor , collects data from a wide range of organisations
AFRICA: Multimillion dollar British boost for AIDS orphans: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The UN Children s Fund (UNICEF) is to receive a US $88 million British grant for its work with children orphaned by AIDS in developing countries. According to UK Under-Secretary of State for International Development, G
SOUTH AFRICA: Glaxo again under fire from AIDS activists: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The Network of AIDS Communities in South Africa (NetCom SA) says multinational drug giant GlaxoSmithKline s (GSK) past pricing policies have limited people s access to AIDS drugs in developing countries. Glaxo recen
AFRICA: No support from Muslim clerics on barrier contraceptives: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - At least 80 Muslim and Christian religious leaders debating HIV prevention at a recent conference in Cairo, Egypt , have not endorsed the UN s support of barrier contraceptives. However, a joint declaration emphasisin
AFRICA: CHGA urges govts to respond to needs of women and orphans: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] YAOUNDE (PLUSNEWS) - The life expectancy of African women has been dramatically reduced by their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, while the number of orphans created by the pandemic is soaring, Paulo Roberto Teixeira of the Commission on HIV/AIDS and
GABON: Taxis the new weapon in the fight against HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LIBREVILLE (PLUSNEWS) - Flag down a red and white taxi in Gabon s capital between now and February and you might get more than you bargained for. Around 300 taxi drivers in Libreville have been drafted into the fight against HIV/AIDS and are han
ZAMBIA: Interview with Minister of Health Dr Brian Chituwo: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Zambia has one of Africa s largest HIV/AIDS treatment programmes, reaching almost 14,000 people, and is projected to expand to 100,000 by the end of 2005. PlusNews spoke to Minister of Health Dr Brian Chituwo about the
AFRICA: Interview with Stephen Lewis, UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Stephen Lewis is the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, and has been a key campaigner for urgent and robust international action to meet the challenge of the pandemic. He spoke to PlusNews about his optimism over
UGANDA: PLWAs at the centre of AIDS response: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] KAMPALA (PLUSNEWS) - Lydia Mungherere speaks with passion about the need for antiretrovirals (ARVs), not only because she is a doctor - the first in Uganda to disclose being HIV positive - but also because she would be dead today if it weren t f
SOUTH AFRICA: Rollout bogs down: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - One year after the South African government launched its much-anticipated HIV/AIDS treatment programme, there is frustration at the slowness with which the plan is being realised. In November 2003 the government committ
UGANDA: New import measures lead to condom shortage: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 15, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] KAMPALA (PLUSNEWS) - New measures aimed at preventing the dumping of low quality condoms in Uganda have resulted in shortages across the country, a senior health ministry official told PlusNews on Tuesday. After getting a batch of Engabu br
ETHIOPIA: Orphan crisis fuelled by AIDS and poverty: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 15, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The presence of HIV/AIDS, extreme poverty and a lack of basic healthcare in Ethiopia are fuelling an orphan crisis, according to a report by the government, the UN and international aid group Save the Children. Rese
UGANDA: AIDS prevention methods passed to Sudan: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 15, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Uganda and Sudan are exchanging ideas on how best to tackle the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Sudanese health minister Ahmed Bilal Osman met earlier this week with his Ugandan counterpart, Jim Muhwezi, in Uganda s capital, Kampala
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS group's legal costs paid by government: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 15, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The South African AIDS NGO, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), has welcomed a high court judgment awarding it limited legal costs for its application to gain access to certain department of health documents. TAC has been
ANGOLA: US assists military with HIV/AIDS plan: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] Researchers are attempting to discover HIV/AIDS prevalence rates among Angolan soldiers JOHANNESBURG, 14 December (PLUSNEWS) - The United States has been assisting the Angolan military in designing and implementing an HIV/AIDS strategy that focu
AFRICA: Worldwide appeal for free AIDS treatment: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - Nearly 600 health experts, economists and policy-makers have joined an appeal for free AIDS treatment for all people living with HIV/AIDS in the developing world. The Free By 5 declaration will be presented to the World Bank,
ETHIOPIA: Plan launched to help orphans: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] ADDIS ABABA, 14 December (PLUSNEWS) - One Ethiopian child out of 10 is an orphan, according to a report by the UN, the government and the NGO, Save the Children. The HIV/AIDS pandemic, appalling poverty and dire health conditions had left 4.6 mi
SOUTH AFRICA: Local firm could bag US AIDS drug supply contract: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South African drug firm Aspen Pharmacare has received the go-ahead from the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) to produce and supply generic anti-AIDS drugs. Aspen CEO Stephen Saad said in a statement that further
AFRICA: Declaration for free AIDS treatment signed: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - At least 600 global health experts are participating in an appeal for the provision of free treatment to all people living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries. The Free by 5 declaration, initiated by the Health Econom
SOUTH AFRICA: Blood safe despite unacceptable testing policy: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The Medical Research Council (MRC) says blood from the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is safe, and strict measures are taken to ensure that patients do not contract transmittable diseases. However, the MRC
ZIMBABWE: Doctor shortage increases AIDS deaths: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - HIV/AIDS activists are concerned that the critical shortage of doctors in Zimbabwe is fuelling the number of AIDS-related deaths in the southern African country. Susan Mbiriyakura, a counsellor at The Centre, an AIDS ad
SOUTH AFRICA: Major threats to children are poverty and AIDS - UN: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The biggest threats facing South Africa s children are HIV/AIDS and poverty, according to the UN Children s Fund (UNICEF). In its newly released report, The State of the World s Children 2005 , the agency says an estima
ZAMBIA: HIV-positive people advice AIDS training initiative: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Zambia s Central Board of Health have embarked on a joint initiative to train health workers in HIV/AIDS care and management, as part of the national antiretroviral treatment plan
Sierra Leone: Efforts to Break Down HIV/Aids Stigma Starting to Pay Off: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 10, 2004; HIV/AIDS campaigners in war-scarred Sierra Leone say the stigma surrounding the disease is starting to be chipped away, with more people coming forward and some not afraid to wear T-shirts announcing they have the virus. Mariama Diarra, who works for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the capital, Freetown,
ETHIOPIA: Free HIV drugs distribution to be undertaken by government: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] ADDIS ABABA (PLUSNEWS) - Ethiopia is to begin free distribution of potentially lifesaving drugs next month for people living with HIV, US officials supporting the programme said on Thursday. The move is part of a US $43 million scheme from the U
AFRICA: Greater support urged for developing HIV and malaria vaccines: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - British Chancellor Gordon Brown says wealthy nations must do more to develop vaccines against HIV/AIDS and malaria. He urged the G8 group of industrialised countries to match his government s target of spending 0.7 perc
LIBYA: No execution for AIDS accused health workers: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Libya will not execute six health workers accused of intentionally infecting more than 400 children with HIV, said Seif al-Islam e-Qaddafi, the son of Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi. Five Bulgarian nurses and a Pa
AFRICA: Child marriage puts women at risk of AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Child marriage affects about 51 million girls in developing countries, not only putting women at risk of contracting HIV, but also promoting poverty, the International Centre for Research on Women has said. The Centre s
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Childhood under threat, warns UNICEF: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The HIV/AIDS pandemic has already created millions of orphans throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but the worst is yet to come, warned Per Engebak, UN Children s Fund (UNICEF) regional director for Eastern and Southern Afric
MALAWI: Health sector gets funding boost: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Over the next six years Malawi s health service will receive a �100 million (US $193 million) shot in the arm from the United Kingdom s Department for International Development (DFID). The aid package will help provide
AFRICA: HIV vaccine years away, despite hopeful research: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Researchers from universities in the UK, the US and South Africa have successfully identified key genes in the body s fight against HIV infection. According to lead researcher Dr Philip Goulder, identifying the genetic
UGANDA: Spread of HIV in north threatens national gains: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - HIV/AIDS infection rates are rising in Uganda s war-torn northern areas, despite a decrease in national prevalence, a local newspaper, The East African, reported. According to a recent report by the global relief organi
AFRICA: Education fundraiser to benefit AIDS orphans: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A new fundraising campaign launched by former South African president Nelson Mandela will help AIDS orphans in six African countries by creating child-friendly schools , the South African Press Association has reported.
AFRICA: Children severely affected by AIDS, war and poverty: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Poverty, war and HIV/AIDS are hampering the health and security of children worldwide, according to a new report released on Thursday by the UN Children s Fund (UNICEF). In The State of the World s Children 2005 , UNICE
TANZANIA: Poverty and neglect causes HIV risk for elderly: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 8, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 8 December (PLUSNEWS) - Neglect, ignorance and poverty could put more than 2 million elderly Tanzanian women at risk of HIV infection, the global aid organisation, HelpAge International, has suggested in a new study. The report, ti
SOUTH AFRICA: Blood service system "smacks of racism" - health minister: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 8, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 8 December (PLUSNEWS) - The South African National Blood Service (SANBS), will no longer base donors risk of HIV infection on race, after Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said the SANBS policy smacks of racism , London s Gu
LIBYA: Sentences in AIDS case may be reviewed: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 8, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 8 December (PLUSNEWS) - Libya may review death sentences imposed on five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor convicted of infecting more than 400 children with HIV. Libyan Foreign Minister Abdelraham Shalgam said this could b
MALI: Using telephones to fight HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 7, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 7 December (PLUSNEWS) - Mali has a new tool to help it curb the spread of HIV/AIDS - the cellphone. The international NGO, Population Services International (PSI), has launched a campaign using cellular technology to educate Malian
SOUTH AFRICA: GlaxoSmithKline grants fourth voluntary licence for ARVs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 7, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 7 December (PLUSNEWS) - A South African generic drug manufacturer has been granted a voluntary licence to produce and sell some GlaxoSmithKline antiretroviral (ARV) medication. Under the terms of its agreement, Biotech, the fourth
NAMIBIA: Female condom still has a long way to go: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 7, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 7 December (PLUSNEWS) - A study on condom use in Namibia , conducted by the National Social Marketing Programme (NASOMA), said consumers found the female condom, the femidom, was not readily available, and complained of its high pr
MAURITANIA: Nouakchott gets its first HIV/AIDS test and treatment centre: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 3, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] NOUAKCHOTT (PLUSNEWS) - Mauritania opened its first HIV/AIDs testing and treatment centre this week in the hope of improving early detection of the disease in this staunchly Islamic desert state where public discussion of AIDS has long been rest
GUINEA-BISSAU: Brazil to sponsor first ARV treatment programme: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 3, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] BISSAU (PLUSNEWS) - Brazil will start supplying Guinea-Bissau with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to launch its first treatment programme for HIV-positive people in the first quarter of 2005, Health Minister Odete Costa Semedo has announced.
SOUTH AFRICA: Children helping children empower themselves: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 3, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - Children often seem helpless in the face of the onslaught of HIV/AIDS, but a South African network of NGOs helping children affected by the pandemic has recognised that they can play a proactive role in combating the disease.
ANGOLA: HIV infection rate for pregnant women at 2.8 percent: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 3, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LUANDA (PLUSNEWS) - The rate of HIV infection among pregnant women in Angola is 2.8 percent, half earlier estimates, according to a new national study. A health ministry report covering all of Angola s 18 provinces found that the highest HIV rat
NIGERIA: MSF urges quality healthcare with AIDS drugs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 3, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - People living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria are in need of education in maintaining their anti-AIDS medication regimen, the international NGO, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has said. MSF s country chief, Sebastian Weber
SOUTH AFRICA: Need to erase AIDS stigma - Deputy President: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 3, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - There is an urgent need to erase the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS, South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma has said, as secrecy and shame often prevented people from acknowledging their HIV status. During the recen
SOUTH AFRICA: Telkom urged AIDS action by businesses: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 3, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The South African parastatal telecommunications company, Telkom, says an estimated 11.4 percent of its 32,000 workers could be HIV-positive by 2006. According to Telkom human resources executive Oupa Magashula, the comp
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Cycle of poverty leads to recurring crises: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 2, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Governments, aid agencies and donors need to acknowledge the chronic nature of problems that lead to recurring crises in Southern Africa, such as the widespread food shortages two years ago, a new report recommends.
AFRICA: Condoms and AIDS information restrictions a concern: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 2, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - International rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) is concerned that restrictions on condoms and HIV/AIDS information are undermining global efforts to tackle the pandemic. Although condoms remain the single most effec
SOUTH AFRICA: Abstinence message against AIDS criticised: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 2, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Leading voices in the war on HIV/AIDS have blasted a US-backed approach of encouraging sexual abstinence among young people to protect them against HIV infection. Mary Crewe, director of the Centre for the Study of AIDS
GHANA: AIDS efforts hailed as Canada pledges support: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 2, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Canada has lauded Ghana s anti-AIDS efforts by pledging future support for tackling the pandemic. In a message to mark World AIDS Day, the Canadian High Commissioner in Ghana, Donald Bobiash, said HIV/AIDS in Africa was
AFRICA: Survey reveals who fears AIDS the most: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 2, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - HIV/AIDS is the disease most important to Africans, West Asians and Latin Americans, while people elsewhere fear cancer, according to research companies Gallup International and South Africa-based Markinor. Of more than
ANGOLA: Youth key to halting epidemic: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LUANDA (PLUSNEWS) - Angola , which has maintained a relatively low rate of HIV infection, could see an exponential spreading of the virus if it did not act quickly to educate its youth, according to a new report. Young Angolans have almost a
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Renewed calls for sexual behaviour change: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Growing concern over the sustainability of government-sponsored HIV/AIDS treatment programmes in Southern Africa has prompted renewed calls for a change in sexual behaviour to curb the spread of the disease. Four southe
AFRICA: Women wait to be heard - World AIDS Day: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - African women don t need statistics to tell them that they are the face of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They are forced to confront this reality in all aspects of their lives - the bedroom, the classroom and the workplace.
AFRICA: UN highlights gender-based violence and AIDS treatment: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - On World AIDS Day the UN has highlighted the importance of treatment, as well as the need to address violence against women and girls, as an integral part of the global AIDS response. Director-General of the World Healt
ETHIOPIA: Prime minister's wife takes public HIV test: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] ADDIS ABABA (PLUSNEWS) - The Ethiopian prime minister s wife became one of the few high-profile figures in the country to take a public HIV test on Tuesday. Azeb Mesfin, 38, joined seven female ambassadors to take the test to mark World AIDS Day
LESOTHO: Abuse of child domestic workers uncovered: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] MASERU (PLUSNEWS) - The preliminary findings of a study on child domestic workers in Lesotho , forced onto the job market by poverty and HIV/AIDS, has uncovered the sometimes highly abusive nature of their relationship with employers. Commis
SOUTH AFRICA: Elderly increasingly burdened by HIV and AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - HIV/AIDS is placing a heavy burden on the elderly in South Africa s Mpumalanga province, a study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has revealed. Researcher Dr Monde Makiwane found that 72 percent of older pe
AFRICA: UK to tackle AIDS during G8 presidency: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair says HIV/AIDS and other problems facing Africa will be a priority when the UK takes the helm of the G8 group of industrialised nations next year. It was important to realise that Africa
BOTSWANA: President's shock warning on AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Botswana s President Festus Mogae has warned that the country cannot sustain the current high rate of HIV infection and that people should abstain from unsafe sex, or die . With an estimated 37 percent of the population
TOGO: Truckers know the risks but spurn condom use: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 30, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] SANVEE KONDJI (PLUSNEWS) - It s a question of money, said one of the many truck drivers milling about the main border crossing between Benin and Togo . Most of the girls are simply after money, and if I decide it ll be without a condom, then it
AFRICA: US blood safety project to benefit millions: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 30, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A new programme under the US President s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief aims to improve blood transfusion safety in African and Caribbean countries heavily affected by HIV and AIDS. As part of the $2.4 million initiativ
MALAWI: AIDS drug rollout hampered by lack of funds: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 30, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Malawi needs an estimated US $28 million to provide free anti-AIDS treatment to some 36,000 people by next year, Health Minister Heatherwick Ntaba, has announced. According to the Pan African News Agency, Ntaba said a l
SOUTH AFRICA: World's writers make AIDS gesture: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 29, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The South African AIDS NGO, Treatment Action Campaign, is to receive all royalties from a collaborative literary effort by 21 of the world s best-known authors, including the internationally acclaimed Salman Rushdie.
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Child AIDS research 'critical' for regional development: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 29, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The South African social services and population development minister, Zola Skweyiya, has said research into the effect of HIV/AIDS on children is critical for the region s future development. Skweyiya told his southern
ZIMBABWE: Clerics publicly tested for HIV: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 29, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - In an effort to raise awareness in Zimbabwe ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December, close to 30 church leaders underwent voluntary counselling and testing at the weekend. Lindani Dube, a spokesman for the clerics, said t
SOUTHERN AFRICA: AIDS rolls back democratic gains - report: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 29, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A major study on the impact of HIV/AIDS on southern Africa s electorate says the pandemic threatens to roll back democratic gains in much of the region. Countries are facing the added burden of replacing representatives
LESOTHO: Book to mobilise politicians to fight HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - In an effort to mobilise leaders to fight HIV/AIDS, the parliament of Lesotho and the UN Children s Fund (UNICEF) this week launched a publication called What Parliamentarians can do about HIV/AIDS Action for Children a
SOUTH AFRICA: Partner violence puts women at greater risk of HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South African women with violent or controlling male partners run a higher risk of HIV infection, according to a study published in the Lancet medical journal. The report, Gender-based Violence, Relationship Power, and
SOUTH AFRICA: Health minister announces increased AIDS treatment: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South African Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang on Thursday announced an increase in the number of people on anti-AIDS therapy in accredited government facilities. This year s treatment number is said to be up fr
AFRICA: South African AIDS impact to shake continent: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa will shake all of Africa, suggests a commentary to be published in next week s Lancet. Jerome Singh of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa says the country s
SOUTH AFRICA: Mines reeling from AIDS impact: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The largest survey to date on the impact of AIDS on South African business shows that HIV/AIDS-related illnesses and deaths are taking their toll on the country s mining sector. The in-depth South African Business Coali
SOUTH AFRICA: Economic cost of AIDS set to worsen: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - Although data on the extent of HIV/AIDS and its impact on the South African economy vary, analysts agree that government and businesses need to take urgent action to combat the virus. Already HIV/AIDS is estimated to be reduc
SOUTH AFRICA: Youth misconceptions about HIV and sexual violence: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A recent study has found that South African school pupils are prone to misconceptions about sexual violence and HIV/AIDS. The report, a nationwide cross-sectional study of views on sexual violence and the risk of HIV in
AFRICA: Greed delays cheap Canadian drug export: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Canada risks embarrassment if Bill C-9, proposed legislation allowing the export of discounted medicines to poor nations, ends up stillborn, a senior UN official has said. Stephen Lewis, the UN special envoy for AIDS in
AFRICA: Health worker scarcity in AIDS-ridden countries highlighted: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A new study to be published in the Lancet has, for the first time, quantified the dangerous scarcity of healthcare workers in countries with climbing rates of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. The report, Human Resour
AFRICA: UN envoy calls AIDS 'mass murder by indifference': UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The severity of HIV/AIDS in Africa is tantamount to mass murder by indifference , the UN special envoy for AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis, said in the German weekly, Die Zeit. Speaking ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 Decemb
NAMIBIA: MDGs - the challenge of HIV/AIDS "can be overcome": UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 24, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] WINDHOEK (PLUSNEWS) - A giant bright yellow condom was the centre of attraction in Namibia s capital, Windhoek, last Friday. Namibian civil society organisations - united in the fight against HIV/AIDS - had kicked off a series of activities in t
SOUTH AFRICA: Using funerals to tackle stigma in rural communities: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 24, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] The rural areas of KZN and the Eastern Cape are severely affected by the pandemic DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - When a group of aid workers in the rural areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape were confronted with a growing number of pe
SOUTH AFRICA: Road freight industry feels AIDS impact: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 24, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - HIV/AIDS is taking its toll on the road freight industry in South Africa as employees fall ill or die from AIDS-related illnesses, said Sipho Khumalo, CEO of the country s Road Freight Association. At the recent ope
AFRICA: AIDS shadow looming over future generations: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 24, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - HIV/AIDS is so severe in sub-Saharan Africa that the UN is concerned it will cast a shadow over generations yet to come. According to their recent annual AIDS Epidemic Update 2004 , the World Health Organisation (WHO) a
SOUTH AFRICA: Capital plans massive AIDS education campaign: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 24, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Authorities in South Africa s capital, Pretoria, are embarking on a massive door-to-door AIDS education campaign in an effort to curb the spread of the virus and promote safe sex. The campaign kicks off on Monday as par
AFRICA: Pandemic of women abuses fuel AIDS - report: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 24, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The international human rights group, Amnesty International, said on Wednesday that a global pandemic of violence against women was fuelling the spread of HIV and AIDS. The increasing spread of HIV/AIDS among women and
AFRICA: UN report reveals extent of HIV/AIDS epidemic: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 23, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] In some countries girls do not know enough about HIV/AIDS JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - As the number of people living with HIV continues to rise globally, sub-Saharan Africa remains by far the worst affected region - with two-thirds of all HIV-posi
MOZAMBIQUE: HIV prevention training for traditional healers: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 23, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The role of traditional healers in HIV prevention is receiving recognition in Mozambique s Maputo province. According to the local news agency, AIM, the provincial director of health, Abdul Mussa, said traditional pract
AFRICA: Drugs alone cannot win AIDS battle - report: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 23, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - HIV/AIDS will continue to devour much of the progress made towards global development, unless the role of poverty in advancing the virus is also acknowledged, an international charity organisation has warned. In its new
AFRICA: UN report highlights global AIDS toll: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 23, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The UN has warned that without urgent action the world is unlikely to gain the upper hand against HIV/AIDS. In their annual AIDS Epidemic Update 2004 report, released on Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS exclusion clause amended by life insurers: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 23, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South Africa s Life Offices Association (LOA), which represents major life assurance firms, announced on Monday that HIV-positive people would no longer be refused cover. The South African Associated Press quoted LOA di
AFRICA: Cheap drug to halve kiddie AIDS deaths: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 22, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Administering co-trimoxazole, a cheap, widely used antibiotic, to HIV-positive children could dramatically cut AIDS-related deaths in Africa. During clinical trials conducted between 2001 and 2003 by the British Medical
AFRICA: WHO backing for AIDS treatment preparedness project: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 22, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has awarded US $1 million to the Collaborative Fund for HIV Treatment Preparedness, a global consortium, to help prepare HIV-positive people for treatment. Defined at the 2003 Interna
AFRICA: Dangerous lack of workplace AIDS policies highlighted: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 22, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Experts at the recent UN Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance in Africa (CHGA) have warned that AIDS could decimate sub-Saharan Africa s human resource capacity, unless countries initiate workplace anti-AIDS programmes
AFRICA: Third Indian drug firm withdraws from WHO AIDS list: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 22, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Another Indian generic drug manufacturer, Hetero Drugs, has withdrawn six of its anti-AIDS medicines from the World Health Organisation s (WHO) prequalification list. The move followed inspections by the UN health agenc
ZAMBIA: Inexpensive antibiotic offers hope to HIV positive kids: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 19, 2004; JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Zambian health experts on Friday heralded the results of clinical trials showing that a widely available antibiotic drug could dramatically cut AIDS-related deaths in children. The trials, conducted in the capital, Lusaka, between 2001 and 2003, were backed by the UK s Department for Internati
AFRICA-KENYA-TANZANIA-UGANDA: Global Fund approves funding proposals for AIDS, malaria and TB: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 19, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] AFRICA (PLUSNEWS) - The Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) approved on Thursday the fifth round of funding proposals to combat the three diseases. The decision was made after a two-day, closed-door meeting of the Global
SWAZILAND: Swazis strengthen efforts to fight HIV/AIDS stigma: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 19, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] MBABANE (PLUSNEWS) - Shame was replaced by solidarity at the launch of an umbrella body of organisations of Swazis living with HIV/AIDS this week. The Swaziland National Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (SWANNEPHA), comprising 46 organ
AFRICA: Call to initiate HIV/AIDS worker protection plans: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 19, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] ACCRA (PLUSNEWS) - Unless sub-Saharan African countries initiate workplace anti-AIDS programmes, the pandemic will decimate the region s human resource capacity, experts warned in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, on Friday. African companies already
ETHIOPIA: Musicians join politicians to fight HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 18, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] ADDIS ABABA (PLUSNEWS) - Top Ethiopian musicians joined hundreds of politicians on Thursday to launch their own charity song with inspiration from the United Kingdom s Band Aid success, organised by famed musician Bob Geldof. The artists and 500
AFRICA: Leaders appeal for continued fight against AIDS, malaria and TB: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 18, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] ARUSHA (PLUSNEWS) - Three African heads of state appealed to rich countries on Wednesday to continue funding the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis . I am convinced that working together we can roll back HIV/AIDS and malaria
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS activists want billion dollar Glaxo trust: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - An HIV/AIDS rally against drug giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in South Africa s eastern seaboard city of Durban on Thursday is expected to draw at least 1,000 participants. The marchers will urge Glaxo, which controls over
ZAMBIA: Teacher AIDS-related deaths on the rise: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 17, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - More than 1,200 Zambian teachers have died of AIDS-related illnesses since the beginning of 2004, and this number is expected to soar by the end of the year, the National Union of Teachers has revealed. General secretar
AFRICA: Leaders trying to secure AIDS funding: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 17, 2004; This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The Presidents of Tanzania , Uganda , Rwanda and Kenya are currently in the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha to lobby the 9th Global AIDS Fund meeting for more money
SOUTH AFRICA: Frank dialogue about gender key to tackling HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, (PLUSNEWS) - In a community hall in South Africa s largest informal settlement, Soweto, about 20 men and women are seated in a semi-circle, talking about sex and gender roles. Working in groups, they have just completed two lists,
AFRICA: Continent let down by AIDS drug firms - GSK chief: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The CEO of drug giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Jean-Pierre Garnier, says the international pharmaceuticals industry has been too slow in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, especially in Africa. While defending GSK s po
TANZANIA: Global AIDS commitment of US businesses urged: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson, has applauded the efforts of a public-private initiative to advance HIV/AIDS care in Tanzania . During his visit this week to the capital, Dar es Salaam, Th
SOUTH AFRICA: Limpopo premier gets tough on school AIDS education: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The Premier of South Africa s Limpopo province, Sello Moloto, has warned school principals and teachers about the consequences of failing to educate pupils about HIV/AIDS. A local newspaper, The Pretoria News, quoted Mo
MOZAMBIQUE: Failed AIDS treatment target predicted: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 16, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - It is unlikely that Mozambique will meet its target of having 8,000 people on anti-AIDS treatment by the end of 2004, although more than 5,000 are already being treated. The Ministry of Health revealed this during a rec
UGANDA: Global Fund millions announced for AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 12, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A new grant of US $370 million, announced earlier this week by Richard Feachem, executive director of the Global AIDS Fund, will help Uganda tackle HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) ov
AFRICA: Increased AIDS support promised by Germany: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 12, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Germany has announced plans to boost programmes aimed at tackling HIV/AIDS in developing countries. According to German Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, her country was committed to the Millennium Develop
KENYA: Swedish millions pledged for AIDS and governance: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 12, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Sweden has granted Kenya more than US $100 million to tackle HIV/AIDS and strengthen its development activities between 2004 and 2006, Agence France-Presse reported. The money will cover projects that promote good g
AFRICA: UN launches online sex worker AIDS campaign: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 12, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A first-ever online AIDS toolkit, launched by the World health Organisation (WHO) and the German technical assistance agency (GTZ), aims to help sex workers protect themselves and their clients against HIV. According to
SOUTH AFRICA: Women street traders falling through the cracks: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 11, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - Women street hawkers are falling through the cracks of HIV/AIDS prevention efforts, despite being one of the highest risk groups. Up to 40 percent of female street traders in South Africa s KwaZulu-Natal province are HIV-posi
KENYA: AIDS activists to rally at Global Fund meeting: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 11, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Kenyan AIDS activists are planning to rally outside a hotel in Arusha in northern Tanzania , where Global AIDS Fund board members will be meeting on 18 and 19 November. The activists fear a cash shortfall could prevent
LESOTHO: Rise in HIV-positive babies recorded: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 11, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - At least 15 percent of babies born in Lesotho each year are HIV-positive, the government and the UN Children s Fund (UNICEF) have said. A joint report on the country s women and children, released on Wednesday, showed t
MOZAMBIQUE: Artists create AIDS awareness: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] -- A model of a MSF Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre and clinic made in the traditional Psikhhelekedana wood sculpture style of southern Mozambique s Ronga people MAPUTO (PLUSNEWS) - Mozambican artists organised a four-day festival on Ar
AFRICA: Generic anti-AIDS drugs withdrawn from WHO list: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] -- Seven Ranbaxy ARVs have been withdrawn from the WHO list JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - In a move that could affect HIV-positive people on treatment in developing countries, an Indian generic drug manufacturer voluntarily withdrew its drugs from t
LESOTHO: Canadian AIDS project planned for December: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Lesotho is set to benefit from a Canadian AIDS initiative, to be launched in December. In response to an appeal by UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis, the Ontario Hospital Association in
SOUTH AFRICA: Welfare system crumbling under AIDS orphan weight: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The estimated 18 percent of South African children who are AIDS orphans are placing enormous pressure on the child welfare system. Sioux Hedden, a project manager with Woza Moya, an AIDS orphan NGO in KwaZulu-Natal prov
SOUTH AFRICA: Businesses still ignorant about impact of AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South African companies are still ignorant of the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on business, a recent survey has revealed. Findings by the South African Coalition for Business against HIV/AIDS showed that only 40 perc
AFRICA: AIDS drugs removal to cause confusion: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 10, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - India s largest pharmaceutical company, Ranbaxy, has voluntarily withdrawn all its anti-AIDS drugs from the World Health Organisation s (WHO) list of prequalified medicines. Ranbaxy decided to remove its seven generic m
Swaziland: Headmasters Threaten School Closure: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 9, 2004; Government s unmet commitment to finance the education of AIDS orphans and children from indigent families could lead to the imminent closure of all primary schools in the country, headmasters have warned. If government fails to pay by 10 November, we would be compelled to close down all schools, said Themba Shabangu,
SOUTH AFRICA: Child welfare system leaves many AIDS orphans stranded: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - With an increasing number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS seeking foster care, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is placing enormous pressure on South Africa s child welfare system. An estimated 18 percent of the country s children are
BURKINA FASO: Local fundraising planned for AIDS treatment: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - An AIDS NGO in Burkina Faso is shifting to local fundraising, as external funding seems to focus more on prevention programmes than long-term anti-AIDS treatment. Although an estimated 43,000 people are in need of treat
KENYA: AIDS product sales bring female financial freedom: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Kenyan women are gaining financial independence by selling medical products to treat AIDS-related skin infections and diarrhoea. Local female distributors can purchase the items at wholesale prices through a new program
SOUTH AFRICA: Gender equality urged in AIDS policy: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Gender AIDS Forum (GAF), a South African lobby group, plans to pressure national and provincial health officials to focus on the sexual rights of women. GAF says not enough emphasis has been placed on gender inequalitie
SOUTH AFRICA: Ruling party slams TAC legal actions: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 9, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South Africa s ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has slammed legal actions by the AIDS lobby group, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), against the government. The TAC has been requesting Annexure A , an unpubli
BURKINA FASO: NGOs seek local funds to access ARVs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 8, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] OUAGADOUGOU (PLUSNEWS) - Local HIV/AIDS NGOs in Burkina Faso are planning to raise funds in the country rather than seek external sources of funding for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, activists told PlusNews. About 43,000 HIV-positive people in
SOUTH AFRICA: Gender equality needed in national HIV/AIDS policy: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 8, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - South African lobby group, the Gender Aids Forum (GAF), is calling for a stronger emphasis on addressing gender inequalities in the national HIV/AIDS policy. Gender-based power imbalances are not reflected in the national AID
MALAWI: Cultural practices make HIV/AIDS a women's disease: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 8, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - As Malawi prepares to commemorate World AIDS Day, with the global theme of Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS , the National AIDS Commission (NAC) has said that HIV/AIDS was killing more women than men. According to Malawi
SOUTH AFRICA: Participation of all urged in AIDS survey: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 8, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South Africa s groundbreaking AIDS survey kicked off again this week. Olive Shisana, executive director of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), urged all South Africans to participate in the 2004 national HIV and
BOTSWANA: US cash boost for AIDS battle: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 5, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The US has announced plans to commit almost $30 million to Botswana s battle against HIV and AIDS as part of the President s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Some $11 million each will go to prevention and care,
AFRICA: WHO to miss AIDS target: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 8, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) is unlikely to meet its target of having 3 million HIV-positive people in developing countries on anti-AIDS treatment by 2005. During a recent visit to Ottowa, Canad
AFRICA: First ladies hold HIV/AIDS conference in Kigali: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 5, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] KIGALI (PLUSNEWS) - First ladies from five African countries began a meeting on Friday in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to map out strategies for combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic that has devastated millions on the continent. Under their associati
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Studies highlight aid efforts in context of HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 5, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Given the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa, food aid programming needs to be adapted to address the multiple impacts of the pandemic, say two new studies. The reports, both compiled by the Consortium for Southe
SOUTH AFRICA: Treatment plan forgets HIV-positive kids: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 5, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - AIDS lobby group, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has raised concern over the disturbingly small number of HIV-positive children on treatment in South Africa s KwaZulu-Natal province. Although the government s treat
AFRICA: First ladies map out new AIDS strategies: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 5, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Five African first ladies are in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to review the continent s achievements in combating HIV/AIDS over the past year and map new strategies for the next two years. The Organisation of African Fi
SOUTH AFRICA: New project to combat AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 5, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - British billionaire Sir Richard Branson and mining magnate Cyril Ramaphosa this week joined forces in a new initiative to tackle HIV and AIDS in South Africa . The project, titled Your Finest Hour , was launched at the
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS activists want legal fees from government: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 5, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Lawyers representing the South African AIDS activists, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), confronted the health department in court this week over Annexure A, an unpublished timetable for the government s free AIDS drug p
KENYA: AIDS deaths outnumber malaria and TB: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 5, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 5 November (PLUSNEWS) - Kenya s Ministry of Health is concerned that HIV/AIDS has overtaken tuberculosis (TB) and malaria as the leading cause of deaths in the country, a local newspaper, The Nation reported. It is estimated th
SWAZILAND: Construction declines as impact of HIV/AIDS builds up: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 5, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] MBABANE, 5 November (PLUSNEWS) - The rate of construction in Swaziland has more than halved as a result of the AIDS pandemic, as property owners and small businesses are forced to spend more money on medical bills and funerals. According to
SOUTH AFRICA: TAC takes govt to court over ARV rollout timetable: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 4, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South Africa s AIDS lobby group, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), on Thursday confronted the health department in court over an implementation timetable for the country s national treatment plan. According to the la
BOTSWANA: President promises attack on AIDS and poverty: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 4, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Botswana s President Festus Mogae pledged to tackle HIV/AIDS and poverty as he began his second and final term as leader earlier this week, telling the National Assembly that the situation demanded urgent action. Agen
UGANDA: Promise of affordable AIDS drugs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 4, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A partnership between Uganda s Quality Chemicals and Indian drug manufacturer Cipla will make anti-AIDS drugs more affordable for HIV-positive Ugandans. The managing director of Quality Chemicals, Emmanuel Katongole, sa
NAMIBIA: UN staff publicly tested for HIV: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 4, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - UN officials who were publicly tested for HIV in Namibia s capital, Windhoek, earlier this week, called on political, religious and traditional leaders to do the same. Jacqui Badcock, the UN Development Programme reside
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Region's nurses at risk of HIV infection: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 4, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Nurses in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are at increasing risk of infection from the number of HIV-positive people admitted to hospitals in the region. This emerged at a workshop on develop
SOUTH AFRICA: HIV discrimination against domestic workers: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 4, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South African domestic workers who are pressured or tricked into taking HIV tests by employers are often dismissed if they test positive. Although it is illegal to test someone without their consent or fire them because
Africa: Kerry Win Could Benefit Aids Struggle - UN: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 4, 2004; A senior UN official has described the US election as a matter of mortal concern for the people of Africa. Stephen Lewis, the UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, told Canadian reporters earlier this week that a win for Senator John Kerry could profoundly affect the world s response to AIDS and change how the White
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS drugs needed for HIV positive children: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 3, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] DURBAN (PLUSNEWS) - The South African government s refusal to disclose the number of children receiving antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in KwaZulu-Natal province has raised fears among AIDS activists that children s rights to health care and life are
ZAMBIA: Local AIDS drug production expected: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 3, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - People living with HIV/AIDS in Zambia could soon benefit from the local manufacture of anti-AIDS drugs. PHARCO, a pharmaceutical firm partly owned by the government, announced that it was ready to begin a three-month dr
MALAWI: Project encourages female condom use: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 2, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LILONGWE (PLUSNEWS) - In a move considered to be a breakthrough for the conservative culture of Malawi , a local NGO has been distributing female condoms to schoolgirls in the southern districts - the region worst affected by HIV/AIDS. Hunge
UGANDA: US gives $100 million for HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 2, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The United States has given Uganda an additional funds for HIV/AIDS projects, including programmes to support orphans and other vulnerable children, the US embassy announced in a statement released on Monday.
ETHIOPIA: Church leaders on AIDS awareness road trip: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 2, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church have embarked on a two-week tour of the country s southern provinces to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The campaign is part of an inter-denominational initiative in
MALAWI: UNAIDS Special Envoy hails rollout efforts: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 1 November (PLUSNEWS) - UN Special Envoy for AIDS in Africa Stephen Lewis has expressed confidence in Malawi reaching its target under the World Health Organisation s (WHO) plan to provide treatment to three million people by 2005.
UGANDA: US gives US $100 million to combat HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] KAMPALA, 1 November (PLUSNEWS) - The United States has given Uganda an additional US $100 million to fund HIV/AIDS projects, including programmes to support orphans and other vulnerable children, the US embassy announced in a statement released
AFRICA: Global Fund faces critical shortfall: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 1 November (PLUSNEWS) - Severe funding shortfalls could mean that the Global Fund will not be able to award new grants in 2005, executive director of the Fund Richard Feachem was reported as saying last week. It would be a major lo
AFRICA: EU to help supply cheaper anti-AIDS drugs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 1 November (PLUSNEWS) - The European Union (EU) has proposed new laws to export cheaper anti-AIDS drugs to developing countries, the Associated Press news agency reported on Friday. The legislation will allow poor nations facing pu
MALAWI: ARV rollout hampered by Global Fund delays: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - November 1, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 1 November (PLUSNEWS) - The Malawian government was finding it difficult to access funds from the Global Fund, health officials said over the weekend. During his four-day visit to assess the government s free treatment programme, U
MALAWI: Girls clubs spearhead gender equality: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 29, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LILONGWE, 29 October (PLUSNEWS) - When 20-year-old Maureen Kumwenda formed an all-girls club in the local township of Area 18 in Malawi s capital, Lilongwe, she faced a lot of resistance from her community. She was accused of being a prostitute
MALAWI: Senior UN official assess government AIDS drug roll out: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 29, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 29 October (PLUSNEWS) - The UN special envoy for AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis, began a tour of Malawi this week to assess the government s rollout of free anti-AIDS drugs. Agence France Presse quoted
CAMEROON: More advanced research records lower AIDS rate: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 29, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 29 October (PLUSNEWS) - A new survey released by Cameroon s health ministry indicates a drop in the number of adults living with HIV/AIDS. According to preliminary results from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS-III) of 11,400
SOUTH AFRICA: People can't be forced onto AIDS drugs - Health Minister: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 29, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 29 October (PLUSNEWS) - South African Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has defended the poor uptake of the country s free AIDS drug rollout by saying she could not force people to use antiretrovirals. A local newspaper, Bus
CAMEROON: HIV/AIDS New survey shows lower HIV prevalence rate of 5.5 percent: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 28, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] YAOUNDE, 28 October (PLUSNEWS) - A new survey released by Cameroon s health ministry indicates that only 5.5 percent of the country s adult population is infected with the HIV virus that causes AIDS. The government had previously used an estimat
SUDAN: Fears over increase in HIV/AIDS as calm returns to the south: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 28, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] NAIROBI, 28 October (PLUSNEWS) - Following progress in negotiations between the government of Sudan and the rebel group SPLM/A, the anticipated return to peace in the embattled southern Sudan could lead to a further spread of HIV/AIDS, which alr
MOZAMBIQUE: Youth health targeted: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 28, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] ZAMBEZIA, 28 October (PLUSNEWS) - As HIV infection continues to climb among Mozambican youth, initiatives are underway to address their specific health concerns. In Gurue, a picturesque town in the central province of Zambezia, 14 year-old Rosin
AFRICA: World leader in AIDS deaths - AU: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 28, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 28 October (PLUSNEWS) - Africa has been hit harder by the HIV/AIDS pandemic than any other continent in the world, delegates to an African Union (AU) seminar in Nigeria heard on Wednesday. The AU representative for Nigeria, Gra
AFRICA: Blair can use G8 to fund AIDS - UN: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 28, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 28 October (PLUSNEWS) - A senior UN official has urged increased funding from the UK to tackle HIV and AIDS in Africa. Launching the Stop AIDS Campaign in London recently, the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, Stephen Lewis,
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Kiddie AIDS clinics on horizon: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 27, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 27 October (PLUSNEWS) - Drug giant Bristol-Myers Squibb is funding the development of two new paediatric HIV/AIDS clinics in Lesotho and Swaziland through its programme, Secure The Future .
MOZAMBIQUE: US millions pledged for HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 27, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 27 October (PLUSNEWS) - The US plans to fund 14 centres for HIV counselling and testing in Mozambique , as well as various programmes to prevent transmission of the virus from mother to child, the Portuguese news agency, Lusa repor
DRC: War-driven rape fuels AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 27, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 27 October (PLUSNEWS) - Experts are concerned that rape attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are causing the rate of HIV infection to rise. Stephen Bowen, campaigns director of rights group Amnesty International said:
SUDAN: AU soldiers to be checked for AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 27, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 27 October (PLUSNEWS) - Sudan s Ministry of Health has announced that African Union (AU) peacekeepers entering Sudan to monitor a ceasefire deal in crisis-hit Darfur will be checked for HIV. According to the Sudanese Media Centre,
AFRICA: Double impact of TB and AIDS threatens millions: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 27, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 27 October (PLUSNEWS) - The international NGO, Medecins San Frontieres (MSF,) has called for massive global investment in TB treatment and testing to alleviate the double impact of drug-resistant TB and HIV that is threatening mill
ZAMBIA: Health programmes receive US cash boost: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 27, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 27 October (PLUSNEWS) - The US Agency for International Development this week pledged $24 million over the next six years to Zambia for treating drinking water and to combat malaria and HIV/AIDS. According to a statement from t
AFRICA: Reducing HIV risk in breastfeeding: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 27, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 27 October (PLUSNEWS) - For many HIV-positive mothers in resource-poor settings, breastfeeding is often the only option, despite the risk of HIV transmission. The challenge now is for healthcare workers to accept this reality and m
SOUTH AFRICA: Local firm loses government AIDS drug tender: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 26 October (PLUSNEWS) - South African generic drug manufacturer Thembalami Pharmaceuticals is out of the running in the government s anti-AIDS drug tender. Thembalami, a joint venture between the leading local drug firm, Adcock Ing
BOTSWANA: AIDS drug roll out bearing fruit: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 26 October (PLUSNEWS) - Health experts have attributed fewer AIDS-related deaths in Botswana to the government s steadily progressing rollout of anti-AIDS drugs. In a new report Botswana s health ministry and the World Health Organ
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS group continues legal battle with government: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 26 October (PLUSNEWS) - South African AIDS NGO, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), has dismissed claims that its dropped legal action against the health department. The department said at the weekend that TAC had decided to withdraw
MALAWI: Convicts feign HIV infection to escape jail: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 26 October (PLUSNEWS) - Incidences of convicts seeking pardon from courts by faking or disclosing their HIV status during litigations is on the rise in Malawi . However, Magistrate Kitty Nkhono said while the pandemic has reached a
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS awareness progressing in Northern Cape: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 26 October (PLUSNEWS) - HIV/AIDS awareness programmes are only now starting to take effect in the Northern Cape town of Colesberg, halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg. An estimated daily number of 200 to 300 youth from Coles
SOUTH AFRICA: Increased need for counselling services: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 26 October (PLUSNEWS) - As a basic understanding of AIDS deepens in South Africa , people are increasingly seeking counselling services to learn how to live with the virus, a new survey has found. Research conducted by the Cent
ANGOLA: Cabinda slowly waking up to HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] CABINDA, 26 October (PLUSNEWS) - The sleepy town of Cabinda has a forlorn air about it, but few outward signs of the decades-long conflict that has plagued the oil-rich Angolan province. Although Cabinda produces 60 percent of Angola s oil reven
MOZAMBIQUE: Securing an AIDS-free future: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 26, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] ZAMBEZIA, 26 October (PLUSNEWS) - A crowd of young Mozambicans gathered under the shade of a tree last week to discuss what they knew about HIV/AIDS, as part of a peer education programme underway in central Zambezia province. Some answered conf
ZAMBIA: Dramatic boost in free AIDS treatment announced: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 25 October (PLUSNEWS) - Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has announced plans to scale up the provision of free anti-AIDS drugs from the current 12,000 people to 100,000 by 2005. Although no cost estimate was disclosed, the governme
SOUTH AFRICA: US funds prisons anti-AIDS campaign: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 25 October (PLUSNEWS) - South Africa s Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour has announced a pledge by the United States of more than $600,000 this year to help prisons tackle HIV/AIDS among inmates and officers. A loc
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS drugs boost for Western Cape residents: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 25 October (PLUSNEWS) - South Africa s Western Cape province has received US $70 million from the Global AIDS Fund to provide people in need of antiretrovirals with free medication by the end of next year. A local newspaper, The Ca
UGANDA: Trials date announced for new AIDS drug: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 25 October (PLUSNEWS) - Uganda is to begin trials on Chemokine Receptor (CCR5), a new anti-AIDS drug that prevents the virus from spreading in infected people, Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals has announced.
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS treatment reluctance presents barrier: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 25 October (PLUSNEWS) - In countries like South Africa , where AIDS drugs are freely available, the reluctance to take them has presented an unexpected barrier. The fear of side effects and stigma, widespread scepticism of Western
ERITREA: HIV rate worrying, but stabilising: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 25 October (PLUSNEWS) - Although low compared to other African countries, Eritrea s more than two percent national HIV prevalence rate is still cause for concern, according to Dominique Mathiot, a UNAIDS country programme ad
UGANDA: NGO disagrees with release of AIDS prisoners: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 25, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 25 October (PLUSNEWS) - Uganda has been releasing prisoners in the advanced stages of AIDS infection because the state is unable to care for them. Inter Press Service quoted Commissioner of Prisons Jethro Mumbuwa as saying: The pr
GABON: Female condoms are subsidised, but not widely advertised: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LIBREVILLE (PLUSNEWS) - A sharp cut in the price of female condoms should promote their use in Gabon , one of the Central African countries most affected by HIV/AIDS, medical workers said. In September 2003 the Gabonese Movement for Family Welfa
Namibia: Aids, Drought, Floods, Anthrax And Now, Locusts: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 21, 2004; Katima Mulilo; A bumper harvest in Namibia s northeastern region of Caprivi has not eased the plight of vulnerable groups, aid workers warn. The entire issue is one of accessibility [to food], said the head of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Namibia, Abdirahman Meygag. While there has been a good crop in parts of the region, there
SOUTHERN AFRICA: WFP asks for US $404 million to aid 1.5 million people: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The World Food Programme on Thursday launched an appeal for US $404 million to support a monthly average of 1.5 million people in five southern African countries affected by food shortages, high HIV/AIDS rates and weake
KENYA: Impoverished community receives HIV/AIDS care: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Residents of Kibera, a slum in Kenya s capital, Nairobi, are set to benefit from the launch on Thursday of a new health centre that will provide treatment for HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. Kibera South Health Centre, a
ERITREA: Gov't says HIV prevalence stabilising: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] NAIROBI (PLUSNEWS) - The HIV prevalence in Eritrea has shown a slight decline over the past few years and appears to have stabilised, with survey results showing that the unweighted national prevalence rate has fallen from 2.8 percent in 2001 to
UGANDA: HIV/AIDS training institute opened: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] KAMPALA (PLUSNEWS) - One of the largest HIV/AIDS training centres in Africa has been opened in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. The institute is designed to treat people suffering from AIDS and train more than 250 health professionals annually on h
KENYA: Basic and HIV/AIDS care for slum dwellers: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A new health centre started providing basic healthcare and HIV/AIDS treatment to residents of Kibera, a slum in Kenya s capital, Nairobi on Thursday. Kibera South Health Centre, an initiative by the government and inter
UGANDA: Modern AIDS treatment and training centre opens: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - One of East Africa s biggest medical and training facilities for HIV/AIDS has opened in Uganda s capital, Kampala. The Infectious Diseases Institute, funded mainly by drug company Pfizer , will offer state
AFRICA: Coordination urged as AIDS vaccine funding sidestepped: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 21, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Health ministers from seven European countries this week called for increased coordination of global HIV/AIDS vaccine research. According to Agence France-Presse, a European Commission representative said the developmen
ZIMBABWE: Rural dwellers shun VCT centres: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] HARARE (PLUSNEWS) - Few rural Zimbabweans are using the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) centres, according to the latest Zimbabwe Human Development Report. The US-based NGO, Pact, recorded only 50 to 108 visitors a month at two of its VC
ANGOLA: Empowering young people to prevent HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LUANDA (PLUSNEWS) - Wednesday mornings at the Jango youth centre in Viana, just outside the Angolan capital, Luanda, are characterised by the beating drums and clapping that are part of a capoeira class - an energetic Brazilian dance and exercis
AFRICA: War in Iraq sidelines global poverty and AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The World Bank has expressed concern that terrorism and the war in Iraq are diverting attention from efforts to tackle poverty and HIV/AIDS in developing countries. Addressing the recent African Development Forum in
UGANDA: Free AIDS prevention recalled over quality: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Uganda s National Drug Authority (NDA) has issued a statement on behalf of the Ministry of Health saying its free condom brand, Engabu, were found to be unsatisfactory, according to a local newspaper, The Monitor. En
SOUTH AFRICA: Cabinet to examine AIDS drug programme success: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South African Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang will release a full report to cabinet on her comprehensive HIV/AIDS plan on Thursday. This follows an eight-month legal battle between the health department and the
AFRICA: AIDS-related labour loss predicted: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 20, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Africa could lose one million workers to AIDS annually over the next decade if urgent action is not taken, the 4th African Development Forum (ADF) has warned. The Forum concluded its five-day deliberations in the Ethiop
AFRICA: New Canadian initiative to ease HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 19, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A major project launched by Canada s Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union aims to ease the impact of HIV/AIDS in Africa. During its 6th National Convention this week, the union announced plans to raise US $500,
AFRICA: Future tied to keeping HIV-positive alive: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 19, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOAHNNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Africa s future depends on the treatment of HIV-positive people, delegates at the African Development Forum in Ethiopia s capital, Addis Ababa, have heard. Former Mozambican prime minister Pascoal Mocumbi previewed like
AFRICA: AIDS song to accelerate MDGs: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 19, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOAHNNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Salif Keita is one of 18 African musicians who released a song this week to spark action against poverty and HIV/AIDS on the continent. The song We are the drums is part of the Africa 2015 initiative led by the United N
SOUTH AFRICA: HIV-positive Muslims warned against fasting: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 19, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOAHNNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - South African Muslims in the advanced stages of AIDS infection and on treatment have been cautioned against fasting during the current religious month of Ramadan. South Africa s Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) fears that
Sudan: HIV/Aids Swell Feared When Refugees Return - UNFPA: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 18, 2004; The anticipated return of hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees, once peace comes back to the south and west, could lead to a further spread of HIV/AIDS which already affects 2.6 percent of the general population, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warned in a report. HIV-infection in Sudan, according to UNFPA, is alr
AFRICA: 'Three by five' hampered by slow cash flow: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 18, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 18 October (PLUSNEWS) - Plans by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to provide anti-AIDS treatment to millions people in developing nations by the end of next year are falling behind due to the slow spending of funds. The WHO goal
SOUTH AFRICA: Population shrinkage caused by HIV/AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 18, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 18 October (PLUSNEWS) - Academics have warned that South Africa s population may be growing at only a third of the official estimate of 1.8 percent per year, due largely to HIV and AIDS. If the latest figures are correct, this coul
SUDAN: Concern over returning refugees: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 18, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 18 October (PLUSNEWS) - Peace in Sudan s south and west could lead to an uptick in the spread of HIV/AIDS by returning refugees, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned. The fact that many Sudanese will return to their homes from
NAMIBIA: New hope for Caprivi with launch of AIDS treatment: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 15, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] KATIMA MULILO (PLUSNEWS) - Stigma keeps people in denial over HIV and AIDS. They are silent about their fears, too afraid to change, and wait far too long before seeking medical help. Where there is no treatment option, especially in conservativ
ZAMBIA: ADF eases effect of AIDS and poverty on children: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 15, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The African Development Fund (ADF), a concessional window of the African Development Bank, has earmarked over US $20 million for a programme to ease the impact of HIV/AIDS and poverty on Zambian children. A combination
SOUTH AFRICA: Additional AIDS treatment sites in Gauteng: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 15, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The health department of South Africa s Gauteng Province this week began providing anti-AIDS treatment at seven new sites. A local newspaper, the Sunday Times, quoted provincial health minister Gwen Ramokgopa as saying:
AFRICA: Dutch millions pledged to Global AIDS Fund: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 15, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - In response to an appeal from former South African president Nelson Mandela, the Dutch government has followed Sweden s lead and pledged US $6 million to the Global AIDS Fund. The director of the Dutch government s UN a
LIBYA: US backs conversion of weapons plant to AIDS drug plant: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 15, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - The US has agreed to help Libya convert its Rabta chemical weapons plant near the capital, Tripoli, into a factory for drugs to treat AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseases. According to the Washington Times, t
ZIMBABWE: Hair salons come to rescue of female condom: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] BULAWAYO, 14 October (PLUSNEWS) - Besides styling hair, Zimbabwean hairdressers are now making waves by promoting the female condom as a protective device against HIV/AIDS. After struggling for six years to sell the contraceptive sheath, partly
MALAWI: "Capacity shortfall" could derail ARV rollout: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] LILONGWE, 14 October (PLUSNEWS) - As the recipient of a significant amount of donor funding for HIV/AIDS, money is no longer seen as a constraint to Malawi s treatment programme, officials told PlusNews. But the country is now faced with a seri
AFRICA: Full impact of AIDS yet to be felt - UN Commission: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] ADDIS ABABA, 14 October (PLUSNEWS) - Africa must brace itself for the AIDS time bomb that has killed 20 million people but whose full impact could still be a decade away. According to a special commission set up by UN Secretary-General Kofi Anna
GAMBIA: Free AIDS treatment programme launched: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 14 October (PLUSNEWS) - A free anti-AIDS drug programme launched this week in Gambia will benefit 150 people living with HIV and AIDS, the country s Medical Research Council has announced. According to council director Dr Sam Mc
UGANDA: Drugs and alcohol a danger to HIV-positive people: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 14 October (PLUSNEWS) - A Ugandan AIDS expert has suggested that addressing alcohol and drug abuse by HIV-positive people could prove useful in tackling the pandemic. The national coordinator for HIV testing and counselling, Dr Zai
AFRICA: HIV/AIDS explosion looming - UN: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 14, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG, 14 October (PLUSNEWS) - Africa is on the verge of an HIV/AIDS explosion as 8,000 people now become infected daily, the UN warned on Thursday. Alan Whiteside, a member of the Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance in Africa, told a c
Africa's bleakest days are yet to come: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 13, 2004; Africa s cemeteries are filled beyond capacity because of the HIV/Aids pandemic, Ethiopian President Girma Wolde-Giorgis told experts meeting in the capital, Addis Ababa, on Tuesday to discuss combating the spread of the virus. Opening a session of the Commission on HIV/Aids and Governance in Africa (CHGA), a UN-inspir
Gambia: 150 Aids Patients to Benefit From Pilot ARV Programme: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 13, 2004; About 150 people living with AIDS in the Gambia will benefit from free anti-retroviral therapy in a pilot programme launched by the government this week, Doctor Sam McConkey, a director of the government s Medical Research Council, said on Wednesday. During the first phase of the programme a group of 15 to 20 people wo
GAMBIA: Free AIDS treatment programme launched: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 13, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A free anti-AIDS drug programme launched this week in Gambia will benefit 150 people living with HIV and AIDS, the country s Medical Research Council has announced. According to council director Dr Sam McConkey, between
UGANDA: Drugs and alcohol a danger to HIV-positive people: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 13, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - A Ugandan AIDS expert has suggested that addressing alcohol and drug abuse by HIV-positive people could prove useful in tackling the pandemic. The national coordinator for HIV testing and counselling, Dr Zainab Akol, wa
AFRICA: HIV/AIDS explosion looming - UN: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 13, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Africa is on the verge of an HIV/AIDS explosion as 8,000 people now become infected daily, the UN warned on Thursday. Alan Whiteside, a member of the Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance in Africa, told a conference in
SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS drug firms renege on price promise: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - October 13, 2004; [This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations] JOHANNESBURG (PLUSNEWS) - Activists have urged pharmaceutical companies not to raise AIDS drug prices in South Africa when acting on the government s new medicine pricing regulations. According to new regulations, manufacturers are required to c
SOUTH AFRICA: Health worker shortage fuelled by AIDS: UN Integrated Regional Inf