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HEAL International, "a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare, microfinance, and health education to resource limited communities," and local electro pop band Peachcake have teamed up for the fourth Annual World AIDS Day Paint for Peace, where attendees may come and paint canvas artworks that will be sewn into the AIDS Quilt. Peachcake and local dance crew Elektrolytes will perform at the free event on December 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Old Main lawn on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, Arizona
In honor of the event, Peachcake singer Stefan Pruett put together a nine-song mix of tracks he says were chosen after he put himself in an AIDS patient's shoes—of someone who desires love and doesn't want to be judged. Pruett, who conceived the Paint for Peace event and has been coordinating it with HEAL International for the past four years, says, "I think the biggest revelation for me through all this was, really, the power of hope and love is great, and that's something that I think in the long run no disease will be able to defeat."
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A Day Without Art in Salisbury, North Carolina
For the second year, the Rowan County AIDS Task Force (RCATF) in North Carolina is putting local art under a shroud on World AIDS Day, according to a report in the Salisbury Post.
Victorian-style light poles on the East Innes Street Bridge in Salisbury, the city fountain at the corner of Depot Street and East Innes Street and the Livingstone College bear will be hidden from view for a day.
A Day without Art is a way to remember the many artists who’ve died of AIDS and to draw attention to the 230 men and women living with HIV/AIDS in Rowan County. “Part of our mission is to support the individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in Rowan County,” said Dr. Gordon Senter, President of the Task Force. “When you see a shrouded work of art on Dec. 1, remember those in our community who live with HIV/AIDS every day.”
Free and confidential HIV testing will also be provided by the RCATF at the Student Center at Catawba College on December 1 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Victorian-style light poles on the East Innes Street Bridge in Salisbury, the city fountain at the corner of Depot Street and East Innes Street and the Livingstone College bear will be hidden from view for a day.
A Day without Art is a way to remember the many artists who’ve died of AIDS and to draw attention to the 230 men and women living with HIV/AIDS in Rowan County. “Part of our mission is to support the individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in Rowan County,” said Dr. Gordon Senter, President of the Task Force. “When you see a shrouded work of art on Dec. 1, remember those in our community who live with HIV/AIDS every day.”
Free and confidential HIV testing will also be provided by the RCATF at the Student Center at Catawba College on December 1 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
New York AIDS Activists to Stage Protest at Zuccotti Park on World AIDS Day
WHAT: March and rally on World AIDS Day to demand that the wealthiest citizens and Wall Street fund the fight against AIDS at home and abroad through a New York State Millionaires Tax and an international Financial Transaction Tax.
WHEN: World AIDS Day – Thursday, December 1st at 11 AM
WHERE: March starts at Zuccotti Park at Liberty and Broadway.
WHO: People living with HIV/AIDS and their allies from Health GAP, Housing Works, Queerocracy, VOCAL-NY, and the Occupy Wall Street movement.
According to a Housing Works press release, “Mayor Bloomberg has cut more than $10 million for HIV/AIDS housing and services during the past year, plus an additional $3 million more in his November Financial Plan, while opposing the state 30% rent cap affordable housing legislation that would prevent homelessness for thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS. Extending the New York State Millionaires Tax would provide funding to restore HIV/AIDS cuts.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
WHEN: World AIDS Day – Thursday, December 1st at 11 AM
WHERE: March starts at Zuccotti Park at Liberty and Broadway.
WHO: People living with HIV/AIDS and their allies from Health GAP, Housing Works, Queerocracy, VOCAL-NY, and the Occupy Wall Street movement.
According to a Housing Works press release, “Mayor Bloomberg has cut more than $10 million for HIV/AIDS housing and services during the past year, plus an additional $3 million more in his November Financial Plan, while opposing the state 30% rent cap affordable housing legislation that would prevent homelessness for thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS. Extending the New York State Millionaires Tax would provide funding to restore HIV/AIDS cuts.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
2011 WORLD AIDS DAY CHICAGO COMMUNITY EVENTS
World AIDS Day is commemorated around the globe on December 1st. It celebrates the progress made during the epidemic and brings into focus remaining challenges. This year’s theme is “Leading with Science, Uniting for Action.”
Chicago's World AIDS Day 2011 will focus on ending the epidemic with hopes to accelerate the response to HIV and AIDS by preventing new infections and promoting communication.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Chicago's World AIDS Day 2011 will focus on ending the epidemic with hopes to accelerate the response to HIV and AIDS by preventing new infections and promoting communication.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
TPAN and aChurch4Me? Partner To Pause and Reflect on World AIDS Day 2011.
Please join aChurch4Me? and TPAN for a nondenominational Memorial service on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011 from 7 pm - 8:30 pm. at the TPAN offices, 5537 N. Broadway.
During a candle-lighting ceremony they will look to the past, remembering, honoring, and naming our loved ones lost to AIDS; followed by a reflection in the present of living with HIV/AIDS.
Finally, they focus on a future full of hope through care, prevention, education, medication, and spirituality.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
During a candle-lighting ceremony they will look to the past, remembering, honoring, and naming our loved ones lost to AIDS; followed by a reflection in the present of living with HIV/AIDS.
Finally, they focus on a future full of hope through care, prevention, education, medication, and spirituality.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
World AIDS Day Events
Free HIV Testing at Various Locations in NY
Planned Parenthood of Nassau County is offering free rapid-result HIV tests this week at several venues in recognition of World AIDS Day. For more information, telephone 516-750-2500 or visit: http://www.ppnc.org.
McHenry County College to Observe World AIDS Day with Events
HIV testing, safe-sex seminars, a screening of “And the Band Played On,” and other events will mark World AIDS Day at McHenry County College. All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Lena Kalemba, MCC’s director of health and wellness, at 815-455-8581 or lkalemba@mchenry.edu.
AIDS Awareness Event in Palm Beach County, Florida
Hispanic residents are a particular focus of a World AIDS Day outreach hosted by the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County; it will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Tropical Food Market, 1301 Lake Ave. In addition, free HIV testing will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Guatemalan-Maya Center, 110 N. F St. For more information, telephone Yolanda De Venanzi at 561-472-2466, ext. 126.
Stories of AIDS to Be Shared in North Carolina
The personal stories of people affected by HIV will be spotlighted in “The Voices Project,” a World AIDS Day gathering hosted by the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network and the Mecklenburg County Health Department. Local activists, media personalities, and religious leaders will lead the commemoration, which begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at Actor’s Theater of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. Donations to RAIN will be accepted at the free event; VIP tickets that include admission to a reception also are available.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Planned Parenthood of Nassau County is offering free rapid-result HIV tests this week at several venues in recognition of World AIDS Day. For more information, telephone 516-750-2500 or visit: http://www.ppnc.org.
McHenry County College to Observe World AIDS Day with Events
HIV testing, safe-sex seminars, a screening of “And the Band Played On,” and other events will mark World AIDS Day at McHenry County College. All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Lena Kalemba, MCC’s director of health and wellness, at 815-455-8581 or lkalemba@mchenry.edu.
AIDS Awareness Event in Palm Beach County, Florida
Hispanic residents are a particular focus of a World AIDS Day outreach hosted by the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County; it will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Tropical Food Market, 1301 Lake Ave. In addition, free HIV testing will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Guatemalan-Maya Center, 110 N. F St. For more information, telephone Yolanda De Venanzi at 561-472-2466, ext. 126.
Stories of AIDS to Be Shared in North Carolina
The personal stories of people affected by HIV will be spotlighted in “The Voices Project,” a World AIDS Day gathering hosted by the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network and the Mecklenburg County Health Department. Local activists, media personalities, and religious leaders will lead the commemoration, which begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at Actor’s Theater of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. Donations to RAIN will be accepted at the free event; VIP tickets that include admission to a reception also are available.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Opera House Turns Red for World AIDS Day
Sydney’s iconic Opera House and Harbor Bridge are being lit red on Wednesday and Thursday nights in commemoration of World AIDS Day.
Canberra’s new and old Parliament Houses and Black Mountain Tower are also turning red; the displays are part of a worldwide effort in which more than 50 monuments and landmarks are being lit red to call attention to the global campaign to create an AIDS-free generation by 2015.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Canberra’s new and old Parliament Houses and Black Mountain Tower are also turning red; the displays are part of a worldwide effort in which more than 50 monuments and landmarks are being lit red to call attention to the global campaign to create an AIDS-free generation by 2015.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Forum to Teach Youths About AIDS
AIDS Delaware, the state’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization, is inviting Wilmington-area parents to bring their children to the “2011 Youth HIV Forum” on Dec. 3 at Bancroft Elementary School, 700 N. Lombard St., Wilmington.
“Our special invited guest is Delaware native Lolisa Gibson, author of ‘The Way I See It’ and an HIV-positive motivational speaker,” said Frank Hawkins, AIDS Delaware’s education manager. Gibson is a graduate of Howard High School in Wilmington, and “at the tender age of 17 ... became ill and soon found out she was HIV-positive,” said Hawkins. She will talk about her life and her book.
The forum, coming just after World AIDS Day, aims to teach young Delawareans about HIV awareness, choosing safer behaviors, and testing and treatment options, said Hawkins. AIDS Delaware collaborates with the nonprofits Duffy’s Hope and the YESS Program to present the session, which includes a Q&A for both parents and children.
The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at noon and the program begins at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Hawkins at 302-652-6776 or Hawkins@aidsdelaware.org.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
“Our special invited guest is Delaware native Lolisa Gibson, author of ‘The Way I See It’ and an HIV-positive motivational speaker,” said Frank Hawkins, AIDS Delaware’s education manager. Gibson is a graduate of Howard High School in Wilmington, and “at the tender age of 17 ... became ill and soon found out she was HIV-positive,” said Hawkins. She will talk about her life and her book.
The forum, coming just after World AIDS Day, aims to teach young Delawareans about HIV awareness, choosing safer behaviors, and testing and treatment options, said Hawkins. AIDS Delaware collaborates with the nonprofits Duffy’s Hope and the YESS Program to present the session, which includes a Q&A for both parents and children.
The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at noon and the program begins at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Hawkins at 302-652-6776 or Hawkins@aidsdelaware.org.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
STDs Rise for Young Women: County Experts Appeal for Condom Use
Sacramento-area health care providers are warning of a “silent epidemic” of chlamydia and gonorrhea among young women. New data from the California Department of Public Health show more than four of every 100 Sacramento County females ages 15-24 were diagnosed with either STD in 2010 - a 12 percent jump from the year before.
The 2010 data caused the county to rank first in the state for its rate of gonorrhea infection among young women and second-highest for chlamydia, behind San Francisco. New gonorrhea infections among young women in Sacramento County last year were nearly 190 percent higher than the statewide average, and chlamydia diagnoses were about 60 percent higher.
Sacramento’s high STD rate “is definitely an enigma that we’re trying to work through,” said Cassius Lockett, chief epidemiologist for the county.
One question is why the STD increase was concurrent with a 23 percent decline in the birthrate among young women. STD specialists worry the answer may be that girls are using hormonal birth control instead of condoms. “We need to get boys to use condoms more consistently,” said Anna-Barbara Moscicki, a pediatrics professor at University of California-San Francisco.
Staci Syas, coordinator for the county’s HIV and communicable-disease prevention program, said public health officials are working to quickly turn the tide of STDs. Last year, Syas used a one-time $20,000 CDC grant to run an STD awareness campaign. But, “We need a more systemic way of comprehensively addressing it in our community,” she said. “And we have not had the resources to do that.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
The 2010 data caused the county to rank first in the state for its rate of gonorrhea infection among young women and second-highest for chlamydia, behind San Francisco. New gonorrhea infections among young women in Sacramento County last year were nearly 190 percent higher than the statewide average, and chlamydia diagnoses were about 60 percent higher.
Sacramento’s high STD rate “is definitely an enigma that we’re trying to work through,” said Cassius Lockett, chief epidemiologist for the county.
One question is why the STD increase was concurrent with a 23 percent decline in the birthrate among young women. STD specialists worry the answer may be that girls are using hormonal birth control instead of condoms. “We need to get boys to use condoms more consistently,” said Anna-Barbara Moscicki, a pediatrics professor at University of California-San Francisco.
Staci Syas, coordinator for the county’s HIV and communicable-disease prevention program, said public health officials are working to quickly turn the tide of STDs. Last year, Syas used a one-time $20,000 CDC grant to run an STD awareness campaign. But, “We need a more systemic way of comprehensively addressing it in our community,” she said. “And we have not had the resources to do that.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
MSM Have a 140-Fold Higher Risk for Newly Diagnosed HIV and Syphilis Compared with Heterosexual Men in New York City
The current study describes the population of men who have sex with men in New York City, comparing MSM demographics, risk behaviors, new HIV infections, and primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis rates with those of men who have sex with women (MSW).
Population denominators and demographic and behavioral data were obtained from population-based surveys during 2005-08, while new HIV and P&S syphilis diagnoses were extracted from city-wide disease surveillance registries. The study authors calculated overall, age-specific and race/ethnicity-specific case rates and rate ratios, analyzing trends in MSM rates by age and race/ethnicity.
The average prevalence of male same-sex behavior during 2005-08 (5 percent; 95 percent confidence interval: 4.5-5.6) differed by both age and race/ethnicity (2.3 percent of non-Hispanic black men; 7.4 percent among non-Hispanic white men). Compared with MSW, MSM differed significantly on all demographics and reported higher condom-use prevalence at last sex (62.9 percent vs. 38.3 percent) and past-year HIV testing (53.6 percent vs. 27.2 percent), but also more past-year sex partners.
MSM HIV and P&S syphilis rates were 2,526.9 cases per 100,000 population and 707.0 cases per 100,000 population respectively, which were each over 140 times MSW rates. Rates were highest among young and black MSM. During four years, HIV rates more than doubled and P&S syphilis rates increased 6-fold among MSM ages 18-29.
“The substantial population of MSM in New York City is at high risk for acquisition of sexually transmitted infections given high rates of newly diagnosed infections and ongoing risk behaviors,” the authors concluded. “Intensified and innovative efforts to implement and evaluate prevention programs are required.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Population denominators and demographic and behavioral data were obtained from population-based surveys during 2005-08, while new HIV and P&S syphilis diagnoses were extracted from city-wide disease surveillance registries. The study authors calculated overall, age-specific and race/ethnicity-specific case rates and rate ratios, analyzing trends in MSM rates by age and race/ethnicity.
The average prevalence of male same-sex behavior during 2005-08 (5 percent; 95 percent confidence interval: 4.5-5.6) differed by both age and race/ethnicity (2.3 percent of non-Hispanic black men; 7.4 percent among non-Hispanic white men). Compared with MSW, MSM differed significantly on all demographics and reported higher condom-use prevalence at last sex (62.9 percent vs. 38.3 percent) and past-year HIV testing (53.6 percent vs. 27.2 percent), but also more past-year sex partners.
MSM HIV and P&S syphilis rates were 2,526.9 cases per 100,000 population and 707.0 cases per 100,000 population respectively, which were each over 140 times MSW rates. Rates were highest among young and black MSM. During four years, HIV rates more than doubled and P&S syphilis rates increased 6-fold among MSM ages 18-29.
“The substantial population of MSM in New York City is at high risk for acquisition of sexually transmitted infections given high rates of newly diagnosed infections and ongoing risk behaviors,” the authors concluded. “Intensified and innovative efforts to implement and evaluate prevention programs are required.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Churches Urged to Take Lead in AIDS Fight: African Organizer Invites Christians to See the Disaster for Themselves
As part of a North American tour, activist Nema Aluku will be guest speaker at the “Micah Challenge Embraces AIDS” event Dec. 3 in Edmonton. Aluku, HIV/AIDS response coordinator for the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC), the relief and development arm of the Christian Reformed Church, is calling on Canadian and US congregations to help win the battle against AIDS.
“If you look at the western world, not many congregations have an HIV/AIDS day to talk about HIV and AIDS in their community,” said Aluku.
Liz John-West, board chair of Micah Challenge Canada and head of the Edmonton chapter, said the Saturday session is designed to raise awareness of AIDS and “what we as Canadians can do regarding this issue. We want to create another space, another venue, for the Christian sector of our society to know more about AIDS.”
The event, tied to World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), is “a great way to really encourage churches to embrace AIDS,” said Hannah DeJong of the Micah Center, a faith-based social action group affiliated with Micah Challenge at King’s University College.
Aluku said CRWRC conducts tours of Africa to show Christians first-hand the impact of AIDS. “We invite people from North America to come and engage with some of these people,” she said. “Then you can see for yourself [what the situation is like].”
Micah Challenge Embraces AIDS begins at 7 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 7215 97th St. Admission is free.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
“If you look at the western world, not many congregations have an HIV/AIDS day to talk about HIV and AIDS in their community,” said Aluku.
Liz John-West, board chair of Micah Challenge Canada and head of the Edmonton chapter, said the Saturday session is designed to raise awareness of AIDS and “what we as Canadians can do regarding this issue. We want to create another space, another venue, for the Christian sector of our society to know more about AIDS.”
The event, tied to World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), is “a great way to really encourage churches to embrace AIDS,” said Hannah DeJong of the Micah Center, a faith-based social action group affiliated with Micah Challenge at King’s University College.
Aluku said CRWRC conducts tours of Africa to show Christians first-hand the impact of AIDS. “We invite people from North America to come and engage with some of these people,” she said. “Then you can see for yourself [what the situation is like].”
Micah Challenge Embraces AIDS begins at 7 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 7215 97th St. Admission is free.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
In US, Few with HIV Have Optimal Care
A new estimate released Tuesday by CDC finds that just 28 percent of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States are receiving optimal treatment.
The data provide a new lens for understanding how HIV/AIDS impacts Americans. By incorporating the experience of everyone infected with the virus, including people who do not know they have it and those who cannot or do not access treatment, CDC epidemiologists calculated quality of care - something no other country has accomplished, an agency spokesperson said.
“We have substantial work ahead to fully realize the benefit of treatment in the United States,” said CDC Director Dr. Thomas R. Frieden.
Some 20 percent of Americans with HIV are unaware they are infected, making it more likely they will transmit the virus to others. Among those receiving HIV care, about 77 percent achieve a fully suppressed viral load. Recent research finds patients on HIV treatment are unlikely to spread the infection, prompting CDC to work with physicians and health departments to get people testing HIV-positive into treatment.
Just over 75 percent of people diagnosed with HIV are linked to care within four months, but only 50 percent remain in care. The analysis did not address the high rate of patients who stop treatment.
Slightly fewer women (86 percent) than men (90 percent) are prescribed antiretroviral treatment; 92 percent of whites are prescribed ARVs, compared to 89 percent of Hispanics and 86 percent of blacks. Seventy-six percent of people ages 18-24 are put on treatment, compared with 92 percent of those 55 and older. Full viral suppression was attained by 84 percent of white patients, 79 percent of Hispanics, and 70 percent of blacks.
Also on Tuesday, CDC announced a five-year, $359 million annual funding round to states and cities hard-hit by HIV. Recipients must spend three-quarters of each grant on four specific activities; one is getting infected people into care and helping them remain there.
In addition, the agency kicked off a $2.4 million testing campaign targeting young black men who have sex with men.
“Vital Signs: HIV Prevention Through Care and Treatment - United States,” was published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2011;60(Early Release);1-6). For more information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/VitalSigns/HIVtesting/index.html.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
The data provide a new lens for understanding how HIV/AIDS impacts Americans. By incorporating the experience of everyone infected with the virus, including people who do not know they have it and those who cannot or do not access treatment, CDC epidemiologists calculated quality of care - something no other country has accomplished, an agency spokesperson said.
“We have substantial work ahead to fully realize the benefit of treatment in the United States,” said CDC Director Dr. Thomas R. Frieden.
Some 20 percent of Americans with HIV are unaware they are infected, making it more likely they will transmit the virus to others. Among those receiving HIV care, about 77 percent achieve a fully suppressed viral load. Recent research finds patients on HIV treatment are unlikely to spread the infection, prompting CDC to work with physicians and health departments to get people testing HIV-positive into treatment.
Just over 75 percent of people diagnosed with HIV are linked to care within four months, but only 50 percent remain in care. The analysis did not address the high rate of patients who stop treatment.
Slightly fewer women (86 percent) than men (90 percent) are prescribed antiretroviral treatment; 92 percent of whites are prescribed ARVs, compared to 89 percent of Hispanics and 86 percent of blacks. Seventy-six percent of people ages 18-24 are put on treatment, compared with 92 percent of those 55 and older. Full viral suppression was attained by 84 percent of white patients, 79 percent of Hispanics, and 70 percent of blacks.
Also on Tuesday, CDC announced a five-year, $359 million annual funding round to states and cities hard-hit by HIV. Recipients must spend three-quarters of each grant on four specific activities; one is getting infected people into care and helping them remain there.
In addition, the agency kicked off a $2.4 million testing campaign targeting young black men who have sex with men.
“Vital Signs: HIV Prevention Through Care and Treatment - United States,” was published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2011;60(Early Release);1-6). For more information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/VitalSigns/HIVtesting/index.html.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
New City Plan Aimed at Reducing HIV/AIDS Infections by 25 Percent
A plan to cut new HIV infections in Baltimore by 25 percent by 2015 is being presented today to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. Developed by the City Commission on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment, the plan aligns with the overall Baltimore Health Department and National HIV/AIDS strategies.
Priorities include expanding needle-exchange programs; promoting HIV testing at primary care doctors’ offices; aggressive efforts to diagnose people before they are sick; and increasing serostatus awareness, patients who are in care within three months of diagnosis, and those continuing their treatment. The goals emphasize increasing the proportion of HIV-infected gay and bisexual men, African Americans, and Hispanics whose virus is controlled - decreasing the likelihood of further transmission.
Targeted outreach will include tapping churches to reach at-risk populations, as well as contacting people at gay bars and sex clubs, schools, senior centers, and prisons.
“One of the main barriers has been a lack of a road map, a strategic plan to guide the city’s response and promote collaboration between the various city agencies, the state, community groups, and citizens who are impacted,” said Dr. William A. Blattner, the commission’s chair.
Lacking new funding, the commission will promote coordination of some $6 million to $7 million annually spent on outreach and education, and about $20 million for treatment. City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot is expected to announce today a new assistant commissioner position that would be charged with overseeing the strategy, handling the budget, coordinating agencies, and program oversight.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Priorities include expanding needle-exchange programs; promoting HIV testing at primary care doctors’ offices; aggressive efforts to diagnose people before they are sick; and increasing serostatus awareness, patients who are in care within three months of diagnosis, and those continuing their treatment. The goals emphasize increasing the proportion of HIV-infected gay and bisexual men, African Americans, and Hispanics whose virus is controlled - decreasing the likelihood of further transmission.
Targeted outreach will include tapping churches to reach at-risk populations, as well as contacting people at gay bars and sex clubs, schools, senior centers, and prisons.
“One of the main barriers has been a lack of a road map, a strategic plan to guide the city’s response and promote collaboration between the various city agencies, the state, community groups, and citizens who are impacted,” said Dr. William A. Blattner, the commission’s chair.
Lacking new funding, the commission will promote coordination of some $6 million to $7 million annually spent on outreach and education, and about $20 million for treatment. City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot is expected to announce today a new assistant commissioner position that would be charged with overseeing the strategy, handling the budget, coordinating agencies, and program oversight.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Kaiser Study Finds Higher Cancer Risk for HIV Patients
People with HIV have a higher risk of developing certain cancers than do uninfected individuals - and the weaker their immune system, the more vulnerable they are to cancer, a large study of Kaiser Permanente members shows.
Researchers have long known HIV is associated with increased cancer risk, particularly virus-caused cancers such as Kaposi’s sarcoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. HIV attacks the immune system, making patients more vulnerable to other viruses and, in turn, cancer. But just how much of an increased risk has not been well understood, and scientists have struggled to separate the risk of cancer from the behaviors that can increase cancer risk and tend to be associated with HIV, including smoking, drinking, and having unprotected sex.
Study lead author Dr. Michael Silverberg, a research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, compared cancer rates among 20,000 HIV-positive Kaiser members in California and 215,000 uninfected members. Higher rates of Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma, and anal and liver cancer were found among HIV-positive members. The HIV patients had 200 times the risk for Kaposi’s sarcoma, a 40 percent higher risk for liver cancer, and a 55-fold increase for anal cancer. Neither drinking nor smoking appeared to be a factor in any of those cancers other than liver. For reasons not yet understood, the risk of developing prostate cancer was slightly reduced with HIV infection.
Cancer risk increased dramatically in patients whose T-cell counts were below 200. A healthy person typically has a T-cell count of at least 600, and national guidelines call for HIV treatment initiation when the count falls under 500. But the rates of at least five types of cancer were higher even in HIV-positive patients with T-cell counts of 500 or higher. Some doctors and public health experts believe this suggests that early HIV treatment to keep T-cell counts near the level of an uninfected individual could help prevent some cancers.
“Ideally you would want a clinical trial and look at the question of starting people earlier, and if that reduces their burden of cancer,” said Silverberg. “The pendulum is swinging toward earlier therapy,” he noted. “Not all patients are willing to do earlier treatment, but giving patients all the information available might be very useful.”
The study, “HIV Infection, Immunodeficiency, Viral Replication, and the Risk of Cancer,” was published early online in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention (2011;doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-11-0777).
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Researchers have long known HIV is associated with increased cancer risk, particularly virus-caused cancers such as Kaposi’s sarcoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. HIV attacks the immune system, making patients more vulnerable to other viruses and, in turn, cancer. But just how much of an increased risk has not been well understood, and scientists have struggled to separate the risk of cancer from the behaviors that can increase cancer risk and tend to be associated with HIV, including smoking, drinking, and having unprotected sex.
Study lead author Dr. Michael Silverberg, a research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, compared cancer rates among 20,000 HIV-positive Kaiser members in California and 215,000 uninfected members. Higher rates of Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma, and anal and liver cancer were found among HIV-positive members. The HIV patients had 200 times the risk for Kaposi’s sarcoma, a 40 percent higher risk for liver cancer, and a 55-fold increase for anal cancer. Neither drinking nor smoking appeared to be a factor in any of those cancers other than liver. For reasons not yet understood, the risk of developing prostate cancer was slightly reduced with HIV infection.
Cancer risk increased dramatically in patients whose T-cell counts were below 200. A healthy person typically has a T-cell count of at least 600, and national guidelines call for HIV treatment initiation when the count falls under 500. But the rates of at least five types of cancer were higher even in HIV-positive patients with T-cell counts of 500 or higher. Some doctors and public health experts believe this suggests that early HIV treatment to keep T-cell counts near the level of an uninfected individual could help prevent some cancers.
“Ideally you would want a clinical trial and look at the question of starting people earlier, and if that reduces their burden of cancer,” said Silverberg. “The pendulum is swinging toward earlier therapy,” he noted. “Not all patients are willing to do earlier treatment, but giving patients all the information available might be very useful.”
The study, “HIV Infection, Immunodeficiency, Viral Replication, and the Risk of Cancer,” was published early online in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention (2011;doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-11-0777).
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Buddhism Plays Role in China's Battle Against AIDS
Buddhist monks are raising awareness about HIV prevention and supporting people living with the virus in the Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture in southwest China’s Yunnan province. Launched in 2003 with support from UNICEF and a local Buddhist association, the “Home of Buddha Glory” program (HBG) offers a regular gathering place at Zongfo Monastery where hundreds of HIV/AIDS patients of any faith talk to each other and listen to the monks preach.
“The place really feels like a home,” noted one HIV-positive non-Buddhist, who said she has learned from the monks how to live a positive life.
HIV can cause societal burdens, leave families poorer, and rob children of their parents’ care, said Du Hanting, deputy abbot of the monastery. The monks’ roles include helping those affected reduce stress, anxiety, and anguish. A lack of HIV/AIDS knowledge has led some patients’ families to shun them or turn them out of the house.
“Monks serve as people’s spiritual leaders and should guide them through hardship,” Du said. “We often talk and have dinner with patients in front of their family members to show that the virus won’t be transmitted through daily behavior.”
The monks also conduct AIDS education and awareness outreach in rural areas. About 70 percent of the prefecture’s HIV infections are acquired sexually. Since sex is a taboo topic for the monks, they give general advice and cite Buddhist teachings, leaving prevention particulars to the secular program members. To reach nonliterate residents, HBG is creating a compact disc that will include educational songs and lectures in plain language.
Muslim imams from the northwestern Ningxia Hui autonomous region have taken note of the work. “The imams once travelled all the way to our monastery to see what they could learn,” said Ai Hanen, the program’s operations chief.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
“The place really feels like a home,” noted one HIV-positive non-Buddhist, who said she has learned from the monks how to live a positive life.
HIV can cause societal burdens, leave families poorer, and rob children of their parents’ care, said Du Hanting, deputy abbot of the monastery. The monks’ roles include helping those affected reduce stress, anxiety, and anguish. A lack of HIV/AIDS knowledge has led some patients’ families to shun them or turn them out of the house.
“Monks serve as people’s spiritual leaders and should guide them through hardship,” Du said. “We often talk and have dinner with patients in front of their family members to show that the virus won’t be transmitted through daily behavior.”
The monks also conduct AIDS education and awareness outreach in rural areas. About 70 percent of the prefecture’s HIV infections are acquired sexually. Since sex is a taboo topic for the monks, they give general advice and cite Buddhist teachings, leaving prevention particulars to the secular program members. To reach nonliterate residents, HBG is creating a compact disc that will include educational songs and lectures in plain language.
Muslim imams from the northwestern Ningxia Hui autonomous region have taken note of the work. “The imams once travelled all the way to our monastery to see what they could learn,” said Ai Hanen, the program’s operations chief.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
AIDS Fund Cuts Will Hit Southern Africa Hard
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria’s decision to forgo funding new grants will impact the hardest-hit countries in southern Africa the most, AIDS activists said Monday.
Some 70 percent of the cost for providing antiretroviral drugs in developing countries is underwritten by the Global Fund, which is the largest funder of the fight against AIDS. Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe all rely heavily on money from the fund. Representatives from Doctors Without Borders (DWB) and the South African lobby group Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) say HIV infections and AIDS-related fatalities will increase in these countries as a result of the funding cut. Stockpiles of ARVs also are expected to drop.
Faizel Tezera, head of DWB in Zimbabwe, warned of an impending “disaster” there. “More than 86,000 people will be left without treatment and about 5,000 children will be affected,” Tezera said.
In Swaziland, where roughly 26 percent of the population is HIV-infected, ARV stocks are already low. Malawi, where 10 percent of people are living with HIV/AIDS, had hoped new Global Fund grants could help reduce the approximately 70,000 new annual infections there. “The quality of treatment will be heavily compromised” as a result of the cuts, said Safari Mbewe, spokesperson for the Malawi Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS.
“It is catastrophic for our nations, especially women and children,” said TAC spokesperson Nokhwezi Haboyi.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Some 70 percent of the cost for providing antiretroviral drugs in developing countries is underwritten by the Global Fund, which is the largest funder of the fight against AIDS. Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe all rely heavily on money from the fund. Representatives from Doctors Without Borders (DWB) and the South African lobby group Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) say HIV infections and AIDS-related fatalities will increase in these countries as a result of the funding cut. Stockpiles of ARVs also are expected to drop.
Faizel Tezera, head of DWB in Zimbabwe, warned of an impending “disaster” there. “More than 86,000 people will be left without treatment and about 5,000 children will be affected,” Tezera said.
In Swaziland, where roughly 26 percent of the population is HIV-infected, ARV stocks are already low. Malawi, where 10 percent of people are living with HIV/AIDS, had hoped new Global Fund grants could help reduce the approximately 70,000 new annual infections there. “The quality of treatment will be heavily compromised” as a result of the cuts, said Safari Mbewe, spokesperson for the Malawi Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS.
“It is catastrophic for our nations, especially women and children,” said TAC spokesperson Nokhwezi Haboyi.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
HIV Trial Scrapped After Gel Found to Be Ineffective
A routine review of data from a large clinical trial found that a tenofovir-based vaginal gel was not effective in preventing HIV in women, researchers reported Friday.
Since the review found no safety concerns with the gel, women in the vaginal gel arms of the VOICE (Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic) study will be told to discontinue its use at their next regularly scheduled clinic visit, the Microbicides Trial Network said.
In 2010, the CAPRISA (Center for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa) study in South Africa found a tenofovir-based microbicide vaginal gel was 39 percent more effective than placebo gel when used before and after sex. In regular users, it was 54 percent effective. The VOICE study, begun in 2009 with 5,029 sexually active HIV-negative women in South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, was expected to back those findings. Instead, the interim data review found no difference between the tenofovir gel and placebo, with an annual HIV incidence of 6 percent in the placebo group, compared with 6.1 percent for tenofovir gel users.
Although VOICE previously scrapped a trial of oral tenofovir for lacking efficacy, it is continuing to study the safety and effectiveness of oral Truvada (tenofovir and emtricitabine) taken daily to prevent HIV, or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
“For now, the study will continue and we will work to complete the remaining visits for the women continuing in the study,” wrote researchers Sharon Hillier and Ian McGowan. “We are all eager to understand whether adherence, our daily dosing strategy, inflammation or other factors could explain the lack of oral and vaginal tenofovir effectiveness in VOICE. We will not likely have all of the assays completed until later next year.”
For more information, visit: http://www.mtnstopshiv.org/node/3909.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Since the review found no safety concerns with the gel, women in the vaginal gel arms of the VOICE (Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic) study will be told to discontinue its use at their next regularly scheduled clinic visit, the Microbicides Trial Network said.
In 2010, the CAPRISA (Center for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa) study in South Africa found a tenofovir-based microbicide vaginal gel was 39 percent more effective than placebo gel when used before and after sex. In regular users, it was 54 percent effective. The VOICE study, begun in 2009 with 5,029 sexually active HIV-negative women in South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, was expected to back those findings. Instead, the interim data review found no difference between the tenofovir gel and placebo, with an annual HIV incidence of 6 percent in the placebo group, compared with 6.1 percent for tenofovir gel users.
Although VOICE previously scrapped a trial of oral tenofovir for lacking efficacy, it is continuing to study the safety and effectiveness of oral Truvada (tenofovir and emtricitabine) taken daily to prevent HIV, or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
“For now, the study will continue and we will work to complete the remaining visits for the women continuing in the study,” wrote researchers Sharon Hillier and Ian McGowan. “We are all eager to understand whether adherence, our daily dosing strategy, inflammation or other factors could explain the lack of oral and vaginal tenofovir effectiveness in VOICE. We will not likely have all of the assays completed until later next year.”
For more information, visit: http://www.mtnstopshiv.org/node/3909.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Kenneth Cole and MTV “Come Together” With a New Red Ribbon
World-renowned fashion designer Kenneth Cole has created a new version of the now-famous red ribbon in commemoration of the 30-year anniversary of the AIDS epidemic.
The new ribbon will launch Come Together, a multi-faceted partnership between MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation, amfAR, and Awearness, the Kenneth Cole Foundation.
Using the power of celebrity, the goal is to reinvigorate “a new generation of young people to fight the epidemic and protect themselves, as well as reenergize those who are still fighting,” according to Georgia Arnold, Executive Director of the Staying Alive Foundation.
Come Together includes a series of public service announcements on MTV, with stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Ke$ha, Cheyenne Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Estelle, Rose McGowan, and Skylar Gray wearing the new ribbon and discussing what it means to them.
“The new ribbon actually comprises two ribbons attached with a double loop to represent the coming together of individuals and the re-doubling of efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Cole’s second generation red ribbon will be on sale worldwide from November 4 to December 31, 2011 at Kenneth Cole stores, KennethCole.com and select retail and online outlets.
One hundred percent of net profits from ribbon sales will benefit Awearness in support of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and amfAR.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
World AIDS Day Panel
In observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, President Barack Obama and former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are joining leading AIDS advocates for a panel discussion hosted by ONE and (RED) on reaching “the beginning of the end of AIDS.”
Obama will join the event’s hosts at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST) to participate in the discussion. Clinton and Bush will appear via satellite. Bush is in Tanzania with President Jakaya Kikwete.
Other guests include Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Democratic Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California, and Bono, whose ONE and (RED) campaigns have sought to raise awareness of global poverty and AIDS. Alicia Keys will also participate on the panel. The singer is the co-founder of Keep A Child Alive, a non-profit organization that helps families with AIDS in Africa by providing medicine and supplies.
Through a partnership with YouTube, the event will be streamed live on ONE’s official YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/theonecampaign. The panelists will respond to questions from a moderator, as well as to a selection of questions submitted by people on YouTube.
Organizers say they “hope to build on progress already made in the fight against the devastating virus.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
World AIDS Day Events
Emory University Marks World AIDS Day with Quilt Display
On Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, Emory University will host what officials are calling the largest collegiate display of panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. The “Quilt on the Quad” will take place on McDonough Field from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some panels displayed around Emory will be tagged with QR codes so smartphone users can learn more by linking to the online “Quilt Stories” feature.
Candlelight Vigil Will Mark World AIDS Day in Carlsbad
A remembrance ceremony and candlelight vigil will commemorate World AIDS Day Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Church, 2020 Chestnut Ave. in Carlsbad. Soup and other refreshments will be served; telephone 760-729-6311 or e-mail pilgrimucc@pilgrimucc.org.
Whitman-Walker Plans AIDS Vigil, Free HIV Tests in DC
Whitman-Walker Health will mark World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 by offering free, confidential HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW; from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Max Robinson Center, 2301 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE; and during a candlelight vigil at Dupont Circle, beginning at 6 p.m.
Recognizing World AIDS Day in Massachusetts
“Gender and HIV in the African Community” will be the focus of a World AIDS Day forum Thursday at the Lynne campus of North Shore Community College. The free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gym, 300 Broad St. Sarah Rial, a 2010 recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, will lead the meeting.
AIDS Quilt Exhibited at University of Kentucky
Panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on view through Dec. 8 at the University of Kentucky Student Center’s Rasdall Gallery. A reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. will open the exhibit Thursday.
World AIDS Day Program Set for Dec. 1 in North Hill
The World AIDS Day Pensacola Committee is inviting the public to a free program 7-9 p.m. Thursday at The Courtyard in North Hill, 25 W. Avery St. The gathering will include a cocktail hour and remarks by Pensacola’s Dab Garner, a longtime HIV/AIDS survivor. For more information, telephone Keelea LeJeune at 850-393-6861.
World AIDS Day Conference Set for Texas
The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department will commemorate World AIDS Day Thursday with a free, daylong conference featuring speakers, a screening of the film “Life, Above All,” an interfaith service of remembrance, and other activities. For more on the event at the For the City Center, 500 E. St. John’s Ave., visit http:// www.austinhiv.com.
Activities Set Locally for AIDS Day Observance in Knoxsville
Knoxville will observe World AIDS Day Thursday with a program - including music, skits, refreshments, and a candlelight vigil - beginning at 7 p.m. at Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park. “Our goal is to achieve zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination against HIV-infected people,” said Jack Moore, vice president of the Tennessee Association of People with AIDS, who will emcee the evening. Numerous HIV testing outreaches are planned this week in venues throughout the city.
Midlands Events Marking World AIDS Day
Many of South Carolina’s county public health clinics will offer free or low-cost HIV testing on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. For more information, telephone 800-322-2437 or visit http://www.scdhec.gov/stdhiv. On Dec. 2, longtime HIV/AIDS survivor Hydeia Broadbent will share her story at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 511 Knights Hill Rd. in Camden. Free HIV testing will be offered 3-5 p.m. For more information, telephone 803-408-3262, extension 32.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
On Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, Emory University will host what officials are calling the largest collegiate display of panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. The “Quilt on the Quad” will take place on McDonough Field from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some panels displayed around Emory will be tagged with QR codes so smartphone users can learn more by linking to the online “Quilt Stories” feature.
Candlelight Vigil Will Mark World AIDS Day in Carlsbad
A remembrance ceremony and candlelight vigil will commemorate World AIDS Day Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Church, 2020 Chestnut Ave. in Carlsbad. Soup and other refreshments will be served; telephone 760-729-6311 or e-mail pilgrimucc@pilgrimucc.org.
Whitman-Walker Plans AIDS Vigil, Free HIV Tests in DC
Whitman-Walker Health will mark World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 by offering free, confidential HIV testing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW; from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Max Robinson Center, 2301 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE; and during a candlelight vigil at Dupont Circle, beginning at 6 p.m.
Recognizing World AIDS Day in Massachusetts
“Gender and HIV in the African Community” will be the focus of a World AIDS Day forum Thursday at the Lynne campus of North Shore Community College. The free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gym, 300 Broad St. Sarah Rial, a 2010 recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, will lead the meeting.
AIDS Quilt Exhibited at University of Kentucky
Panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on view through Dec. 8 at the University of Kentucky Student Center’s Rasdall Gallery. A reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. will open the exhibit Thursday.
World AIDS Day Program Set for Dec. 1 in North Hill
The World AIDS Day Pensacola Committee is inviting the public to a free program 7-9 p.m. Thursday at The Courtyard in North Hill, 25 W. Avery St. The gathering will include a cocktail hour and remarks by Pensacola’s Dab Garner, a longtime HIV/AIDS survivor. For more information, telephone Keelea LeJeune at 850-393-6861.
World AIDS Day Conference Set for Texas
The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department will commemorate World AIDS Day Thursday with a free, daylong conference featuring speakers, a screening of the film “Life, Above All,” an interfaith service of remembrance, and other activities. For more on the event at the For the City Center, 500 E. St. John’s Ave., visit http:// www.austinhiv.com.
Activities Set Locally for AIDS Day Observance in Knoxsville
Knoxville will observe World AIDS Day Thursday with a program - including music, skits, refreshments, and a candlelight vigil - beginning at 7 p.m. at Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park. “Our goal is to achieve zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination against HIV-infected people,” said Jack Moore, vice president of the Tennessee Association of People with AIDS, who will emcee the evening. Numerous HIV testing outreaches are planned this week in venues throughout the city.
Midlands Events Marking World AIDS Day
Many of South Carolina’s county public health clinics will offer free or low-cost HIV testing on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. For more information, telephone 800-322-2437 or visit http://www.scdhec.gov/stdhiv. On Dec. 2, longtime HIV/AIDS survivor Hydeia Broadbent will share her story at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 511 Knights Hill Rd. in Camden. Free HIV testing will be offered 3-5 p.m. For more information, telephone 803-408-3262, extension 32.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
World AIDS Day Testing
Free HIV Testing in Provo to Mark World AIDS Day
To mark Thursday’s designation as World AIDS Day, the Utah County Health Department is offering free HIV testing this week through Friday. A walk-in clinic will be held 1-4 p.m. Wednesday at the Utah County Health and Justice Building in Provo; the rest of the week, free testing will be available by appointment. Fees will apply for other STD tests.
Free STD Testing at University of North Texas
The University of North Texas is working with Dallas County Health and Human Services to mark World AIDS Day by offering free STD testing this week through Friday. Walk-in testing will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday in the University Union, Kerr Hall and Discovery Park. To make an appointment for testing on other days, students should telephone 940-565-3744.
Free HIV Tests Offered Dec. 1-8 at Planned Parenthood of Indiana
Planned Parenthood of Indiana will offer free HIV tests at 19 of its health centers Dec. 1-8. The testing outreach, conducted to commemorate World AIDS Day, is made possible by support from the nonprofit Women’s Health Fund. After Dec. 8 while supplies last, half-price testing will be available for $12.50 at the Avon, Bloomington, Lafayette, and Muncie health centers, as well as the four in Indianapolis.
Lansing Area AIDS Network to Mark World AIDS Day
A World AIDS Day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd. in East Lansing. The Lansing Area AIDS Network is hosting the event, which will feature a display of NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt panels and a performance by LanSING Out. Also on Thursday, LAAN will offer free walk-in HIV testing from 3 to 6 p.m. at its office, 913 W. Holmes Rd. For more information, telephone Matthew Hulbert at 517-394-3719, ext. 30.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
To mark Thursday’s designation as World AIDS Day, the Utah County Health Department is offering free HIV testing this week through Friday. A walk-in clinic will be held 1-4 p.m. Wednesday at the Utah County Health and Justice Building in Provo; the rest of the week, free testing will be available by appointment. Fees will apply for other STD tests.
Free STD Testing at University of North Texas
The University of North Texas is working with Dallas County Health and Human Services to mark World AIDS Day by offering free STD testing this week through Friday. Walk-in testing will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday in the University Union, Kerr Hall and Discovery Park. To make an appointment for testing on other days, students should telephone 940-565-3744.
Free HIV Tests Offered Dec. 1-8 at Planned Parenthood of Indiana
Planned Parenthood of Indiana will offer free HIV tests at 19 of its health centers Dec. 1-8. The testing outreach, conducted to commemorate World AIDS Day, is made possible by support from the nonprofit Women’s Health Fund. After Dec. 8 while supplies last, half-price testing will be available for $12.50 at the Avon, Bloomington, Lafayette, and Muncie health centers, as well as the four in Indianapolis.
Lansing Area AIDS Network to Mark World AIDS Day
A World AIDS Day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd. in East Lansing. The Lansing Area AIDS Network is hosting the event, which will feature a display of NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt panels and a performance by LanSING Out. Also on Thursday, LAAN will offer free walk-in HIV testing from 3 to 6 p.m. at its office, 913 W. Holmes Rd. For more information, telephone Matthew Hulbert at 517-394-3719, ext. 30.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Clemson to Offer Free AIDS Test
Clemson University students and employees can take advantage of free HIV screening on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Redfern Health Center.
Also that day, the school will host an HIV/AIDS ceremony and candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. at the Hendrix Student Center Ballroom B. The event is open to the public and will include a speaker from the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council’s P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. VOICES program, which works to reduce disease-related stigma and barriers to testing and treatment.
Junior Naima Clark, chair of World AIDS Day events organized by her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Inc., has been involved in community-based HIV screenings since she was in middle school. Over the years, she has heard lots of stories from people who were HIV-positive or lost someone to AIDS. “It really spoke to my heart,” said Clark, who is studying to become a nurse. Redfern and Clemson’s Student Health Advisory Committee also are sponsoring the events.
At last year’s World AIDS Day screening, more than 200 people were tested and none came back positive, said Parvin Lewis, director of health promotion at Redfern.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Also that day, the school will host an HIV/AIDS ceremony and candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. at the Hendrix Student Center Ballroom B. The event is open to the public and will include a speaker from the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council’s P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. VOICES program, which works to reduce disease-related stigma and barriers to testing and treatment.
Junior Naima Clark, chair of World AIDS Day events organized by her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Inc., has been involved in community-based HIV screenings since she was in middle school. Over the years, she has heard lots of stories from people who were HIV-positive or lost someone to AIDS. “It really spoke to my heart,” said Clark, who is studying to become a nurse. Redfern and Clemson’s Student Health Advisory Committee also are sponsoring the events.
At last year’s World AIDS Day screening, more than 200 people were tested and none came back positive, said Parvin Lewis, director of health promotion at Redfern.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
World AIDS Day Events Offer Time to Remember
San Francisco AIDS agencies will mark World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 by hosting several events.
*The National AIDS Memorial Grove will hold its annual “Action=Life” observance from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The program begins at noon and will be followed by a light lunch; admission is free.
On Wednesday evening, the “Light in the Grove” benefit will commemorate the grove’s 20th anniversary. Attendees are invited to submit a photograph of someone to remember and honor at the event; pictures can be e-mailed to mailto:photos@aidsmemorial.org. For ticket prices and more information, visit: http://www.aidsmemorial.org.
*”Paint the Castro Red,” a Dec. 1 awareness effort, will commemorate those people lost to AIDS and inspire more action among district residents. Participating Castro businesses, restaurants and bars will donate 10 percent-15 percent of the day’s sales in support of the 30AIDS coalition comprising 16 local groups. Castro Street will be festooned with red lights, red ribbons and red balloons. For more information, go to http://www.30AIDS.org.
*At 7 p.m. on Dec. 1, San Francisco’s Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., will hold a special screening of the HIV Story Project’s “Still Around” short film compilation. The showing is part of Outcast Film’s touring series “HIV@30: Looking Back, Moving Forward.”
A second feature, “Sex in an Epidemic,” screens at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at http://roxie.com; some of the ticket sales proceeds will go to the University of California-San Francisco Alliance Health Project, formerly known as UCSF AIDS Health Project.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
*The National AIDS Memorial Grove will hold its annual “Action=Life” observance from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The program begins at noon and will be followed by a light lunch; admission is free.
On Wednesday evening, the “Light in the Grove” benefit will commemorate the grove’s 20th anniversary. Attendees are invited to submit a photograph of someone to remember and honor at the event; pictures can be e-mailed to mailto:photos@aidsmemorial.org. For ticket prices and more information, visit: http://www.aidsmemorial.org.
*”Paint the Castro Red,” a Dec. 1 awareness effort, will commemorate those people lost to AIDS and inspire more action among district residents. Participating Castro businesses, restaurants and bars will donate 10 percent-15 percent of the day’s sales in support of the 30AIDS coalition comprising 16 local groups. Castro Street will be festooned with red lights, red ribbons and red balloons. For more information, go to http://www.30AIDS.org.
*At 7 p.m. on Dec. 1, San Francisco’s Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., will hold a special screening of the HIV Story Project’s “Still Around” short film compilation. The showing is part of Outcast Film’s touring series “HIV@30: Looking Back, Moving Forward.”
A second feature, “Sex in an Epidemic,” screens at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at http://roxie.com; some of the ticket sales proceeds will go to the University of California-San Francisco Alliance Health Project, formerly known as UCSF AIDS Health Project.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Changes in Stress, Substance Use and Medication Beliefs Are Associated with Changes in Adherence to HIV Antiretroviral Therapy
The most commonly cited barriers to HIV treatment adherence include stress, substance use' and medication beliefs. In the current study, researchers used longitudinal techniques to examine the temporal relationship between these barriers and regimen adherence among clients attending treatment adherence support groups in New York state.
In all, 4,155 interview pairs were analyzed across three interview transitions. Multinomial models were created with four-category change-based independent variables (e.g., low stress at both interviews; low stress at interview 1 and high stress at interview 2; high stress at interview 1 and low stress at interview 2; and high stress at both interviews) that predicted a similarly constructed four-category adherence change variable.
“Clients who reported positive changes in stress, substance use or medication beliefs were more likely to change from being nonadherent to being adherent, while clients who reported negative changes were more likely to change from being adherent to being nonadherent,” the authors concluded. “To improve or maintain adherence over time, strategies should be used that facilitate positive changes - and prevent negative changes - in stress, substance use, and medication beliefs.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
In all, 4,155 interview pairs were analyzed across three interview transitions. Multinomial models were created with four-category change-based independent variables (e.g., low stress at both interviews; low stress at interview 1 and high stress at interview 2; high stress at interview 1 and low stress at interview 2; and high stress at both interviews) that predicted a similarly constructed four-category adherence change variable.
“Clients who reported positive changes in stress, substance use or medication beliefs were more likely to change from being nonadherent to being adherent, while clients who reported negative changes were more likely to change from being adherent to being nonadherent,” the authors concluded. “To improve or maintain adherence over time, strategies should be used that facilitate positive changes - and prevent negative changes - in stress, substance use, and medication beliefs.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
A Key Group in Global AIDS Therapy Halts New Grants
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria announced Wednesday that it will make no new grants for the next two years due to the global economic downturn and the European financial crisis. The fund will continue supporting about 400 AIDS treatment and prevention programs working in more than 100 countries for now, but it will not subsidize new patients or service increases.
“We cannot at the moment encourage in good faith an expansion of these programs,” said Christoph Benn, the fund’s director of external relations. “We do realize we have a very strong obligation to support these programs. We can guarantee that programs that are currently running will continue.”
The Global Fund’s board of directors made the decision after a two-day meeting in Ghana. The fund has enough pledges to cover the $7 billion in grants already awarded.
Previously a big supporter, Italy reneged on pledges for 2009 and 2010. Spain cut its $200 million pledge for 2010 to $134 million, and it has not made any new pledges through to 2013, said Andrew Hurst, a fund spokesperson. Many observers also say the fund will be lucky if Congress flat-funds the US contribution, which was $1.05 billion this year.
The March 2012 grant application round, in which 90 countries were expected to submit funding requests, has now been canceled. In addition, China, Russia, Mexico, and Argentina were deemed wealthy enough to no longer be eligible for grants.
“It was a very difficult and contentious decision,” said Joanne Carter, head of AIDS and TB treatment lobby group Results, who attended the meeting as a stakeholder delegate. “It’s a huge issue for countries, which see this next period of time as absolutely critical in terms of scale-up.”
Ironically, the cutback is concurrent with calls from experts to increase funding for proven interventions such as “treatment-as-prevention” and male circumcision to decrease the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
“We cannot at the moment encourage in good faith an expansion of these programs,” said Christoph Benn, the fund’s director of external relations. “We do realize we have a very strong obligation to support these programs. We can guarantee that programs that are currently running will continue.”
The Global Fund’s board of directors made the decision after a two-day meeting in Ghana. The fund has enough pledges to cover the $7 billion in grants already awarded.
Previously a big supporter, Italy reneged on pledges for 2009 and 2010. Spain cut its $200 million pledge for 2010 to $134 million, and it has not made any new pledges through to 2013, said Andrew Hurst, a fund spokesperson. Many observers also say the fund will be lucky if Congress flat-funds the US contribution, which was $1.05 billion this year.
The March 2012 grant application round, in which 90 countries were expected to submit funding requests, has now been canceled. In addition, China, Russia, Mexico, and Argentina were deemed wealthy enough to no longer be eligible for grants.
“It was a very difficult and contentious decision,” said Joanne Carter, head of AIDS and TB treatment lobby group Results, who attended the meeting as a stakeholder delegate. “It’s a huge issue for countries, which see this next period of time as absolutely critical in terms of scale-up.”
Ironically, the cutback is concurrent with calls from experts to increase funding for proven interventions such as “treatment-as-prevention” and male circumcision to decrease the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Ring of Lights Boosts AIDS Awareness
District of Columbia officials plan to mark World AIDS Day by illuminating city hall with a ring of red-filtered lights and by hosting several events. City councilors David A. Catania and Kwame R. Brown have scheduled all-day testing, panels, and hearings Thursday at the John A. Wilson Building, Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street NW.
In June, the District reported that 3.2 percent of adult and adolescent residents there were HIV-positive in 2010, well above the World Health Organization threshold of 1 percent for a generalized epidemic. However, the report found a significant drop in AIDS deaths, and gains in early diagnoses and treatment, and free antiretroviral therapy uptake.
An estimated 20 percent of people with HIV in the United States are unaware they are infected. To help reach this population locally, the District has for a year offered free HIV testing at the Department of Motor Vehicles’ Penn Branch Office. It recently added a testing at a site where people seek government assistance, the Anacostia Services Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast.
On Dec. 1, Calvary Health Care will offer HIV testing from a bus at the Wilson building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A public awareness fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the atrium.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
In June, the District reported that 3.2 percent of adult and adolescent residents there were HIV-positive in 2010, well above the World Health Organization threshold of 1 percent for a generalized epidemic. However, the report found a significant drop in AIDS deaths, and gains in early diagnoses and treatment, and free antiretroviral therapy uptake.
An estimated 20 percent of people with HIV in the United States are unaware they are infected. To help reach this population locally, the District has for a year offered free HIV testing at the Department of Motor Vehicles’ Penn Branch Office. It recently added a testing at a site where people seek government assistance, the Anacostia Services Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast.
On Dec. 1, Calvary Health Care will offer HIV testing from a bus at the Wilson building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A public awareness fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the atrium.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
AIDS Awareness Vigils in Canada
A regional HIV/AIDS organization that provides services for people in Sarnia-Lambton is holding a pair of vigils to acknowledge AIDS Awareness Week in Canada.
The week, Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, culminates in World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.
According to the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, which provides support in six counties in southwestern Ontario, infection rates in Canada have risen 14% since 2005.
Women, youth, and people of Aboriginal descent are included in the most vulnerable population groups for contracting HIV now, along with men who have sex with men and people who use injection drugs, the organization said.
Vigils, held for the third year in a row, will be at Community of Christ Church in Stratford Nov. 30, and at Christ Anglican Church in London on Dec. 1. Both begin at 7 p.m.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
The week, Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, culminates in World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.
According to the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection, which provides support in six counties in southwestern Ontario, infection rates in Canada have risen 14% since 2005.
Women, youth, and people of Aboriginal descent are included in the most vulnerable population groups for contracting HIV now, along with men who have sex with men and people who use injection drugs, the organization said.
Vigils, held for the third year in a row, will be at Community of Christ Church in Stratford Nov. 30, and at Christ Anglican Church in London on Dec. 1. Both begin at 7 p.m.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Canadian AIDS Society: Cost of HIV is $1.3 Million per Person Infected
The Canadian AIDS Society has released a report today that indicates that the economic impact of 3,070 new HIV infections in 2009 has a lifetime cost of $4,031,500,000, approximately 22% higher than previously estimated.
November 24th marks the beginning of Canadian HIV/AIDS Awareness Week and the release of this report - The Economic Cost of HIV/AIDS in Canada, written by JoAnn Kingston-Riechers, PhD, from the Institute of Health Economics and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Alberta - should serve as a sobering reminder of the impact of approximately 3,070 new HIV infections in Canada each year. The report focusses on the costs of treatment and the costs associated with loss of productivity for lost work hours throughout the lifetime of those recently infected individuals (as of 2009).
"We know that this is about more than just numbers," said Monique Doolittle-Romas, Executive Director of the Canadian AIDS Society. "Living with HIV has an impact on an individual's quality of life. We see this as an opportunity to address the needs of people living with HIV in Canada."
The dollar value of that impact on quality of life has been estimated at $380,000 per person, and when added to health care costs ($250,000/person), and labour productivity ($670,000/person) we arrive at a very sobering number. In 2009, when there were an estimated 3,070 new infections, the total cost hit just over $4 billion. The bottom line? HIV/AIDS is costing Canadians $1.3 million per each new diagnosis of HIV. But it's not about money - the primary concern is for the affected lives.
Al McNutt, volunteer Chair of the Board of Directors reminds us: "HIV is entirely preventable; and even with such alarming figures, we have seen successes in prevention in Canada - our rates of HIV have dropped from over 6,000 per year in the mid-eighties to an estimated 3,070 new cases in 2009."
"That is the good news," McNutt explains. The challenge follows in reaching those people who are at risk of HIV infection. "We need culturally appropriate interventions to stop the spread of HIV," advises McNutt. This is why funding to fight HIV/AIDS is needed now more than ever. Infections can be prevented with further investment in prevention campaigns.
This year for World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week, the Canadian AIDS Society has launched, with the support of the federal government and Abbott Laboratories, a national campaign with the theme of "Do Something!" Through social media, a Youtube competition and print poster the message is being spread. The message is simple - we can all do something about the spread of HIV in Canada. And the economic case for action has never been clearer.
"Helping prevent the spread of HIV - we'll save more than money, we'll change the life of a friend, colleague or member of our community," reminds Doolittle-Romas, "Isn't it time that we all Do Something?"
"When we see the human and financial costs of HIV/AIDS, it becomes even more apparent that we all need to increase our efforts to prevent and treat this destructive disease," said Russell Williams, President of Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D). "We are proud to support the Canadian AIDS Society study as it does invaluable work in raising awareness and supports people living with HIV in Canada."
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
November 24th marks the beginning of Canadian HIV/AIDS Awareness Week and the release of this report - The Economic Cost of HIV/AIDS in Canada, written by JoAnn Kingston-Riechers, PhD, from the Institute of Health Economics and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Alberta - should serve as a sobering reminder of the impact of approximately 3,070 new HIV infections in Canada each year. The report focusses on the costs of treatment and the costs associated with loss of productivity for lost work hours throughout the lifetime of those recently infected individuals (as of 2009).
"We know that this is about more than just numbers," said Monique Doolittle-Romas, Executive Director of the Canadian AIDS Society. "Living with HIV has an impact on an individual's quality of life. We see this as an opportunity to address the needs of people living with HIV in Canada."
The dollar value of that impact on quality of life has been estimated at $380,000 per person, and when added to health care costs ($250,000/person), and labour productivity ($670,000/person) we arrive at a very sobering number. In 2009, when there were an estimated 3,070 new infections, the total cost hit just over $4 billion. The bottom line? HIV/AIDS is costing Canadians $1.3 million per each new diagnosis of HIV. But it's not about money - the primary concern is for the affected lives.
Al McNutt, volunteer Chair of the Board of Directors reminds us: "HIV is entirely preventable; and even with such alarming figures, we have seen successes in prevention in Canada - our rates of HIV have dropped from over 6,000 per year in the mid-eighties to an estimated 3,070 new cases in 2009."
"That is the good news," McNutt explains. The challenge follows in reaching those people who are at risk of HIV infection. "We need culturally appropriate interventions to stop the spread of HIV," advises McNutt. This is why funding to fight HIV/AIDS is needed now more than ever. Infections can be prevented with further investment in prevention campaigns.
This year for World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week, the Canadian AIDS Society has launched, with the support of the federal government and Abbott Laboratories, a national campaign with the theme of "Do Something!" Through social media, a Youtube competition and print poster the message is being spread. The message is simple - we can all do something about the spread of HIV in Canada. And the economic case for action has never been clearer.
"Helping prevent the spread of HIV - we'll save more than money, we'll change the life of a friend, colleague or member of our community," reminds Doolittle-Romas, "Isn't it time that we all Do Something?"
"When we see the human and financial costs of HIV/AIDS, it becomes even more apparent that we all need to increase our efforts to prevent and treat this destructive disease," said Russell Williams, President of Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D). "We are proud to support the Canadian AIDS Society study as it does invaluable work in raising awareness and supports people living with HIV in Canada."
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement Could Hurt Global AIDS Fight
The Asia-Pacific trade agreement currently being negotiated by U.S. trade representatives may hamper international efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, Bloomberg News reports.
Under the agreement, patent protection for U.S. pharmaceutical companies that develop and manufacture HIV meds would be strengthened in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries such as Australia, Chile, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and others.
As a result, new U.S. medications will get to TPP markets quicker, but HIV-positive people there will probably have to wait longer to access generic versions.
Opponents argue that the trade deal will increase the cost of HIV/AIDS meds in the Asia-Pacific region, making it more difficult to achieve the goal of an “AIDS-free generation” recently supported by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
To read the Bloomberg article, visit: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-21/clinton-s-global-aids-fight-may-be-hurt-by-u-s-trade-initiative.html#.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Under the agreement, patent protection for U.S. pharmaceutical companies that develop and manufacture HIV meds would be strengthened in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries such as Australia, Chile, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and others.
As a result, new U.S. medications will get to TPP markets quicker, but HIV-positive people there will probably have to wait longer to access generic versions.
Opponents argue that the trade deal will increase the cost of HIV/AIDS meds in the Asia-Pacific region, making it more difficult to achieve the goal of an “AIDS-free generation” recently supported by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
To read the Bloomberg article, visit: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-21/clinton-s-global-aids-fight-may-be-hurt-by-u-s-trade-initiative.html#.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
EU Financial Crisis May Increase HIV Risk in Drug Injectors
Despite a decade of gains in fighting the spread of HIV among intravenous drug users in the European Union (EU), there are reasons to worry about an increase in infections, according to the Harm Reduction International blog.
New outbreaks have been reported in Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Lithuania and Romania. Experts worry that the current financial crisis will result in cutbacks to programs designed to reduce the intravenous spread of HIV.
To read the Harm Reduction International blog post, visit: http://www.ihra.net/contents/1137
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
New outbreaks have been reported in Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Lithuania and Romania. Experts worry that the current financial crisis will result in cutbacks to programs designed to reduce the intravenous spread of HIV.
To read the Harm Reduction International blog post, visit: http://www.ihra.net/contents/1137
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Most Americans Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana
Most Americans support legalizing medical marijuana, but a slim majority doesn’t support full pot legalization, according to a new national CBS News poll.
While 51 percent of Americans think marijuana use should be illegal, the poll found that 77 percent of Americans think that doctors should be allowed to prescribe marijuana for serious medical conditions.
The poll also found that the strongest regional support for legalizing marijuana is in the West, which includes 10 of the 16 states with some form of legal marijuana use.
While Americans support medical marijuana legalization, the poll revealed that only about 31 percent of people believe that marijuana bought under state-authorized medical marijuana programs is actually used to alleviate medical conditions.
To read the CBS News poll, visit: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57327004-503544/poll-public-supports-medical-marijuana-but-not-full-pot-legalization/.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
While 51 percent of Americans think marijuana use should be illegal, the poll found that 77 percent of Americans think that doctors should be allowed to prescribe marijuana for serious medical conditions.
The poll also found that the strongest regional support for legalizing marijuana is in the West, which includes 10 of the 16 states with some form of legal marijuana use.
While Americans support medical marijuana legalization, the poll revealed that only about 31 percent of people believe that marijuana bought under state-authorized medical marijuana programs is actually used to alleviate medical conditions.
To read the CBS News poll, visit: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57327004-503544/poll-public-supports-medical-marijuana-but-not-full-pot-legalization/.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
AIDS Group Brings Awareness to Occupy SF
Three groups recently visited the Occupy San Francisco encampment to raise awareness about homelessness among people with HIV/AIDS and LGBT youth. AIDS Housing Alliance/San Francisco, St. James Infirmary and Homonomi joined forces for the Veterans’ Day event, which included HIV testing, needle exchange, and a brown bag lunch for attendees.
San Francisco has the highest rate of homelessness for people with HIV/AIDS, said Brian Basinger, AHA/SF’s director. The groups hope to meet Mayor Ed Lee and urge him to end homelessness for PWAs, sex workers, and LGBT youth within four years.
While turnout was a bit less than organizers expected, Basinger was confident his message was heard. The gathering also commemorated the decade-long ARC/AIDS Vigil of 1985-1995, in which people with HIV/AIDS and allies continually camped out at San Francisco’s UN Plaza demanding recognition and federal HIV/AIDS research funding.
Housing should be first priority among support services, Basinger said. Currently, housing help for San Franciscans with HIV/AIDS is provided through the Department of Public Health, but an individual’s consideration for support is linked to registration at a city clinic, he said. Some AHA/SF clients do not want treatment or such registration, he said.
“We have to build on what started and furthermore implement a true vision of housing first in San Francisco,” Basinger said. AHA/SF works to protect and secure new housing and promote public policy expanding such opportunities, he said. The integrated model includes affordable housing referrals, emergency financial assistance with back-rent and move-in deposits, rent subsidies, tenant-rights counseling, landlord mediation, a legal services collaborative, and financial literacy education.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
San Francisco has the highest rate of homelessness for people with HIV/AIDS, said Brian Basinger, AHA/SF’s director. The groups hope to meet Mayor Ed Lee and urge him to end homelessness for PWAs, sex workers, and LGBT youth within four years.
While turnout was a bit less than organizers expected, Basinger was confident his message was heard. The gathering also commemorated the decade-long ARC/AIDS Vigil of 1985-1995, in which people with HIV/AIDS and allies continually camped out at San Francisco’s UN Plaza demanding recognition and federal HIV/AIDS research funding.
Housing should be first priority among support services, Basinger said. Currently, housing help for San Franciscans with HIV/AIDS is provided through the Department of Public Health, but an individual’s consideration for support is linked to registration at a city clinic, he said. Some AHA/SF clients do not want treatment or such registration, he said.
“We have to build on what started and furthermore implement a true vision of housing first in San Francisco,” Basinger said. AHA/SF works to protect and secure new housing and promote public policy expanding such opportunities, he said. The integrated model includes affordable housing referrals, emergency financial assistance with back-rent and move-in deposits, rent subsidies, tenant-rights counseling, landlord mediation, a legal services collaborative, and financial literacy education.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
'Message of Love': Churches Honor HIV/AIDS Victims
On Sunday, 2,911 wooden stakes with red ribbons were driven into the ground near the intersection of Poplar and East Parkway in Memphis, and each one represented a Shelby County life claimed by HIV/AIDS since 1985.
Since 2001, members of two nearby congregations, First Baptist Church of Memphis and Greater Lewis Street Missionary Baptist Church, have worked with the HIV/AIDS awareness group Friends For Life to install the markers for World AIDS Day, officially observed Dec. 1. FFL estimates 8,000 Shelby County residents have HIV/AIDS.
“It affects everybody in this community,” said FFL Executive Director Kim Daugherty. “We all know someone who is either living with or has died from this pandemic.”
“Unfortunately, the greatest personal toll on a family and people we see living with HIV today is simply the stigma of living with HIV,” Daugherty continued. “Many people continue to not get tested early because they’re fearful of the diagnosis they may receive. And after receiving that diagnosis, they don’t feel like they can tell their family.” CDC estimates that 20 percent of those with HIV/AIDS are undiagnosed.
Greater Lewis Street Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Myron Donald maintains unity is “critical” to diagnosis and treatment.
“Knowledge is power,” said Donald. “The more we can increase the knowledge - the more we can understand the disease better, how it impacts us - it increases our ability to send the positive message, to get over the stereotypes and stigmas. From the church perspective, it’s a message of love.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Since 2001, members of two nearby congregations, First Baptist Church of Memphis and Greater Lewis Street Missionary Baptist Church, have worked with the HIV/AIDS awareness group Friends For Life to install the markers for World AIDS Day, officially observed Dec. 1. FFL estimates 8,000 Shelby County residents have HIV/AIDS.
“It affects everybody in this community,” said FFL Executive Director Kim Daugherty. “We all know someone who is either living with or has died from this pandemic.”
“Unfortunately, the greatest personal toll on a family and people we see living with HIV today is simply the stigma of living with HIV,” Daugherty continued. “Many people continue to not get tested early because they’re fearful of the diagnosis they may receive. And after receiving that diagnosis, they don’t feel like they can tell their family.” CDC estimates that 20 percent of those with HIV/AIDS are undiagnosed.
Greater Lewis Street Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Myron Donald maintains unity is “critical” to diagnosis and treatment.
“Knowledge is power,” said Donald. “The more we can increase the knowledge - the more we can understand the disease better, how it impacts us - it increases our ability to send the positive message, to get over the stereotypes and stigmas. From the church perspective, it’s a message of love.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
At D.C. DMV: Driver's License, Tag Renewal, HIV Test
A program that offers District residents free HIV testing while they wait at one Department of Motor Vehicles branch has won an award to expand the service to an office where people register for food stamps, Medicaid, and other assistance. At the new location Monday, 60 residents took the test and received a $5 gift card to a local grocery store.
“You have to meet people where they are,” said Sheila Brockington, who oversees testing at the DMV office. “You’re waiting anyway. You might as well.”
To ensure confidentiality, the DMV outreach has its own separate office. So far, more than 5,000 people have been screened there. Run by the nonprofit Family and Medical Counseling Services (FMCS) Inc., the project won a $250,000 grant to do the testing and secured the support of the DMV and the city Health Department. A second, similar grant is funding the expansion.
At the DMV office, pitching the test comes easy for staff members: The oral fluid-based HIV test is free; $7 will be taken off the DMV bill; it will not hurt; and testers will not lose their place in line. “We don’t do blood. We do swabs,” tester Karen Johnson tells patrons, explaining that it takes just 20 minutes for results.
FMCS head Angela Wood came up with the idea for DMV-based testing after sitting in a DMV office herself. While officials initially doubted many would agree to test at the DMV, 25 to 35 people do so daily. Less than 1 percent have tested positive so far. For those who do test positive, FMCS provides a free ride to a nearby office where they can arrange for counseling and a doctor’s appointment.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
“You have to meet people where they are,” said Sheila Brockington, who oversees testing at the DMV office. “You’re waiting anyway. You might as well.”
To ensure confidentiality, the DMV outreach has its own separate office. So far, more than 5,000 people have been screened there. Run by the nonprofit Family and Medical Counseling Services (FMCS) Inc., the project won a $250,000 grant to do the testing and secured the support of the DMV and the city Health Department. A second, similar grant is funding the expansion.
At the DMV office, pitching the test comes easy for staff members: The oral fluid-based HIV test is free; $7 will be taken off the DMV bill; it will not hurt; and testers will not lose their place in line. “We don’t do blood. We do swabs,” tester Karen Johnson tells patrons, explaining that it takes just 20 minutes for results.
FMCS head Angela Wood came up with the idea for DMV-based testing after sitting in a DMV office herself. While officials initially doubted many would agree to test at the DMV, 25 to 35 people do so daily. Less than 1 percent have tested positive so far. For those who do test positive, FMCS provides a free ride to a nearby office where they can arrange for counseling and a doctor’s appointment.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
HIV Risk and Perceptions of Masculinity Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men
In the United States, the highest rates of HIV infection are seen among young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). While their reported rates of unprotected anal intercourse are similar to the rates reported by MSM of other racial/ethnic backgrounds, YBMSM ages 15-22 are five times more likely to be HIV-positive than white MSM of comparable ages.
In the current study, the researchers explored contextual social-environmental factors that might influence how YBMSM assess risk, choose partners, and make decisions related to condom use. The team analyzed semistructured interviews with 35 YBMSM (ages 18-24) in New York City, upstate New York, and Atlanta, using structured analytic coding based on a theoretical scheme that emerged from the data.
The perception of masculinity was found to be the primary contextual factor influencing partner selection, risk assessment, and condom-use decision-making. The authors noted four primary themes:
*greater preference for partners perceived as masculine;
*discomfort with permitting men perceived as feminine to be the insertive partner in anal intercourse;
*a power dynamic such that partners perceived as more masculine made the condom-use decisions within the dyad; and
*use of the potential partners’ perceived masculinity to assess HIV risk.
“Perceived masculinity may play a significant role in HIV risk for YBMSM and may be an important concept to consider in prevention strategies directed toward this population,” the authors concluded.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
In the current study, the researchers explored contextual social-environmental factors that might influence how YBMSM assess risk, choose partners, and make decisions related to condom use. The team analyzed semistructured interviews with 35 YBMSM (ages 18-24) in New York City, upstate New York, and Atlanta, using structured analytic coding based on a theoretical scheme that emerged from the data.
The perception of masculinity was found to be the primary contextual factor influencing partner selection, risk assessment, and condom-use decision-making. The authors noted four primary themes:
*greater preference for partners perceived as masculine;
*discomfort with permitting men perceived as feminine to be the insertive partner in anal intercourse;
*a power dynamic such that partners perceived as more masculine made the condom-use decisions within the dyad; and
*use of the potential partners’ perceived masculinity to assess HIV risk.
“Perceived masculinity may play a significant role in HIV risk for YBMSM and may be an important concept to consider in prevention strategies directed toward this population,” the authors concluded.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
New HIV Infections Plunging in Asia: UN
South and Southeast Asia had an estimated 270,000 new HIV infections in 2010, a 40 percent drop from the epidemic’s 1996 peak, UNAIDS reported Monday. “In India, the country with the largest number of people living with HIV in the region, new HIV infections fell by 56 percent.” However, new cases in East Asia rose from 74,000 in 2001 to 88,000 in 2010.
Overall, HIV prevalence in Asia is “substantially lower” than other parts of the world, UNAIDS said. In East Asia, prevalence is at 0.1 percent, or 790,000 cases, and in South and Southeast Asia, prevalence is 0.3 percent, or 4 million cases.
Prevalence is higher among high-risk groups, such as sex workers, drug users, and homosexuals, UNAIDS said. However, “over time, the virus is spreading to other populations.”
In several countries, epidemics are concentrated in relatively few provinces. Five provinces account for 53 percent of HIV infections in China, and in Indonesia, a disproportionate number of cases are in Papua and west Papua provinces.
To view the 2011 UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report, visit: http://www.unaids.org/en/media/unaids/contentassets/documents/unaidspublication/2011/JC2216_WorldAIDSday_report_2011_en.pdf.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Overall, HIV prevalence in Asia is “substantially lower” than other parts of the world, UNAIDS said. In East Asia, prevalence is at 0.1 percent, or 790,000 cases, and in South and Southeast Asia, prevalence is 0.3 percent, or 4 million cases.
Prevalence is higher among high-risk groups, such as sex workers, drug users, and homosexuals, UNAIDS said. However, “over time, the virus is spreading to other populations.”
In several countries, epidemics are concentrated in relatively few provinces. Five provinces account for 53 percent of HIV infections in China, and in Indonesia, a disproportionate number of cases are in Papua and west Papua provinces.
To view the 2011 UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report, visit: http://www.unaids.org/en/media/unaids/contentassets/documents/unaidspublication/2011/JC2216_WorldAIDSday_report_2011_en.pdf.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Africa Reports 'Dramatic' Improvement in HIV Treatment: UN
Greatly improved access to HIV treatment has led to a steady drop in AIDS-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, UNAIDS reported Monday in its annual report ahead of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1).
“The most dramatic increases in antiretroviral therapy coverage have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, with a 20 percent increase between 2009 and 2010 alone,” the report said.
Treatment coverage of more than 80 percent has been achieved in Botswana, Namibia, and Rwanda, while Swaziland and Zambia have reported coverage levels of 70 percent-80 percent. In sub-Saharan Africa, “introducing HIV treatment has dramatically reduced AIDS-related mortality,” UNAIDS said.
Nonetheless, some 1.2 million people died from AIDS last year in the region, which has 22.9 million people living with HIV, or 68 percent of cases globally.
“Since the peak of the epidemic in 1997, the total number of new HIV infections in the region has declined by more than 26 percent, from 2.6 million to 1.9 million,” UNAIDS said. In South Africa, prevalence fell by one-third between 2001 and 2009, from 2.4 percent to 1.5 percent.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
“The most dramatic increases in antiretroviral therapy coverage have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, with a 20 percent increase between 2009 and 2010 alone,” the report said.
Treatment coverage of more than 80 percent has been achieved in Botswana, Namibia, and Rwanda, while Swaziland and Zambia have reported coverage levels of 70 percent-80 percent. In sub-Saharan Africa, “introducing HIV treatment has dramatically reduced AIDS-related mortality,” UNAIDS said.
Nonetheless, some 1.2 million people died from AIDS last year in the region, which has 22.9 million people living with HIV, or 68 percent of cases globally.
“Since the peak of the epidemic in 1997, the total number of new HIV infections in the region has declined by more than 26 percent, from 2.6 million to 1.9 million,” UNAIDS said. In South Africa, prevalence fell by one-third between 2001 and 2009, from 2.4 percent to 1.5 percent.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
N.J. Advances Needle Sales for IV Drug Addicts
The Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee on Monday voted 8-1, with two abstentions, to approve a measure that would allow pharmacies in New Jersey to sell syringes to intravenous drug users (IDUs). Such over-the-counter sales are banned in only New Jersey and Delaware.
The bill seeks to provide IDUs access to clean needles by allowing licensed pharmacies to sell up to 10 syringes or needles at once. Passed by the Senate in February, it now heads to the full Assembly.
Proponents argue providing clean needles will help curb the spread of HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases. “A tremendous amount of medical organizations support the over-the-counter sales of syringes,” said Assembly member Reed Gusciora, a sponsor. “New Jersey needs to keep up with the rest of the country.” Opponents, however, have concerns about the state legitimizing the use of illegal drugs.
Assembly member Nancy Munoz overcame reservations to support the bill, but she has requested that New Jersey investigate how other states address needle disposal issues.
Blogger and videographer Jay Lassiter testified before the committee about his past IV drug use. Calling for bipartisan support, Lassiter said both sides could be satisfied by helping the disadvantaged while inhibiting the spread of diseases and the resulting public health expenses.
In 2008, New Jersey became the last state to provide IV drug users legal access to clean needles through limited needle-exchange programs in six cities. Delaware ratified a similar law for a five-year pilot program in 2006 and renewed it in July; however, it only applies to Wilmington.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is not expected to take a formal position on the measure before it reaches his desk.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
The bill seeks to provide IDUs access to clean needles by allowing licensed pharmacies to sell up to 10 syringes or needles at once. Passed by the Senate in February, it now heads to the full Assembly.
Proponents argue providing clean needles will help curb the spread of HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases. “A tremendous amount of medical organizations support the over-the-counter sales of syringes,” said Assembly member Reed Gusciora, a sponsor. “New Jersey needs to keep up with the rest of the country.” Opponents, however, have concerns about the state legitimizing the use of illegal drugs.
Assembly member Nancy Munoz overcame reservations to support the bill, but she has requested that New Jersey investigate how other states address needle disposal issues.
Blogger and videographer Jay Lassiter testified before the committee about his past IV drug use. Calling for bipartisan support, Lassiter said both sides could be satisfied by helping the disadvantaged while inhibiting the spread of diseases and the resulting public health expenses.
In 2008, New Jersey became the last state to provide IV drug users legal access to clean needles through limited needle-exchange programs in six cities. Delaware ratified a similar law for a five-year pilot program in 2006 and renewed it in July; however, it only applies to Wilmington.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is not expected to take a formal position on the measure before it reaches his desk.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
HIV Numbers Hit New High As AIDS Drugs Save Lives
More people than ever are living with the AIDS virus but this is largely due to better access to drugs that keep HIV patients alive and well for many years, the United Nations AIDS program (UNAIDS) said on Monday.
In its annual report on the pandemic, UNAIDS said the number of people dying of the disease fell to 1.8 million in 2010, down from a peak of 2.2 million in the mid-2000s.
UNAIDS director Michel Sidibe said the past 12 months had been a "game-changing year" in the global AIDS fight.
About 2.5 million deaths have been averted in poor and middle-income countries since 1995 due to AIDS drugs being introduced and access to them improving, according to UNAIDS.
Much of that success has come in the past two years as the numbers of people getting treatment has increased rapidly. "We've never had a year when there has been so much science, so much leadership and such results in one year," Sidibe said in a telephone interview from UNAIDS in Geneva. "Even in this time of public finance crises and uncertainty about funding, we're seeing results. We are seeing more countries than ever before (achieving) significant reductions in new infections and stabilizing their epidemics."
Since the beginning of the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, more than 60 million people have been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. HIV can be controlled for many years with cocktails of drugs, but there is as yet no cure.
The UNAIDS report said 34 million people around the world had HIV in 2010, up from 33.3 million in 2009. Among the most dramatic changes was the leap in the number of people getting treatment with AIDS drugs when they need it.
Of the 14.2 million people eligible for treatment in low- and middle-income countries, around 6.6 million, or 47 percent, are now receiving it, UNAIDS said, and 11 poor- and mid-income countries now have universal access to HIV treatment, with coverage of 80 percent or more. This compares with 36 percent of the 15 million people needing treatment in 2009 who got AIDS drugs.
"In just one year we have added 1.4 million people to treatment," said Adrian Lovett of the anti-poverty campaign group ONE. He said the figures showed "huge progress" but also underlined "the major push needed now in order to turn the corner in this epidemic."
Major producers of HIV drugs include Gilead, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline. Improved access to drugs from these and other manufacturers means not only that fewer people are dying of AIDS each year, UNAIDS said, but also that the risk of new HIV infections is reduced.
A series of scientific studies have shown that getting timely treatment to those with HIV can substantially cut the number of people who become newly infected with the virus.
Sidibe said this was starting to show in new case numbers. There were 2.7 million new HIV infections worldwide in 2010, 15 percent fewer than in 2001, and 21 percent below the number of new infections at the peak of the epidemic in 1997. "The big point for us is the number of new infections --that's where you win against the epidemic," Sidibe said.
Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said the growing number of averted AIDS deaths was important progress. However, it added that the number of people on treatment needed to increase dramatically to reap the benefits of science.
"Never, in more than a decade of treating people living with HIV/AIDS, have we been at such a promising moment to really turn this epidemic around," said MSF's Tido von Schoen-Angerer. "Governments in some of the hardest hit countries want to act on the science, seize this moment and reverse the AIDS epidemic. But this means nothing if there is no money to make it happen."
Despite progress on HIV treatment and prevention, sub-Saharan Africa is still by far the worst hit area, accounting for 68 percent of all those living with HIV in 2010 despite its population accounting for only 12 percent of the global total.Around 70 percent of new HIV infections in 2010, and almost half of all AIDS-related deaths, were in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sidibe said that with many international donor countries struggling with slow economic growth and high debt, the global AIDS fight had to become even more focused on high impact interventions to deliver progress in the places worst hit. "We need to maintain our investment, but ... in a smarter way. "Then we'll see a serious decline in the epidemic," he said.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
In its annual report on the pandemic, UNAIDS said the number of people dying of the disease fell to 1.8 million in 2010, down from a peak of 2.2 million in the mid-2000s.
UNAIDS director Michel Sidibe said the past 12 months had been a "game-changing year" in the global AIDS fight.
About 2.5 million deaths have been averted in poor and middle-income countries since 1995 due to AIDS drugs being introduced and access to them improving, according to UNAIDS.
Much of that success has come in the past two years as the numbers of people getting treatment has increased rapidly. "We've never had a year when there has been so much science, so much leadership and such results in one year," Sidibe said in a telephone interview from UNAIDS in Geneva. "Even in this time of public finance crises and uncertainty about funding, we're seeing results. We are seeing more countries than ever before (achieving) significant reductions in new infections and stabilizing their epidemics."
Since the beginning of the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, more than 60 million people have been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. HIV can be controlled for many years with cocktails of drugs, but there is as yet no cure.
The UNAIDS report said 34 million people around the world had HIV in 2010, up from 33.3 million in 2009. Among the most dramatic changes was the leap in the number of people getting treatment with AIDS drugs when they need it.
Of the 14.2 million people eligible for treatment in low- and middle-income countries, around 6.6 million, or 47 percent, are now receiving it, UNAIDS said, and 11 poor- and mid-income countries now have universal access to HIV treatment, with coverage of 80 percent or more. This compares with 36 percent of the 15 million people needing treatment in 2009 who got AIDS drugs.
"In just one year we have added 1.4 million people to treatment," said Adrian Lovett of the anti-poverty campaign group ONE. He said the figures showed "huge progress" but also underlined "the major push needed now in order to turn the corner in this epidemic."
Major producers of HIV drugs include Gilead, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline. Improved access to drugs from these and other manufacturers means not only that fewer people are dying of AIDS each year, UNAIDS said, but also that the risk of new HIV infections is reduced.
A series of scientific studies have shown that getting timely treatment to those with HIV can substantially cut the number of people who become newly infected with the virus.
Sidibe said this was starting to show in new case numbers. There were 2.7 million new HIV infections worldwide in 2010, 15 percent fewer than in 2001, and 21 percent below the number of new infections at the peak of the epidemic in 1997. "The big point for us is the number of new infections --that's where you win against the epidemic," Sidibe said.
Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said the growing number of averted AIDS deaths was important progress. However, it added that the number of people on treatment needed to increase dramatically to reap the benefits of science.
"Never, in more than a decade of treating people living with HIV/AIDS, have we been at such a promising moment to really turn this epidemic around," said MSF's Tido von Schoen-Angerer. "Governments in some of the hardest hit countries want to act on the science, seize this moment and reverse the AIDS epidemic. But this means nothing if there is no money to make it happen."
Despite progress on HIV treatment and prevention, sub-Saharan Africa is still by far the worst hit area, accounting for 68 percent of all those living with HIV in 2010 despite its population accounting for only 12 percent of the global total.Around 70 percent of new HIV infections in 2010, and almost half of all AIDS-related deaths, were in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sidibe said that with many international donor countries struggling with slow economic growth and high debt, the global AIDS fight had to become even more focused on high impact interventions to deliver progress in the places worst hit. "We need to maintain our investment, but ... in a smarter way. "Then we'll see a serious decline in the epidemic," he said.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Monday, November 21, 2011
'I Will' Uses Video to Educate About HIV
A groundbreaking music video, whose main character is a young black man grappling with HIV, has been viewed more than 9,000 times on YouTube.com since its September debut. The work grew out of a public service announcement for Test Positive Aware Network created by Chicago-based photographer John Gress. The PSA promoted the outreach “A Day in the Life with HIV,” which asked Americans living with the virus to photograph themselves on Sept. 21 and post the photos to a website.
After collecting hours of testimonials, Gress needed music and called on a good friend, R&B singer Marshall Titus, for help. Nothing really worked until they came across the track to “I Will,” a mellow but uplifting work Titus recorded not long after losing his mother. Within days, Gress was piecing together a story for the music video based on the interviews he conducted.
Gress and Titus refined a script, hired local actors and 30 days later were finished with the five-minute music video. It opens with a young black man waking up in bed after a one-night stand. Apparently upset, the man later makes his way to an HIV clinic where he learns he is positive. The video follows his journey dealing with the news, revealing his status to a roommate, a close friend, and a potential date. The friends are supportive, and the potential date, whose status is never revealed, still goes out with the man, telling him “It’s OK.”
“We really just hope that through the video people will be less fearful of people who are HIV-positive, and they’ll also be less fearful of getting tested, which is the important part of stopping the epidemic,” Gress said.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
After collecting hours of testimonials, Gress needed music and called on a good friend, R&B singer Marshall Titus, for help. Nothing really worked until they came across the track to “I Will,” a mellow but uplifting work Titus recorded not long after losing his mother. Within days, Gress was piecing together a story for the music video based on the interviews he conducted.
Gress and Titus refined a script, hired local actors and 30 days later were finished with the five-minute music video. It opens with a young black man waking up in bed after a one-night stand. Apparently upset, the man later makes his way to an HIV clinic where he learns he is positive. The video follows his journey dealing with the news, revealing his status to a roommate, a close friend, and a potential date. The friends are supportive, and the potential date, whose status is never revealed, still goes out with the man, telling him “It’s OK.”
“We really just hope that through the video people will be less fearful of people who are HIV-positive, and they’ll also be less fearful of getting tested, which is the important part of stopping the epidemic,” Gress said.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Ethiopia Finalizes Preparation to Host International Conference on AIDS, STIs in December
In early December, Ethiopia will play host to the 16th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA). The theme of this year’s meeting in Addis Ababa is “Own, Scale-Up and Sustain.”
Ethiopian Health Minister Tewodrose Adhanom said Thursday that 4,200 people have confirmed their attendance at ICASA, but the final number of participants could be as high as 10,000. Policy makers, scientists, and advocates will share knowledge, experience, and best practices on HIV/AIDS and other STIs in Africa at ICASA, he said.
Yigeremu Abebe, president of ICASA 2011, said the conference represents an opportunity to review commitments and mobilize resources for fighting AIDS in Africa, home to around 68 percent of the world’s caseload.
First held in Brussels, Belgium, in 1986, ICASA most recently convened in Senegal in 2008 with the theme “Africa’s Response: Face the Facts.”
For more information, visit: http://www.icasa2011addis.org.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Ethiopian Health Minister Tewodrose Adhanom said Thursday that 4,200 people have confirmed their attendance at ICASA, but the final number of participants could be as high as 10,000. Policy makers, scientists, and advocates will share knowledge, experience, and best practices on HIV/AIDS and other STIs in Africa at ICASA, he said.
Yigeremu Abebe, president of ICASA 2011, said the conference represents an opportunity to review commitments and mobilize resources for fighting AIDS in Africa, home to around 68 percent of the world’s caseload.
First held in Brussels, Belgium, in 1986, ICASA most recently convened in Senegal in 2008 with the theme “Africa’s Response: Face the Facts.”
For more information, visit: http://www.icasa2011addis.org.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
China Eyes 90 Percent Coverage of HIV/AIDS Interventions Among High-Risk Populations
Interventions to prevent and control HIV among China’s high-risk groups should grow to 90 percent coverage by 2015, according to a five-year plan adopted by the State Council AIDS Working Committee, which met Friday. Vice Premier Li Keqiang listed key objectives following a Ministry of Health update and planning report.
Testing and counseling services should be available at all hospitals at the county level and above, as well as grassroots clinics in high-prevalence settings, Li said. Governments should provide non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with financial and other support to leverage their unique prevention role, particularly HIV awareness and interventions, he said. Treatment improvements to continue cutting mortality should be augmented with other assistance, such as addressing patients’ financial difficulties, he said.
The committee noted remarkable progress in HIV prevention and control nationwide: Transmissions are down; the mortality rate has fallen; social discrimination has eased; and patients’ quality of life is improving.
Ahead of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), Li visited with HIV medical personnel, volunteers of NGOs, and people living with HIV/AIDS. At Beijing’s Disease Prevention and Control Center, Li stressed the testing clinic’s importance to early diagnoses and treatment, encouraging staff there to continue working hard. Saying prevention requires the entire society, Li called for establishing a mechanism to involve “social forces” in efforts.
“Care, respect and assistance are the best pain relievers for people living with HIV,” Li said.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Testing and counseling services should be available at all hospitals at the county level and above, as well as grassroots clinics in high-prevalence settings, Li said. Governments should provide non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with financial and other support to leverage their unique prevention role, particularly HIV awareness and interventions, he said. Treatment improvements to continue cutting mortality should be augmented with other assistance, such as addressing patients’ financial difficulties, he said.
The committee noted remarkable progress in HIV prevention and control nationwide: Transmissions are down; the mortality rate has fallen; social discrimination has eased; and patients’ quality of life is improving.
Ahead of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), Li visited with HIV medical personnel, volunteers of NGOs, and people living with HIV/AIDS. At Beijing’s Disease Prevention and Control Center, Li stressed the testing clinic’s importance to early diagnoses and treatment, encouraging staff there to continue working hard. Saying prevention requires the entire society, Li called for establishing a mechanism to involve “social forces” in efforts.
“Care, respect and assistance are the best pain relievers for people living with HIV,” Li said.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
To Skip the 'Talk' About Sex, Have an Ongoing Dialogue
Child-development experts are rethinking “the talk,” the traditional parent-child conversation about sex.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends having age-appropriate ongoing conversations with children about human sexuality. By age 10, a child should know the differences between males and females, the correct names of body parts and the developmental changes that occur. If parents wait until the early teens, or even middle school, to talk about sex, they have waited too long, AAP says.
“The notion that we are supposed to have one talk about the birds and the bees and be done with it is a myth,” said Dr. L. Kris Gowen, a developmental psychologist and senior research associate at Portland State University in Oregon. “Research shows that the more the kids learn, the less likely they are to have sex.”
Experts suggest the following dialogue guidelines, tailored to an individual child’s development:
*For preschoolers, talk about body parts using clinical words rather than euphemisms, which can connote feelings of shame or embarrassment; talk about pregnancy and birth; talk about what is safe touch, and what is not. In response to questions about same-sex couples, explain that families come in different shapes and sizes, Gowen said.
*For ages five to eight, begin explaining how a child’s body changes to an adult’s. Amy Lang, founder of Birds+Bees+Kids, which helps parents and others learn how to talk to children about sex, suggests starting a discussion about pornography by age eight. “Give them a heads up that sometimes people look at videos and pictures of naked people on the Internet and that this is not OK for kids,” she said.
*For ages nine to 12, parents should explain their own values concerning certain topics; discuss the dynamics of healthy and unhealthy sexual relationships.
*For ages 13 to 15, talk about safe sex and how to prevent STDs and pregnancy; talk about values and relationships.
*For ages 16 to 20, shift conversations from “how” to “why,” stressing values; talk about casual sex, date rape and peer pressure.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends having age-appropriate ongoing conversations with children about human sexuality. By age 10, a child should know the differences between males and females, the correct names of body parts and the developmental changes that occur. If parents wait until the early teens, or even middle school, to talk about sex, they have waited too long, AAP says.
“The notion that we are supposed to have one talk about the birds and the bees and be done with it is a myth,” said Dr. L. Kris Gowen, a developmental psychologist and senior research associate at Portland State University in Oregon. “Research shows that the more the kids learn, the less likely they are to have sex.”
Experts suggest the following dialogue guidelines, tailored to an individual child’s development:
*For preschoolers, talk about body parts using clinical words rather than euphemisms, which can connote feelings of shame or embarrassment; talk about pregnancy and birth; talk about what is safe touch, and what is not. In response to questions about same-sex couples, explain that families come in different shapes and sizes, Gowen said.
*For ages five to eight, begin explaining how a child’s body changes to an adult’s. Amy Lang, founder of Birds+Bees+Kids, which helps parents and others learn how to talk to children about sex, suggests starting a discussion about pornography by age eight. “Give them a heads up that sometimes people look at videos and pictures of naked people on the Internet and that this is not OK for kids,” she said.
*For ages nine to 12, parents should explain their own values concerning certain topics; discuss the dynamics of healthy and unhealthy sexual relationships.
*For ages 13 to 15, talk about safe sex and how to prevent STDs and pregnancy; talk about values and relationships.
*For ages 16 to 20, shift conversations from “how” to “why,” stressing values; talk about casual sex, date rape and peer pressure.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Sony Helps Support the Prevention of HIV and AIDS in Africa
Sony provided a high-definition (HD) video projector boasting a 7,000 lumen brightness, 150-inch screen, and professional switchers that are easy to carry and operate, to show movies and music videos, along with educational content, to the public at outdoor sites.
Combining Sony entertainment content with educational footage and lectures about the prevention of HIV, Sony and its partners produced a diverse program that exceeded expectations on all fronts. Among the 4,700 participants, 2,482 people took the HIV test, far beyond event forecasts. In addition, the inclusion of entertainment content helped attract the younger generations to whom AMREF's education programs are primarily targeted.
"Early receipt of proper HIV testing and counselling is not only vital for preventing infections, but is also effective for preventing the spread of diseases," said Christoph Benn, Director of External Relations and Partnerships, the Global Fund. "We were glad to have had this opportunity to work with Sony on this important endeavour, and are hoping for prompt execution of the same sort of program in other countries (outside Tanzania), with assistance from the Global Fund."
Shiro Kambe, Corporate Executive and Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and CSR, Sony Corporation, said, "Sony is continuing its ongoing efforts to contribute to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Participation in the 'Public Viewing in Tanzania' program, which we launched in collaboration with the Global Fund and AMREF, exceeded our expectations, and we are confident that the program has made a lasting contribution to education in Tanzania on the important issue of disease prevention. Sony plans to conduct similar programs in various countries and regions, to lay the foundations for local people to operate such programs independently, and contribute to capacity building in local communities in the future. Going forward, Sony will maintain its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, and continue to support various activities to address social issues around the world."
Sony donated the audio visual equipment used in the program to AMREF upon the completion of the project so that AMREF may use it at similar events in the future aimed at the prevention of HIV and other infectious diseases. In addition, Sony's technical team trained members of AMREF staff on how to operate the equipment.
In advance of the program, Sony recruited student interns in Japan for the first time in its CSR project history. Two student interns were selected to travel to Tanzania as part of the project team, providing on-site support and engaging in work such as planning the show schedule, installing and removing equipment, and documenting the events on video. In light of the growing importance of emerging markets in Sony's business, Sony also invited three young employees to take part in the project to enable them to acquire hands-on experience in both urban and rural parts of Tanzania.
The prevention of the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria is one of the mutual goals supported by the global community. It is also one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted in the U.N. Millennium Declaration at the U.N. Millennium Summit in 2000. Sub-Saharan Africa has among the most serious levels of HIV virus infection in the entire world. HIV prevalence in Tanzania is 5.2 percent (source: 2009 UNAIDS).
From November 1-14, 2011, Sony Corporation ("Sony") implemented a CSR initiative at six sites across four regions of the United Republic of Tanzania to help support the prevention of HIV and AIDS. The project, called "Public Viewing in Tanzania," was organized in collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria ("Global Fund") and the African Medical and Research Foundation ("AMREF"). Utilizing its audio-visual equipment and motion picture and music content, Sony helped attract more than 4,700 people in total, across the six sites.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Combining Sony entertainment content with educational footage and lectures about the prevention of HIV, Sony and its partners produced a diverse program that exceeded expectations on all fronts. Among the 4,700 participants, 2,482 people took the HIV test, far beyond event forecasts. In addition, the inclusion of entertainment content helped attract the younger generations to whom AMREF's education programs are primarily targeted.
"Early receipt of proper HIV testing and counselling is not only vital for preventing infections, but is also effective for preventing the spread of diseases," said Christoph Benn, Director of External Relations and Partnerships, the Global Fund. "We were glad to have had this opportunity to work with Sony on this important endeavour, and are hoping for prompt execution of the same sort of program in other countries (outside Tanzania), with assistance from the Global Fund."
Shiro Kambe, Corporate Executive and Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and CSR, Sony Corporation, said, "Sony is continuing its ongoing efforts to contribute to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Participation in the 'Public Viewing in Tanzania' program, which we launched in collaboration with the Global Fund and AMREF, exceeded our expectations, and we are confident that the program has made a lasting contribution to education in Tanzania on the important issue of disease prevention. Sony plans to conduct similar programs in various countries and regions, to lay the foundations for local people to operate such programs independently, and contribute to capacity building in local communities in the future. Going forward, Sony will maintain its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, and continue to support various activities to address social issues around the world."
Sony donated the audio visual equipment used in the program to AMREF upon the completion of the project so that AMREF may use it at similar events in the future aimed at the prevention of HIV and other infectious diseases. In addition, Sony's technical team trained members of AMREF staff on how to operate the equipment.
In advance of the program, Sony recruited student interns in Japan for the first time in its CSR project history. Two student interns were selected to travel to Tanzania as part of the project team, providing on-site support and engaging in work such as planning the show schedule, installing and removing equipment, and documenting the events on video. In light of the growing importance of emerging markets in Sony's business, Sony also invited three young employees to take part in the project to enable them to acquire hands-on experience in both urban and rural parts of Tanzania.
The prevention of the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria is one of the mutual goals supported by the global community. It is also one of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted in the U.N. Millennium Declaration at the U.N. Millennium Summit in 2000. Sub-Saharan Africa has among the most serious levels of HIV virus infection in the entire world. HIV prevalence in Tanzania is 5.2 percent (source: 2009 UNAIDS).
From November 1-14, 2011, Sony Corporation ("Sony") implemented a CSR initiative at six sites across four regions of the United Republic of Tanzania to help support the prevention of HIV and AIDS. The project, called "Public Viewing in Tanzania," was organized in collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria ("Global Fund") and the African Medical and Research Foundation ("AMREF"). Utilizing its audio-visual equipment and motion picture and music content, Sony helped attract more than 4,700 people in total, across the six sites.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
HIV-positive Calgary Man Denied Flu Shot
An HIV positive man turned away from a flu shot might be an opportunity for awareness, says AIDS Calgary.
Simonne LeBlanc, executive director for AIDS Calgary, said the man went to her people for guidance, explaining a pharmacist wouldn't give him the flu shot Wednesday after being made aware he was HIV positive.
But LeBlanc said there's really no reason he couldn't have been taken care of right there at the pharmacy.
"There's still nurses, there's still dentists and there's still doctors who just don't have enough exposure to it or understanding of it," she said. "I think that's what it is most often."
"For people that are living with it, there is a lot of stigma associated with it."
The man felt discriminated against, LeBlanc said. "This might be a teaching moment" for the pharmacy and others, she said.
A spokesperson for pharmacy has reportedly apologized to the man, calling it an isolated incident that will be addressed through training.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Simonne LeBlanc, executive director for AIDS Calgary, said the man went to her people for guidance, explaining a pharmacist wouldn't give him the flu shot Wednesday after being made aware he was HIV positive.
But LeBlanc said there's really no reason he couldn't have been taken care of right there at the pharmacy.
"There's still nurses, there's still dentists and there's still doctors who just don't have enough exposure to it or understanding of it," she said. "I think that's what it is most often."
"For people that are living with it, there is a lot of stigma associated with it."
The man felt discriminated against, LeBlanc said. "This might be a teaching moment" for the pharmacy and others, she said.
A spokesperson for pharmacy has reportedly apologized to the man, calling it an isolated incident that will be addressed through training.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Top 10 Myths About HIV Vaccine Research
Myth No. 1: HIV vaccines can give people HIV. HIV vaccines do not contain HIV and therefore a person cannot get HIV from the HIV vaccine. Some vaccines, like those for typhoid or polio, may contain a weak form of the virus they are protecting against, but this is not the case for HIV vaccines. Scientists make HIV vaccines so that they look like the real virus, but they do not contain any HIV. Think of it like a photocopy: It might look similar, but it isn't the original. In the past 25 years more than 30,000 volunteers have taken part in HIV vaccine studies worldwide, and no one has been infected with HIV by any of the vaccines tested - because they do not contain HIV.
Myth No. 2: An HIV vaccine already exists. There is no licensed vaccine against HIV or AIDS, but scientists are getting closer than ever before to developing an effective vaccine against HIV. In 2009, a large-scale vaccine study conducted in Thailandcalled RV144 showed that a vaccine combination could prevent about 32 percent of new infections. Researchers are starting to understand why this vaccine combination worked and how to improve upon it.
Researchers around the world continue to search for an HIV vaccine that is even more effective. Leading this effort is the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, the largest publicly funded group of HIV vaccine researchers in the world. The HVTN is an international effort to find a safe and effective vaccine to stop the spread of HIV. It is funded by the U. S. National Institutes of Health.
Myth No. 3: Joining an HIV-vaccine study is like being a guinea pig. Unlike guinea pigs, people can say yes or no to participating in research. All study volunteers must go through a process called informed consent that ensures they understand all of the risks and benefits of being in a study, and those volunteers are reminded that they may leave a study at any time without losing rights or benefits. The HVTN takes great care in making sure people understand the study fully before they decide whether or not join. All HVTN research adheres to U.S. federal regulations on research, as well as the international standards for the countries in which it conducts research.
Myth No. 4: A person must be HIV positive to be in an HIV vaccine study. Not so. While some research groups are conducting studies of vaccines that might be used in people who are already infected with HIV, the vaccines being tested by the HVTN are preventive vaccines. They must be tested on volunteers who are not infected with HIV.
Myth No. 5: Vaccine researchers want study participants to practice unsafe behaviors so they can see whether the vaccine really works. Not true. The safety of study participants is the No. 1 priority of HIV vaccine researchers and study site staff. Trained counselors work with study participants to help them develop an individual plan on how to keep from contracting HIV. Participants also are given supplies such as condoms and lubricant as well as instructions on how to use them properly. HIV efficacy trials enroll thousands of participants over several years, and with even with the best counseling some participants will still become infected through their risky behavior. Changing human behavior is never easy; after all, many people still smoke, even though it is widely known that smoking is the major cause of lung cancer. An AIDS epidemic would not exist if prevention was as simple as counseling people to change their risky behavior.
Myth No. 6: Now that there are pills that can prevent HIV infection, an HIV vaccine is no longer necessary. HIV-negative people who are at high risk can take antiretroviral medication daily to try to lower their chances of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus. This type of therapy - called PrEP, short for PreExposure Prophylaxis - has been shown to be effective among those at high risk. However, it has not yet been recommended for widespread use. PrEP is unlikely to be an option for everyone because the pills are expensive and are not always covered by insurance, may cause side effects, and not everyone has access to them. Remembering to take a pill every day is also challenging for some people. The most effective way to eliminate a disease is by using an effective vaccine. It was a vaccine that eliminated small pox and has almost eliminated polio. Most likely it will be an HIV vaccine that eliminates HIV from the world. Vaccines are an effective, affordable and practical option.
Myth No. 7: An HIV vaccine is unnecessary because AIDS is easily treated and controlled, just like diabetes. While treatment for AIDS has dramatically improved over the last 30 years, it is no substitute for prevention. Current HIV medications are very expensive, and there are also many side effects. Sometimes people develop drug resistance and have to change the regimen of pills they take. Access to these drugs for the uninsured in the U.S. and those in the developing world is also very limited.
Myth No. 8: The search for an HIV vaccine has been going on for a long time and it's just not possible to find one that works. The science of HIV-vaccine development is challenging, but scientific understanding continues to improve all the time. In just the past two years there have been promising results from the RV144 study in Thailand as well as exciting laboratory work, such as the discovery of new broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. HIV is a powerful opponent, but scientists are constantly learning from one another and using advanced technology to fight it. Science has come a long way in the 30 years since AIDS was discovered. In comparing preventive HIV vaccine work to other vaccine development, the time it has taken is not so surprising; the polio vaccine took 47 years to develop.
Myth No. 9: Vaccines cause autism and just aren't safe. This is not true. Numerous studies in the past decade have found this claim to be false. The British doctor who originally published the finding about vaccines and autism has since been found to have falsified his data. There is actually no link between childhood vaccination and autism. It is true that vaccines often have side effects, but those are typically temporary (like a sore arm, low fever, muscle aches and pains) and go away after a day or two. The value of protection to vaccinated individuals and to the public has made vaccines one of the top public health measures in history, second only to having a clean water supply.
Myth No. 10: People who aren't at risk don't need an HIV vaccine. A person currently may not be at risk for HIV, but life situations can change along with disease risk. Such a vaccine also may be important for one's children or other family members and friends. By being knowledgeable about preventive HIV vaccine research, a person can be part of the solution by educating friends and family about the importance of such research and debunking the myths that surround it. Even if a person is not at risk, he or she can be part of the effort to find a vaccine that will hopefully save the lives of millions of people worldwide.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
Myth No. 2: An HIV vaccine already exists. There is no licensed vaccine against HIV or AIDS, but scientists are getting closer than ever before to developing an effective vaccine against HIV. In 2009, a large-scale vaccine study conducted in Thailandcalled RV144 showed that a vaccine combination could prevent about 32 percent of new infections. Researchers are starting to understand why this vaccine combination worked and how to improve upon it.
Researchers around the world continue to search for an HIV vaccine that is even more effective. Leading this effort is the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, the largest publicly funded group of HIV vaccine researchers in the world. The HVTN is an international effort to find a safe and effective vaccine to stop the spread of HIV. It is funded by the U. S. National Institutes of Health.
Myth No. 3: Joining an HIV-vaccine study is like being a guinea pig. Unlike guinea pigs, people can say yes or no to participating in research. All study volunteers must go through a process called informed consent that ensures they understand all of the risks and benefits of being in a study, and those volunteers are reminded that they may leave a study at any time without losing rights or benefits. The HVTN takes great care in making sure people understand the study fully before they decide whether or not join. All HVTN research adheres to U.S. federal regulations on research, as well as the international standards for the countries in which it conducts research.
Myth No. 4: A person must be HIV positive to be in an HIV vaccine study. Not so. While some research groups are conducting studies of vaccines that might be used in people who are already infected with HIV, the vaccines being tested by the HVTN are preventive vaccines. They must be tested on volunteers who are not infected with HIV.
Myth No. 5: Vaccine researchers want study participants to practice unsafe behaviors so they can see whether the vaccine really works. Not true. The safety of study participants is the No. 1 priority of HIV vaccine researchers and study site staff. Trained counselors work with study participants to help them develop an individual plan on how to keep from contracting HIV. Participants also are given supplies such as condoms and lubricant as well as instructions on how to use them properly. HIV efficacy trials enroll thousands of participants over several years, and with even with the best counseling some participants will still become infected through their risky behavior. Changing human behavior is never easy; after all, many people still smoke, even though it is widely known that smoking is the major cause of lung cancer. An AIDS epidemic would not exist if prevention was as simple as counseling people to change their risky behavior.
Myth No. 6: Now that there are pills that can prevent HIV infection, an HIV vaccine is no longer necessary. HIV-negative people who are at high risk can take antiretroviral medication daily to try to lower their chances of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus. This type of therapy - called PrEP, short for PreExposure Prophylaxis - has been shown to be effective among those at high risk. However, it has not yet been recommended for widespread use. PrEP is unlikely to be an option for everyone because the pills are expensive and are not always covered by insurance, may cause side effects, and not everyone has access to them. Remembering to take a pill every day is also challenging for some people. The most effective way to eliminate a disease is by using an effective vaccine. It was a vaccine that eliminated small pox and has almost eliminated polio. Most likely it will be an HIV vaccine that eliminates HIV from the world. Vaccines are an effective, affordable and practical option.
Myth No. 7: An HIV vaccine is unnecessary because AIDS is easily treated and controlled, just like diabetes. While treatment for AIDS has dramatically improved over the last 30 years, it is no substitute for prevention. Current HIV medications are very expensive, and there are also many side effects. Sometimes people develop drug resistance and have to change the regimen of pills they take. Access to these drugs for the uninsured in the U.S. and those in the developing world is also very limited.
Myth No. 8: The search for an HIV vaccine has been going on for a long time and it's just not possible to find one that works. The science of HIV-vaccine development is challenging, but scientific understanding continues to improve all the time. In just the past two years there have been promising results from the RV144 study in Thailand as well as exciting laboratory work, such as the discovery of new broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. HIV is a powerful opponent, but scientists are constantly learning from one another and using advanced technology to fight it. Science has come a long way in the 30 years since AIDS was discovered. In comparing preventive HIV vaccine work to other vaccine development, the time it has taken is not so surprising; the polio vaccine took 47 years to develop.
Myth No. 9: Vaccines cause autism and just aren't safe. This is not true. Numerous studies in the past decade have found this claim to be false. The British doctor who originally published the finding about vaccines and autism has since been found to have falsified his data. There is actually no link between childhood vaccination and autism. It is true that vaccines often have side effects, but those are typically temporary (like a sore arm, low fever, muscle aches and pains) and go away after a day or two. The value of protection to vaccinated individuals and to the public has made vaccines one of the top public health measures in history, second only to having a clean water supply.
Myth No. 10: People who aren't at risk don't need an HIV vaccine. A person currently may not be at risk for HIV, but life situations can change along with disease risk. Such a vaccine also may be important for one's children or other family members and friends. By being knowledgeable about preventive HIV vaccine research, a person can be part of the solution by educating friends and family about the importance of such research and debunking the myths that surround it. Even if a person is not at risk, he or she can be part of the effort to find a vaccine that will hopefully save the lives of millions of people worldwide.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
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