<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Diaz, Clara</b> <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:diazc@unaids.org">diazc@unaids.org</a>></span><br>Date: Thu, Dec 6, 2012 at 8:32 PM<br>
Subject: Today's News (2012.12.6ex)<br>To: <br><br><br>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">Please
find attached the following AIDS-related articles compiled by UNAIDS<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">UNAIDS<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">1.
The Independent, <u></u>Liberia<u></u> - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">“<u></u><u></u>Liberia<u></u><u></u>
Can surely Eliminate Mother To Child Transmission”<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">AFRICA</span></font></b></span><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB"> AND MIDDLE EAST <u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">1.
<u></u><u></u>Tanzania<u></u><u></u>
Daily News - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">NACP Intensifies HIV/Aids Fight<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">2.
IRIN PlusNews - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">HIV/AIDS: The latest word on hormonal contraception and
HIV <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">3.
New Times, <u></u>Rwanda<u></u> - </span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Rwanda</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">: Journalists Faulted
On HIV/Aids Fight <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">4.
Al Jazeera - </span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Qatar</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB"> making progress
fighting AIDS 'taboo' <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">ASIA</span></font></b></span><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB"> AND PACIFIC<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">1.
My República, <u></u><u></u>Nepal<u></u><u></u>
- </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">HIV-positive kids yet to receive allowances<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">2.
Times of <u></u><u></u>India<u></u><u></u>
- </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">We are having risky sex like never before<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">3.
Saipan Tribune, NMI - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">SPC strengthens efforts to reduce STI's in
Pacific region<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">4.
<u></u><u></u>Fiji<u></u><u></u>
Times - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">O'Neill: We will get on top of AIDS epidemic <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">EUROPE</span></font></b></span><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB"><u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">1.
The Guardian - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">How Kenyan girls are using the law to fight back against
rape <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">2.
The Guardian - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Two HIV-positive men take on <u></u><u></u>Zambia<u></u><u></u> government over prison
conditions<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">3.
The Lancet-Cell - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">What Will it Take to Achieve an Aids-free World? <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR">4. LePoint.fr
- </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Sida
: un vaccin révolutionnaire en panne de financements <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">5.
Minorités.fr - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">John-Manuel Andriote on Reclaiming HIV as a 'Gay' disease
- Exclusive <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="FR">LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR">1. Prensa
Latina, Cuba - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Identifican sectores más afectados por VIH/sida en el
Caribe <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR">2. Hoy
Digital, DR - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Estiman más de 25 mil mujeres serán portadoras de VIH para
el 2013 <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR">3. El
Informador, Mexico - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Festejan nacimientos libres de VIH<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR">4. Brasilia en tempo real - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Brasileiros em busca da
cura da Aids<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">NORTH AMERICA</span></font></b></span><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB"><u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">1.
Huffington Post - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">On World AIDS Day, We Look to the Future <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">2.
IPS News Agency - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Q&A: How Innovative Funding Combats HIV/AIDS<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">3.
New York Times - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Queen Noor Expresses Hope on the Rights of Arab Women<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">4.
New York Times - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Counterfeit Drugs (Letter)<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">UNAIDS WEB.SITE<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">1.
UNAIDS – </span></font></span><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Eastern Europe</span></font></span><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">’s growing HIV
epidemic under scrutiny <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">2.
UNAIDS - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan supporting pregnant women living with HIV on World AIDS Day <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">3.
UNAIDS - </span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Gaming for HIV prevention: a public-private partnership in
<u></u><u></u>Gabon<u></u><u></u>
<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">===========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">UNAIDS<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">===========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">“<u></u><u></u>Liberia<u></u><u></u> Can surely Eliminate Mother
To Child Transmission”<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">The Independent, <u></u><u></u>Liberia<u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">04/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">By
Solomon Watkins<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">MONROVIA:
As Liberia commemorate World AIDS (WAD), the United Nations Joint Program on
HIV&AIDS (UNAIDS) Country Coordinator accredited to Liberia, Dr. Betru
Tekle Woldesemayat has declared that research has showed that the West African
nation can confidently achieve global target especially the “Eliminate
Mother To Child Transmission” strategy designed by his headquarters to
fight HIV&AIDS worldwide.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Dr.
Woldesemayat made the statement when addressed a major press conference in
collaboration with authorities at the National AIDS Commission (NAC) and the
National AIDS Control (NACP) in Monrovia aimed at providing opportunity for
stocktaking by countries and renewing commitment to intensify efforts in
mitigating the impact of HIV and an opportunity for greater awareness of HIV
and AIDS on a worldwide scale.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">According
to him, Liberia is among few countries in Africa that can achieve elimination
of HIV&AIDS transmission from mother to child can be eliminated.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">He
said Liberia has a low HIV&AIDS prevalence rate of 1.5% out of the
country’s total population of 3.5million people.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">The
UNAIDS country coordinator said, it is predicated upon such reduction that the
2012 World AIDS Day Campaign, nationally focused on Eliminating HIV
Transmission From Mother To Child with its global theme: “Getting to
zero”.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">In
his words: “At the high level meeting held in New York in 2011, Liberia
together with over 170 Countries signed on to the Global Plan to Eliminate
Mother to Child Transmission of HIV. Indeed Liberia is one of the few African
countries that can surely eliminate mother to child transmission give the low
HIV prevalence coupled with the fact that almost all pregnant women attend
antenatal clinic at least once during pregnancy. It is for this reason that the
national theme for the 2012 World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign-Eliminating HIV
transmission from Mother to Child in Liberia; Yes We Can!”<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">He
further maintained that this year WAD National Theme was timely and most
appropriate especially with the sub titled “Yes we Can!”<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">“Yes;
we can prevent HIV infection among women of reproductive age. Yes; we can
support women living with HIV to avoid unintended pregnancies. Yes; we can
provide treatment that protect infants from getting HIV and save the lives of
mothers. Yes; we can provide treatment, care and support to women living with
HIV and families affected by HIV,” that was how Dr. Woldesemayat
expressed his conviction about the national WAD theme. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">However,
stating global progress in the AIDS response, Dr. Woldesemayat noted that over
the last two years 25 countries, 13 of them in Sub-Saharan Africa, have
recorded over 50% reduction in new HIV infections adding that half of all
reduction in new HIV infections in the past two years have been among children.
<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">“In
Sub-Saharan Africa, the number of children newly infected with HIV fell by 24%
between 2009 and 2011. We have seen a 60% increase, globally, in the number of
people on life-saving HIV treatment. As access to HIV treatment increases,
fewer people are dying of AIDS-related causes. Between 2005 and 2011, there was
24% decline in AIDS related deaths globally,” he said.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">Dr.
Woldesemayat then lauded of efforts the millions who advocated for to make come
to past the commemoration of WAD Campaign worldwide.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">“On
this special occasion of the 2012 World AIDS Day celebration we salute the
millions whose blood, sweat and tears are changing the world for despair to
hope,” he said.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">===========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">AFRICA</span></font></b></span><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB"> AND MIDDLE EAST<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">===========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">NACP Intensifies HIV/Aids Fight<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Tanzania</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB"> Daily News<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">06/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">By Masembe Tambwe<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">THE National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)
with the support from private partners is continuing with the Tupo Wangapi?
(How many are we?) campaign by launching a 13-part series that will be aired on
two local television stations.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare NACP
Communications Officer, Mr Shoko Hemedi, told the 'Daily News' that after a
technical meeting conducted last year, the programme provided scriptwriters to
the partnership, that resulted in the Siri ya Mtungi TV series.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"The TV series basically focuses on
HIV/AIDS and family planning. We are proud of being a part of the initiative
and it is our hope that it contributes to our continued campaigns," he
said. The TV series is a flagship programme of the Tanzania Communications
Capacity Project (TCCP) implemented by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of
Public Health Centre for Communications Programmes with support from the USAID
and PEPFAR.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The Media for Development International (MFDI)
Director and producer of the series, Mr John Riber, said that Siri ya Mtungi
brought together <u></u><u></u>Tanzania<u></u><u></u>'s
finest artists, writers, costume designers, art directors, cast and crew for a
landmark achievement in the country's growing film and television industry.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Mr Riber explained that the script development
process begun in May, last year, a year before production began and continued
to evolve even today during the final stages of editing.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"Just to share a few statistics about the
production of Siri ya Mtungi, more than 2000 hopefuls were audited for 29 lead
and supporting roles, production took over five months, we had a crew of 40
professionals filming 12 - 16 hours a day and the camera recorded 1,365 slates
and distilled from 5,500 shots," he explained.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">He said that film-making was a risky business
and took a lot of faith and courage to initiate a big film project like the one
that was launched but with unconditional support and confidence, it was
possible and they proved it.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Mr Riber citing the Economist magazine said
that it was reported that in <u></u>Nigeria<u></u>,
Nollywood was currently the second employer after the government and that there
was no reason why <u></u><u></u>Tanzania<u></u><u></u>
couldn't follow suit.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_AfricaMiddleEast2"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">2<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">HIV/AIDS: The latest word on hormonal
contraception and HIV <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">IRIN PlusNews<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">JOHANNESBURG</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">, 5 December 2012
(PlusNews) - In early 2012, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) announced it
could not conclusively determine whether hormonal contraceptive injections
increased the risk of HIV transmission. Almost a year later, WHO is still
struggling to communicate clear guidance for women using injectable
contraceptives, who are largely in the dark about these concerns, say
activists, even as scientists are developing a clinical trial that could
finally offer answers. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">In October 2011, a study published in the
medical journal the Lancet suggested a possible link between injectable,
progesterone-only hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera and increased HIV
risk among HIV-negative women and partners of women living with HIV on the
shot. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">The study prompted a WHO high-level meeting in
early 2012 to review available information. But lacking conclusive data, WHO
issued a February 2012 statement standing by current guidelines allowing women
living with or at high risk of HIV to use hormonal contraception. The agency
advised women using injectable contraceptives like Depo-Provera - which remain
the backbone of African family planning programmes - to also use condoms
concurrently to prevent HIV infection. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">After criticism by activist organizations for
its unclear and technical public communications, WHO convened an unsuccessful
meeting in early May 2012 to develop a communications strategy with partners. A
follow-up gathering is slated for this week. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“[WHO’s guidance] must be
translated into clear, simple language that allows women to make genuinely
informed decisions about family planning and HIV risk,” said Lillian
Mworeko, <u></u>East Africa<u></u> regional coordinator of
the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (ICW), in a statement
that also called for UNAIDS to disseminate a comprehensive communications
strategy. “Women at high risk of or living with HIV still have a right to
informed consent, which includes the right to information that affects their
health.” <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Paula Donovan, of AIDS-Free World, also
criticized WHO’s process and its communications. She accused the agency
of using confidentiality agreements distributed at the original high-level
meeting as “gag orders” that prevented the few women living with
HIV present from reporting back to their networks on proceedings. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“The WHO believes that their job is to
take information in… sort through it, decide what they think people
should know and create the message,” she told IRIN/PlusNews.
“It’s a very one-way information stream, and that’s simply
not the way you communicate with women in order to solve the problems that
women [face].” <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“What they’ve done is say that
hormonal contraception is perfectly safe, but what they’re really saying
is that it’s perfectly safe if you use a condom,” said Donovan,
adding that, in reality, most women opt for hormonal contraception because they
are unable to negotiate condom use. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">The state of play <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">In an effort to communicate their findings,
WHO has translated its technical guidance into Spanish and French - official UN
languages - and made special efforts to produce the document in Portuguese to
cater to lusophone African countries, according to Mary Lyn Gaffield, a WHO
epidemiologist who coordinated the high-level meeting. She added that a Russian
translation is in the works, and there are options for groups wishing to
translate the guidance into local languages like Swahili. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">WHO’s next attempt at a communications
strategy will take place this week in <u></u><u></u>Geneva<u></u><u></u>,
according to Donovan, who added that she has received a completely revamped
confidentiality agreement ahead of the talks. It should allow participants to
communicate more about the proceedings - something WHO is banking on, according
to Gaffield. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“We are definitely relying on others to
help us communicate, because our role is the synthesis of technical information
and then we work with others to help disseminate that,” Gaffield told
IRIN/PlusNews. “We’ve heard from them loud and clear that this
can’t just be a top-down process… We believe that civil society organizations
have different avenues and better expertise in working with communities.”
<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Communicating uncertainty <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">But according to Warren Mitchell, the
executive director of the global HIV prevention organization AVAC, the delay in
getting information to women may be partly due to the nature of the message
itself. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“I think that part of the challenge is
that we’re fundamentally communicating uncertainty,” he told
IRIN/PlusNews. “Usually when we’re communicating, we’re
trying to convey nuance and understanding. Here, we’re trying to
communicate complexity and relative uncertainty, and that may be where the
greatest challenge lies.” <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“We’re going to have to live in
this land of uncertainty at least for a number of years without definitive
research results…” Mitchell added. “What’s clear is
that we need to expand the contraceptive method mix… and that
doesn’t just expand magically.” <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">According to a survey conducted by the ICW,
this uncertainty has led many healthcare providers to say nothing at all. While
all healthcare workers surveyed were aware of the new guidance, none had begun
communicating it to women, fearing that female patients might abandon the shot
without considering other forms of contraception. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Despite the possible elevated risks of women on
the shot transmitting HIV to partners, service providers also assumed all women
seeking injectable contraceptives were HIV-negative. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">In countries like South Africa and Uganda,
which have used hormonal contraception to try to reduce unwanted pregnancies
and maternal mortality, healthworkers fear that women will not be able to
access or use other contraception, says Donovan. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“Some people have questioned whether we
should withhold the information that this might be bad [or] might be good
because they feel there’s nothing else women can do to prevent
pregnancy,” she said. “They think, ‘If we say this is a
rotten drug now and we find out later it’s great, then what if we scared
women?’ <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“Yes, that would be terrible, but the
answer isn’t to withhold information and coerce women into choosing
contraception by only giving part of the answer,” she adds. “The
answer is to have enough respect for women to assume informed consent is their
right and that they need to know all the information that is relevant.”<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">The road to an answer <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">The world will have to wait more than four
years for a definitive answer about whether contraceptives like Depo-Provera
increase HIV risk, but scientists have wasted no time in attempting to
formulate a roadmap to that answer. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">An international team of researchers from
South Africa’s Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI), the
US-based University of Washington Departments of Global Health and Medicine,
and the nonprofit FHI 360 - with funding from the US National Institutes of
Health - have begun formulating a concept note on a clinical trial that could
be the world’s first to examine whether hormonal contraception does
indeed increase HIV risk, according to Helen Rees, WRHI’s executive
director. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">The three research organizations are now
developing possible clinical trial guidelines. Once the proposal is complete,
they hope to approach various donors for funding. According to FHI 360’s
Charles Morrison, the trial will likely randomize women to arms comparing
hormonal injectable contraception to nonhormonal methods, such as intrauterine
devices, following small studies from South Africa’s Eastern Cape
province that have shown high levels of acceptability among women to such
randomization of methods. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_AfricaMiddleEast3"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">3<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_AfricaMiddleEast4"></a><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Rwanda</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">: Journalists Faulted
On HIV/Aids Fight <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">New Times, <u></u><u></u>Rwanda<u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">By Maria Kaitesi,<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">As government and other stakeholders lay
strategies to reach the goal of having zero new HIV infections by 2015, media
practitioners have been challenged to play their respective role.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">During a meeting organised by ABASIRWA, the <u></u><u></u>Rwanda<u></u><u></u>
network of journalists against HIV/AIDS, journalists were reminded that they
have a major role to play in the prevention of new HIV infections through their
work.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Innocent Bahati, the Executive Secretary of
the association said the media should prioritise issues of HIV/AIDS.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"We even have a plan of writing to
different media houses asking them to give more space to HIV-related issues
such that we raise awareness to the public. We should make good use of the
power and influence the media has on the public," he said.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Bahati further called upon journalists not to
wait for invitations to cover stories related to HIV/AIDS but to also take the
initiative to do stories that are not event-based.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Dr Ribakare Muhayimpudu, who is in charge of
HIV treatment at Rwanda Biomedical Centre said that media represents society
and should therefore be the eye of society and should inform the government of
which strategies the public thinks would be helpful in reaching zero new HIV
infections by 2015.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"Media should also disseminate
information about the strategies and services government has made available to
facilitate HIV prevention. For instance some people may not be aware of the
condom vending machines in the different night spots," she said.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">She also confirmed that there are no general
statistics about the number of new HIV infections in the country.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">However, sex workers constitute 51 per cent of
new HIV infections.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The HIV prevalence rate in <u></u><u></u>Rwanda<u></u><u></u> is 3 per cent according to
the 2010 Demographic Health Survey.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_AfricaMiddleEast6"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">6<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Qatar</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB"> making progress
fighting AIDS 'taboo' <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Al Jazeera, <u></u><u></u>Qatar<u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Andrew Chappelle<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Doha</span></font></span><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">, <u></u>Qatar<u></u></span></font></span><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"> - Prejudice against
people with HIV/AIDS is one of the main areas of medical discrimination
encountered by health officials around the world.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">UNAIDS argues that travel restrictions on people living
with HIV and AIDS have no public health justification and are violate human
rights. But members of the Gulf Cooperation Council disagree. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">The region has some of the world's toughest rules in place
regarding entry of HIV-positive individuals, despite a worldwide trend to
overturn such policies. There are 45 countries that still impose restrictions
on entry, stay, and residence for people living with HIV.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">It is illegal to enter <u></u>Qatar<u></u>,
the <u></u><u></u>United Arab Emirates<u></u><u></u>
and other GCC nations if you have HIV, and discovery after entry usually leads
to deportation. All new expatriates are confronted with these policies when
they submit blood samples for residency permits.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">AIDS 'taboo'<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">For much of the past two decades, there has been an
information vacuum in the Gulf for epidemiological data on HIV and AIDS.
According to a study by the World Bank, the Middle East and <u></u>North
Africa<u></u> remains "the only region where knowledge of the HIV
epidemic continues to be limited and subject to much controversy".<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Much of this has to do with cultural objection to some of
the means of transmission, particularly in cases of men who have sex with other
men (MSM). <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Dr Laith Abu-Raddad, an investigator at of Cornell's
Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, says <u></u><u></u>Qatar<u></u><u></u> and other GCC countries are
making progress tackling these taboos.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">"Generally speaking, there has been tremendous
progress over the last ten years," he said. "Surveillance work, and
prevention, and intervention programs have begun, whereas a decade ago
governments wouldn't recognise [HIV] existed in their country, especially due
to MSM, injection drug users and sex workers."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">While government surveillance and treatment programmes have
significantly expanded in scope over the past decade, attitudes towards people
with HIV have not.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">In October, the Qatar Statistics Authority released an
extensive attitude-assessment survey of households in the country, the results
of which demonstrated an overwhelming disapproval of people living with HIV. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Only five per cent of young men expressed accepting
attitudes towards people living with HIV. The percentage of women in the same
age bracket was just two per cent. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Despite these figures, Abu-Raddad suggests the overall
trend is still positive. "Comprehensive knowledge of HIV is low, but
growing. There are high rates of people who want [HIV patients] treated with
dignity."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Changing nature of HIV in <u></u><u></u>Qatar<u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Dr Abdullatif Al-Khal from Hamad Medical Corporation's
Clinical AIDS Programme seems accustomed to repeating the same statement:
"<u></u><u></u>Qatar<u></u><u></u>
does have a treatment programme for people living with HIV," he told Al
Jazeera.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">In fact, <u></u><u></u>Qatar<u></u><u></u>
has HIV-positive residents, both Qatari and foreign, who live and work in the
country legally. The government provides free treatment, including regular
clinic visits and blood testing, antiretroviral treatment and counselling for
98 patients. There are usually between five to twelve new cases diagnosed each
year. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">"Most of our patients, including Qataris who are HIV
infected, are living normal lives. They are in their studies or working, and
those who test positive … this information is kept confidential,"
Al-Khal says.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">The characteristics of AIDS in <u></u><u></u>Qatar<u></u><u></u> have changed since 1986 when
the first blood tests were made available in the country. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Since that time, 275 people have tested positive, many of
whom have since died or left the country. Most new patients say they were
infected through heterosexual transmission while travelling abroad, typically
outside of, or before, marriage.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">With advanced surveillance and treatment programmes in
place, Al-Khal sees HIV being transformed into a chronic disease that is
controllable, such as diabetes. He hopes Qataris will view it the same way.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Testing positive<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Positive blood testing does not guarantee deportation in
all cases. Expatriates who have a "stable" family life and job are
allowed to stay and receive treatment, according to HMC. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">But for those expatriates in the country alone, working
low-wage, low-skill professions, the chances of being allowed to stay are slim.
<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">"We ask that they go back home, that they resign from
their job, that they get their benefits, without informing their employer,
trying to keep confidentiality as much as possible," Al-Khal says.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Then there are those somewhere in the middle. People who
find out they are positive while outside of the Gulf often choose to hide their
status. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Waleed - who requested his real name not be used - is an
Arab-American who found out he was HIV-positive earlier this year. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">"I thought I was safe because of these really strict
[HIV/AIDS] policies," he told Al Jazeera. "But the irony is that I
contracted the virus in the Gulf."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Treatment options are limited for people in his situation,
despite the fact that he previously worked in a GCC country. After deciding to
"stay below the radar" while in the region, he has since returned to
the <u></u><u></u>United States<u></u><u></u>,
where he receives antiretroviral medication.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">=======================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">ASIA</span></font></b></span><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB"> AND PACIFIC<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">=======================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">HIV-positive kids yet to receive allowances<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">My República, <u></u><u></u>Nepal<u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">06/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">MANOJ ADHIKARI <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">POKHARA, Dec 6: Millions of rupees provided by
an international financial institution to be given to the HIV-positive children
as monthly allowances are unused, say concerned organizations.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">According to Dilip Thapa, vice-president of
National Association of People living with HIV/AIDS, the Global Fund had
allocated budget for providing monthly allowances to around 2200 HIV-positive
children in various nine districts of <u></u><u></u>Nepal<u></u><u></u> in March, 2011. However, the
HIV-positive children are yet to receive the monthly allowances of Rs 1500.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“The government should have started
providing monthly allowances to the HIV-positive children from last year
only,” says Thapa. “Almost two years on, we still do not know where
the budget has been spent,” he said. At the fourth national AIDS
conference that concluded on Tuesday in Pokhara, various organizations working
in the field of HIV/AIDS had enquired about the fund. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Krishna Kumar Rai, Director of National Center
of AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), informed that the process of distributing
monthly allowances to the HIV-positive children has been postponed despite the
allocation of budget. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“Monthly allowances for the HIV-positive
children are higher than those meant for the elderly, single women and
physically disabled people,” Rai said. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">“If we start distributing Rs 1500 to the
HIV-positive children, others may also ask the same amount. Similarly, the
provision for allowances may expose the victims to the society. Therefore, we
have yet not started distributing the allowances,” argued Rai.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_AsiaPacific2"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">2<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">We are having risky sex like never before<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Times of <u></u><u></u>India<u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">06/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">By Ankit AjmeraAnkit Ajmera, Mumbai Mirror<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Our country may be winning the war against
HIV, but young Indians are falling prey to STIs<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">What's common between <u></u>UK<u></u> and <u></u><u></u>India<u></u><u></u>, other than a shared colonial
history?<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">It's the recent rise in sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) among youngsters, say sexual health experts.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">In <u></u><u></u>England<u></u><u></u>, the infections were
spotted in young people failing to use condoms with new partners, according to
a report by the Health Protection Agency released around May this year.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Back home, the Maharashtra State AIDS Control
Society (MSACS) says the total number of new reported cases of STIs, in the
state including Mumbai, has risen by 5,328 in just the last one year. Up from
1,34,395 in 2011 (men: 58,022; women: 76,190) to 1,39,753 in 2012 (men: 50,831;
women: 88,665).<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The numbers, says Dr Rajan Bhonsle, head of
the department of sexual medicine at <u></u><u></u>KEM<u></u>
<u></u>Hospital<u></u><u></u>, could be higher
since government figures don't account for patients at private clinics.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Silent strikers <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">What's worrying is that most patients are
oblivious to the infection since symptoms can be masked. Dr I S Gilada,
president of AIDS Society of India, says, in the case of herpes simplex virus 2
(HSV2), more than half of those affected do not show any symptoms.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"Infections appear in the form of tiny
genital blisters that are ignored. These can gradually turn into ulcers, or
disappear within weeks. But this virus has the tendency to recur in a couple of
months despite lack of fresh exposure," warns Gilada.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Stats for 2012 reveal the following infections
as the top four in <u></u>Maharashtra<u></u>: chlamydia,
gonorrhea, HSV2 and human papillomavirus (HPV).<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Promiscuity to blame <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">In the last 10 years, the ease with which
Indians have learnt to juggle multiple partners is responsible for the rise in
STIs, say dermatologists like Dr Manohar H Sobhani.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"Ironically, while commercial sex workers
are particular about using condoms, the general populace isn't," says Dr
Sobhani. He receives more college going girls infected with STIs now, as
compared to 10 years ago.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The other hitch is the stigma attached to
STIs. Before they know it, youngsters have transmitted the infection to their
partner. Mirror columnist and sexpert Dr Mahinder Watsa receives several such
queries from readers, who complain about blisters and abnormal discharge,
asking for a quick fix. "Timely treatment from an expert is crucial in
curbing the spread of STIs," he says.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The myths<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">One of the most widespread misconceptions
among Indians, says Dr Bhonsle, is that the use of a condom will provide
protection against all STIs. "A condom can do only so much, since it
shields just the penis. It doesn't shield the scrotum or skin around the penis,
so what if you have a bleeding rash?" he asks.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Oral sex, too, can lead to STIs including HIV.
The possibility of STIs spreading through saliva is low among humans, but it's
possible, say doctors. "Several people bleed every morning when brushing.
The blood molecules could get locked between the gums and cheek, and release
during deep kissing. If the other partner also has a cut or gash in the mouth,
an STI can be easily transferred," says Dr Bhonsle.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Maharashtra</span></font></span><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">'s top 4 infections <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">HSV2<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Herpes Simplex Virus 2 is contagious and
spreads through intercourse and kissing. Symptoms include blisters on the body
in some cases. Fever, fatigue, genital irritation are other signs.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Danger quotient: Not curable but can be
controlled.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Treatment: Cell culture and blood test can
diagnose disease.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Gonorrhea <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Spreads through anal, vaginal and oral sex.
Symptoms include burning sensation while urinating, coloured discharge from
penis, swollen testicles, increased vaginal discharge and bleeding between
periods.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Danger quotient: Curable.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Treatment: Cultures of blood, throat swab,
rectal and urethral discharge can help in diagnosis.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Chlamydia <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Transmitted through anal, vaginal and oral
sex. Symptoms appear within three weeks, include burning sensation during
urinating, discharge from penis, vagina or rectum, testicular tenderness and
pain during sex.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Danger quotient: Curable.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Treatment: Diagnosis includes test of
urethral, cervical discharge.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Human Papillomavirus <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">If immune system is not capable of clearing
virus, it can cause genital warts in men and women, cancer of penis, vagina,
throat and tongue.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Danger quotient: Not curable.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Treatment: Diagnosed via DNA test or Pap test.
Though there is no treatment for the virus, genital warts can be treated
chemically.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><a href="mailto:Ankit.Ajmera@timesgroup.com" target="_blank"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">Ankit.Ajmera@timesgroup.com</span></font></a><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><b><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_AsiaPacific3"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">3<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">SPC strengthens efforts to reduce STI's in
Pacific region<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Saipan Tribune, <u></u>Northern
Mariana Islands<u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">06/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">SUVA, Fiji-While the world's attention was
focused on World AIDS Day last Saturday, we must remember that high rates of
sexually transmitted infections leave Pacific Islanders particularly vulnerable
to HIV. In some Pacific countries, as many as one in two young people have
chlamydia, an infection that, if left untreated, can lead to serious
reproductive and other health problems. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“If you have an STI, you are at greater
risk of HIV due to behavioural, biological and gender-related factors,”
said Dr. Dennie Iniakwala, HIV and STI team leader at SPC.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Despite the high rates of STI's across the
Pacific region, there have been significant successes.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Nauru</span></font></span><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"> and the <u></u>Cook Islands<u></u>, for example, where chlamydia has been
aggressively targeted, have made considerable progress. In 2009, 49 percent of
pregnant women in <u></u><u></u>Nauru<u></u><u></u>
had chlamydia. In the <u></u>Cook Islands<u></u>, it was one
in five. By 2012, the proportion of pregnant women with chlamydia in <u></u>Nauru<u></u> and the <u></u>Cook Islands<u></u>
had dropped to 4 percent and 10 percent respectively.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“In Nauru, STI control measures, mass
treatment for chlamydia, coupled with community awareness and education were
actively used to address high STI rates, with a particular emphasis on condom
promotion,” said Dr. Seta Vatucawaqa, director of Public Health at the
Nauru Public Health Center.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“Advocacy and media collaboration were
the underpinning pillars to the campaign with special care given to cultural
and religious sensitivity.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“Workshops were conducted for all district
leaders, youth, women's groups, church leaders, health workers, and people in
work places. Brochures and posters were disseminated and key health officers
delivered TV interviews,” said Vatucawaqa.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The progress made not only in <u></u>Nauru<u></u> and the <u></u>Cook Islands<u></u>
but across Pacific Island Countries and Territories can be attributed to a
large extent to the support provided by SPC public health specialists.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">In the first half of 2012, for example, SPC
specialists trained 233 health workers and volunteers in HIV and STI prevention
in 10 PICT's, supported the implementation of HIV testing in at least one
laboratory in 12 PICT's, and provided technical assistance toward the
development of National Strategic Plans in four PICT's.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“The SPC Public Health Division provides
support to PICT's in STI and HIV prevention; counselling and diagnosis;
treatment, care and support as well as leadership, governance and strategic
communication. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“This support means that PICT's are
making progress in the response to the STI epidemic sweeping the Pacific, and
are better equipped to protect their populations from HIV,” said Dr
Iniakwala.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">'These activities are made possible due to
funding from the HIV and STI Pacific Response Fund, supported by <u></u>Australia<u></u> and <u></u><u></u>New Zealand<u></u><u></u>, and the Global Fund
for HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis. Together these Funds are making an impact on
the STI and HIV epidemic in the Pacific region' he added.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Although, outside of <u></u><u></u>Papua New Guinea<u></u><u></u>, HIV infection
rates are low in the Pacific, sustained STI prevention and control are key to
ensuring that HIV does not increase to the levels experienced in other parts of
the world.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">'While STI control is being implemented in
most Pacific Island countries and territories, we must ensure that prevention
campaigns, comprehensive STI management and targeted screening and treatment
for most at risk and vulnerable populations continues to be rolled out,' said
“PICT's will need to work toward reducing STI prevalence, achieving zero
new HIV infections, zero discrimination of people living with HIV and zero
HIV-related deaths,” agreed Dr. Sophaganine Ty Ali, SPC's STI and
counselling adviser.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">On this World AIDS Day, SPC joins our partners
in encouraging all Pacific Islanders, especially young people, to visit their
health clinic for counseling and STI testing. STI's can be easily treated if
detected early. (SPC) <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_AsiaPacific5"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">5<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">O'Neill: We will get on top of AIDS epidemic <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Fiji</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB"> Times<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">06/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Pina/Sbs<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">SYDNEY</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"> - The Prime Minister
of Papua New Guinea says he is confident the country will be "on top"
of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Speaking to SBS reporter Kathy Novak, Prime
Minister Peter O'Neill says while the disease has been a concern for many
years, it has now been stabilised.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"AIDS has been a concern to <u></u><u></u>Papua New Guinea<u></u><u></u>
for many, many years," he tells SBS.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"It's now been stabilised and it's on the
decline in our country because of the awareness that we have been promoting in
our country."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">But one of the main obstacles to garnering
greater awareness across the country, O'Neill says, is old-fashioned beliefs.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"Where there's traditional beliefs still
going on, it sometimes pretty hard for the message to trickle down to the
remote communities throughout the countries. But I'm pleased to stay that we
are now on top of the issues and hopefully the decline will continue for many
years."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">He also told SBS that PNG is looking to
redistribute resources from Australian aid's program towards building better
infrastructure such as world-class hospitals.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"Some of the programs that the Australian
government is assisting on are quite good and they are producing results,"
he says.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"But there are some where we are
distributing the resources too thinly across many sectors, not only in health
but education and so forth.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"We need to strengthen a sustainable infrastructure
so that we'll maintain these services for a longer time."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">EUROPE</span></font></b></span><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB"><u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">How Kenyan girls are using the law to fight
back against rape <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">The Guardian<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">04/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">PovertyMatters Blog<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Child marriage, acid attacks, tyrannical male
guardians and culture and traditions so ingrained that young men see the casual
sexual assault of women in the streets as justifiable.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">These are just some of the challenging topics
discussed at the Trust Women conference, which began in <u></u><u></u>London<u></u><u></u> on Tuesday.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">But among the disturbing stories shared by
speakers from around the world came one particularly feisty tale of hope
– an organisation that is taking the Kenyan government to court for not
protecting girls from rape or putting their rapists on trial.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The 160 Girls project is a legal initiative
that is seeking justice for the thousands of young women and girls who are
raped and routinely ignored by the authorities. Despite <u></u><u></u>Kenya<u></u><u></u>'s impressive suite of gender
laws promising protection against assault, their implementation is not
guaranteed. The law against rape – or defilement, as it's known in <u></u><u></u>Kenya<u></u><u></u>
– is one such law.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"The government has done very little to
effect laws," Mercy Chidi, programme director at Ripples International,
told the conference. She has seen first-hand the emotional and physical
consequences of sexual assaults on Kenyan girls. "We have good laws but
unless they are effected, what are we doing?" Her organisation has
"rescued" more than 270 girls who have been raped and who, as a
result, find themselves in vulnerable situations. Some are pregnant. The
youngest child so far has been three, the oldest 16. After hearing the
"devastating" girls' stories, Chidi started to wonder whether there
were ways to "hold the state accountable for not helping girls".<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Enter The Equality Effect, an NGO that uses
human rights laws to improve the lives of women and girls. The organisation
brought together Chidi and her team on the frontline, social workers and a
group of lawyers from around the world to look at ways in which the Kenyan
government could be held to account.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Fiona Sampson, executive director of The
Equality Effect, told the conference that these three groups "looked at
all options" of taking civil or criminal claims against the government for
not acting on claims of defilement. The term "defilement" is
problematic in itself, says Sampson. It's a British term that originally
referred to the defilement of property.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">After a year of research and discussion, the
group decided to bring a claim against the government under the equality
provision in the country's 2010 constitution. "The police fail to protect
girls from rape and effect the law, which constitutes sex and age
discrimination," said Sampson.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">It took another two years to gather the
evidence from those who had experienced sexual assault. But on 11 October this
year, on the first UN international day of the girl, 160 Girls made legal
history in <u></u><u></u>Kenya<u></u><u></u>
by submitting its claim to the high court.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"We're looking forward to celebrating the
next victory, the declaration that police must effect existing laws," says
Sampson. Now begins the waiting game for the result. I'm sure I won't be the
only one keen to hear the outcome.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Video: <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2012/dec/04/kenyan-girls-law-fight-rape" target="_blank"><font face="Times New Roman"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman"">http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2012/dec/04/kenyan-girls-law-fight-rape</span></font></a><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_Europe2"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">2<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Two HIV-positive men take on <u></u><u></u>Zambia<u></u><u></u> government over prison
conditions<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">The Guardian<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">06/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">David Smith, <u></u>Africa<u></u>
correspondent<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Two HIV-positive men are taking on the Zambian
government in a legal test case that could force a major overhaul of the
country's jails.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">George Mwanza accused officials of violating
his human rights, and those of other inmates with HIV, by failing to provide
adequate care in prison. "I have been prevented from accessing the
antiretroviral [ARV] drugs and therapy from the clinic," Mwanza told a
court on Monday, watched by Aids activists wearing white T-shirts in the public
gallery.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Mwanza and Melvin Beene, a co-plaintiff who is
also HIV positive, argue that, while incarcerated at <u></u><u></u>Lusaka<u></u><u></u> central prison, they did not receive
the quantity and quality of food needed to ensure that ARVs are fully
effective. Mwanza said his diet consisted of a maize meal for breakfast, and
porridge with beans or anchovies for lunch. He did not receive dinner. Often
the food was uncooked or rotten, he added.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">People who are HIV positive are advised to eat
a varied diet of eggs, meat, fruit and vegetables. ARVs can have side-effects
if taken on an empty stomach. "The last time I had an egg was in
June," said Mwanza, who is awaiting trial for statutory rape.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The pair allege that poor prison conditions
– including lack of ventilation, unsanitary toilets and overcrowding,
causing them to have to sleep sitting or standing – had a negative effect
on their health. Mwanza and Beene also claim that they were denied access to
their ARV treatment on numerous occasions. Prison staff shortages mean the
government is unable to provide enough wardens to escort them to clinics.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">More than one in 10 Zambians is HIV positive.
The case is being watched closely because of its potential ramifications for
the way <u></u><u></u>Zambia<u></u><u></u>
treats its prisoners.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Mary Chisanga, acting projects officer of the
Legal Resources Foundation, which is representing the men, said: "They
argue they are not being served with a balanced diet as advised by medical
officials to ensure the full efficacy of their treatment. They also argue they
are in a congested prison cell with poor ventilation and that is an
infringement of their right to health. The issues of congestion, poor
ventilation and food portions affect all inmates. This will set a
precedent."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Mwanza spent some time in a holding cell
containing 1,967 people but built for 400, she said. He has suffered continuous
diarrhoea and contracted tuberculosis twice, he told the court. Chisanga added:
"At the time George Mwanza brought the case he was looking much better
than now. We are trying to get a doctor to look at him."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Priti Patel, deputy director of the Southern
Africa Litigation Centre, which is following the case, said: "Prisons in <u></u><u></u>Zambia<u></u><u></u>
are incredibly overcrowded. As far as we know there hasn't been a case like
this before. It could have repercussions for what the prison has to provide to
HIV-positive prisoners and indeed all prisoners."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The Zambian government argues that additional
food is supplied by charities and NGOs, but Mwanza contends this is irregular
and cannot be relied upon. The government denies the allegations of poor prison
conditions and claims that there is a clinic on the premises to provide
treatment to all HIV-positive inmates.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">In 2010, <u></u><u></u>Zambia<u></u><u></u>'s jails were branded
"death traps" by Human Rights Watch. Its investigation found that
prisoners routinely live in overcrowded cells where there is no room to lie
down at night, forcing them to sleep in shifts, pressed against one another.
Medical care was almost non-existent.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Common punishments include being stripped
naked and held in solitary confinement in small, windowless cells, in water up
to their ankles or calves contaminated with the prisoner's own excrement,
sometimes for days on end.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">"Zambian prisoners are starved, packed
into cells unfit for human habitation and face beatings at the hands of certain
guards or fellow inmates," Human Rights Watch said at the time.
"Children, pregnant women, pre-trial detainees and convicted criminals are
condemned to brutal treatment and are at serious risk of drug-resistant TB and
HIV infection."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">At the end of Monday's hearing, the judge
adjourned proceedings until 11 March.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_Europe3"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">3<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">What Will it Take to Achieve an Aids-free
World? <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">The Lancet-Cell<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">08/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Join us for our inaugural translational
medicine conference: What Will it Take to Achieve an AIDS-free World?, which
will bring the audiences and Editors of The Lancet and Cell together to bridge
the gap between clinicians and researchers focused on understanding, managing,
preventing and curing HIV/AIDS. The ambition is to host a meeting every year
that will address the most pressing topics in translational medicine.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The 2013 inaugural conference will offer:<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">•A combination of contributions from
basic researchers, physicians, policy leaders and industry scientists working
on HIV/AIDS<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">•World-renowned speakers with a broad
range of expertise across the interlocking fields of HIV research and clinical
practice<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">•Opportunities for knowledge exchange
and synergy to accelerate progress in addressing the disease<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">The desire to reach out and connect across
disciplines can be hampered by lack of a common language. Unlike other
meetings, the Editors of Cell and The Lancet will curate sessions that are
designed to capture the energy at the interface between basic researchers and
physicians that we hope will start new conversations that will catalyze the
development of new translational approaches and solutions.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">We will challenge the field to answer the
question: “What will it take to achieve an AIDS-free world?" Join us
to understand the science behind new strategies for effective vaccines and a
cure for HIV; consider the challenges for clinicians treating long-term
survivors with HIV and co-morbidities of aging; and tackle the question of how
to combine economic, public health, and scientific approaches to stem the
HIV/AIDS epidemic. Taken together, we hope that these discussions will
influence the approaches and policies that guide health care providers and
national governments in caring for patients and preventing further spread of HIV,
and that basic researchers can apply clinically relevant standards to
investigative biology.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Tentative Session Topics<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">•Targeting HIV Reservoirs & Working
Towards a Cure<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">•Vaccines & Harnessing the Immune
System<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">•Treatment as Prevention<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">•Long Term Consequences of Living with
HIV: Comorbidities and Aging<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">•Challenge Discussion: What Will it Take
to Achieve an AIDS-free World? <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Chaired by Richard Horton, Editor-in Chief,
The Lancet <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Organizing Committee<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Kenneth Mayer, The Fenway Insitute, <u></u><u></u>USA<u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Robert Siliciano, <u></u><u></u>Johns Hopkins University<u></u>, <u></u>USA<u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Pamela Das, Senior Executive Editor, The
Lancet<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Rosy Hosking, Scientific Editor, Cell<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Richard Turner, Executive Editor, The Lancet<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font color="#333333" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333333" lang="EN-GB">For complete meeting details including sponsorship opportunities
and to register, visit: <a href="http://mail.elsevier-alerts.com/go.asp?/bELA001/mGCPGS5F/q73P7S5F/u2JIS5/xTZKIT5F/cutf%2D8" title="blocked::http://mail.elsevier-alerts.com/go.asp?/bELA001/mGCPGS5F/q73P7S5F/u2JIS5/xTZKIT5F/cutf-8
Visit Translational Medicine Conference" target="_blank"><b><b><font color="#176995" face="Arial"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#176995">www.translationalmedicine-lancet-cell.com/HIV</span></font></b></b></a></span></font><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_Europe4"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="FR">4</span></font></b></a><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white" lang="FR"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Sida : un vaccin révolutionnaire en panne de
financements <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">ThePoint.fr<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Par Gwendoline Dos Santos<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Encore une fois dans le domaine du sida, la
France est en avance. L'équipe du Dr Morgane Bomsel, directrice de recherche au
CNRS et patronne de sa propre équipe au sein de l'institut Cochin à Paris, est
sur la piste d'un vaccin contre le sida en utilisant une toute nouvelle méthode
de vaccination. Les premiers résultats, chez la femelle singe et chez la femme,
semblent très encourageants. Pourtant, faute de moyens, la suite de l'aventure
pourrait bien se passer à l'étranger.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"> <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Tout commence au début des années 2000 : le
professeur Mario Clerici, de l'université de Milan, publie une étude constatant
que 1 % de la population mondiale ne peut être infectée par le virus du sida.
Il découvre que cette protection naturelle réside dans la présence d'anticorps
dans les sécrétions muqueuses sexuelles. Ceux-ci sont émis dès que le virus se
présente lors d'un rapport sexuel. Le Dr Bomsel, qui étudie les muqueuses
depuis 25 ans, a une lumineuse idée : imiter la nature et bloquer le virus dès
qu'il entre en contact avec les muqueuses sexuelles, la première porte
d'entrée. En septembre 2003, à New York, elle rencontre Christian Rochet, qui
vient de reprendre une société de biotechnologie suisse en liquidation,
Mymetics, spécialisée dans l'élaboration de vaccins, et décide de s'associer
avec lui.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">"Lumière au bout du tunnel"<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Le Dr Bomsel propose alors à la société de
Christian Rochet de créer un vaccin induisant des anticorps dits
"muqueux" (par opposition aux anticorps libérés dans le sang), qui
empêchent le virus de pénétrer dans les muqueuses sexuelles. Du coup, ces
premières barrières n'abritent plus de réservoirs de virus, ces derniers ne
peuvent plus investir les vaisseaux capillaires sanguins et, par conséquent, se
répandre dans tout le corps. Il s'agit d'une révolution dans l'approche
vaccinale, car tous les vaccins actuellement en vente induisent la formation
d'anticorps dans le sang. Or cette méthode ne fonctionne pas avec le sida.
Pourquoi ? Parce qu'à chaque fois qu'il se multiplie, il change d'apparence,
rendant inefficaces les dizaines de vaccins basés sur cette approche classique,
notamment celui de Merck, testé sur 3 000 volontaires en 2008, dont les essais
cliniques ont même été arrêtés en cours de route. Seul le vaccin de
Sanofi-Pasteur, testé à grande échelle en Thaïlande sur 16 000 personnes,
présente un résultat positif à 32 %. Insuffisant, mais compte tenu des échecs
essuyés depuis 30 ans, la communauté scientifique l'a qualifié de "lumière
au bout du tunnel".<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">En 2009, Christian Rochet abandonne son siège
de P-DG à l'arrivée d'investisseurs américains dans le capital de Mymetics. Il
en reste toutefois un des principaux actionnaires et se lance dans une chasse
aux fonds pour financer l'ensemble des travaux de recherche du vaccin sur
lequel planche l'équipe de Morgane Bomsel. Il récolte plus de 45 millions
d'euros qui permettent à la chercheuse d'obtenir une première preuve de
l'efficacité sur des singes femelles : 100 % des animaux testés sont protégés
au niveau vaginal.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Puis une première étude sur des femmes montre
que le vaccin provoque l'apparition d'anticorps dans les muqueuses, qui
bloquent le virus sans produire d'effets secondaires. Les résultats sont très
encourageants puisque les huit échantillons de muqueuses testées ex vivo sont
tous résistants au virus. "C'est la première fois au monde que nous
réussissons à offrir une protection totale contre le virus du sida, grâce à une
approche vaccinale particulièrement innovante... Il faut valider à grande
échelle ces premiers résultats, mais pour cela, nous avons besoin de
financements !" explique le Dr Morgane Bomsel. Et c'est bien là le problème.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Subventions<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Mymetics se retrouve aujourd'hui propriétaire
des brevets qui ont permis à l'équipe de Morgane Bomsel de réaliser cette
performance scientifique. Au sein de Mymetics, le directeur scientifique, le Dr
Sylvain Fleury, est à l'origine de l'utilisation du virosome, qui sert de
véhicule pour transporter le principe actif évitant l'utilisation d'adjuvants,
source de nombreux effets secondaires. Le développement de ce virosome adapté
au vaccin du sida a été réalisé en moins d'un an pour moins d'un million
d'euros.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">L'intérêt pour ce type de vaccin ne fait que
monter dans la communauté scientifique. Sanofi-Pasteur, leader mondial des
vaccins, a réussi à obtenir une subvention européenne de presque 12 millions
d'euros pour lancer Euronet 41, un projet similaire à celui de Mymetics qu'il
coordonne. La première étude a débuté au printemps 2012, au moment où Mymetics
a rendu publics les résultats des essais cliniques sur l'homme. Sanofi mise sur
un vaccin sida ciblé sur les muqueuses, mais part avec trois ans de retard.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Aux États-Unis, le plus grand centre de
recherche, le NIH (National Institutes of Health) a décidé à son tour de se
lancer sur cette piste en subventionnant l'équipe du Pr Barton Haynes, de
l'université de Duke, avec un budget de 46 millions de dollars issu de la
fondation Gates. Mais l'équipe américaine démarre à peine. Enfin, le Prix Nobel
de médecine David Baltimore, patron du Caltech à Los Angeles, le MIT
californien, vient de publier dans la prestigieuse revue scientifique Blood sa
première étude sur des souris humanisées, vaccinées avec la même approche de
neutralisation du virus au niveau des muqueuses.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Une cinquantaine de nouveaux vaccins ?<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Avec l'aide de Morgane Bomsel, Christian
Rochet envisage de créer une nouvelle structure juridique française afin de
poursuivre les travaux sur le vaccin du sida dès que possible. Mais les
investisseurs professionnels de la biotech jugent cette aventure très risquée.
De même que les conseillers rencontrés à l'Élysée, qui, d'après Christian
Rochet, n'ont pas donné suite à l'idée de "franciser" le projet.
Pourtant, la France est pionnière dans le domaine du sida avec un prix Nobel
français concernant la découverte du virus et, tout récemment encore, les
travaux menés par le professeur Jacques Leibowitch sur la réduction du nombre
de traitements.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Dans son livre, Leibowitch (1) écrit
d'ailleurs à propos de cette nouvelle stratégie vaccinale de Morgane Bomsel
testée chez les singes femelles et offrant une protection antivirale de près de
100 % : "On est là à distance, chacun peut l'entendre, des chicanes
comptables autour des vaccins d'inspiration immunocellularienne, dont un vaccin
testé en Thaïlande sur 16 000 personnes séronégatives. Taux de protection du
vaccin thaïlandais : 26 %... ? Non, après recalculs, 32 %... Ah bon ?"<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">Il n'empêche, Mymetics ne parvient pas à
trouver de nouveaux investisseurs. À l'exception d'un trio de fonds américains
intéressé par la technologie développée par Mymetics non pour en faire un
vaccin sida, mais pour l'appliquer à un nouveau vaccin contre la bronchiolite
chez l'enfant, un vaccin qui serait donc orienté vers le marché des pays
riches. Les investisseurs américains ne s'y trompent pas. Mymetics pourrait
engendrer une cinquantaine de nouveaux vaccins !<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">En effet, dans 95 % des maladies virales les
plus répandues sur la planète, l'entrée du virus se fait par les muqueuses,
qu'elles soient respiratoires, buccales, sexuelles... Or seulement une
trentaine de vaccins sont actuellement commercialisés, et tous sont basés sur
l'approche classique de la vaccination. Christian Rochet, qui poursuit son rêve
de vaccin sida, a déjà levé auprès d'investisseurs privés suisses plus de 60
millions d'euros pour développer cette nouvelle approche vaccinale, et toujours
rien du côté français... "Je vais poursuivre, à l'étranger, la recherche
de fonds, partout où je trouverai des investisseurs à la fois intuitifs et
humanistes. Un tel projet ne peut s'arrêter !" rage Christian Rochet. Et
tant pis pour la France ?<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="FR">(1) "Pour en finir avec le sida de
Jacques Leibowitch, éditions Plon, 15,30 euros.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_Europe5"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">5<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">John-Manuel Andriote on Reclaiming HIV as a
'Gay' disease - Exclusive <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">MInorités, FR<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Didier Lestrade: As you tell in your piece
Reclaming HIV as a 'Gay" disease, AIDS coverage in the gay community
vanished in the last 10 years. Much focus has been put on access to drugs in
the poor countries and that was also pushed by LGBT groups who were too happy
to contribute to «decoupling AIDS and gays». The idea was to relieve gays of
the burden of the old AIDS paragim : Gay = AIDS.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">John-Manuel Andriote : Once treatment became
available and effective, and middle-class gay men could be treated for HIV in
the privacy of their doctor's office, these men and the LGBT political
organizations they support - such as the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) here in the U.S.- lost their
interest in HIV/AIDS as an important political and social justice issue. They
also stopped donating money to the extent they used to do once they no longer
personally required the services of the community-based organizations the gay
community created. Those organizations still care for large numbers of
gay/bisexual men, though those men tend to be African-American or Latino and of
lower income. I find it troubling that this situation seems to provide such a
stark illustration of the racism and classism within the gay community and in
the priorities of the organized gay movement in the <u></u><u></u>U.S.<u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">— This also happened during the years
2000's when the political fight against bareback put such a bad light on gay
sexuality. It was the last time gay people got in a fight about what should be
done and not done in gay sexuality, which I thing is a GOOD topic. But it was
such an internal fight that LGBT groups had to find a way to divert the
attention to the new paradigm : AIDS mostly concerned straight people around
the world. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Even before the 2000s, gay organizations were
deflecting the spotlight from gay male sexuality. Back in the late 1980s, as
advocates were lining up support in Washington for the federal Ryan White CARE
Act of 1990 -which infused hundreds of millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS
services previously unavailable from the federal government- the advocates
emphasized «women and children» and that «everyone is at risk» in large part to
divert attention from gay male sex. The problem now is that not even gay men
realize how huge a problem HIV still is for gay men. When studies from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that as many as 50
percent of young gay African-American men in 21 major U.S. cities are
HIV-positive, it's obvious HIV/AIDS is still a tremendous problem for gay
America. But, again, it's the wealthy white LGBT organizations determining gay <u></u><u></u>America<u></u><u></u>'s
political and policy priorities - and it's quite obvious that poor gay people
of color are not their priorities. They are more interested in the «right» to
marriage and suburban respectability than in protecting, and saving, the lives
of vulnerable young gay men living with or at great risk for HIV.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">— In my 25 years in AIDS activism, I got
to realize that this focus on «straight AIDS», as revelant as it is, was pushed
by gay activists. Do you think there was an element of guilt in there? Of
betrayal? Like «Let's stop focusing on gay AIDS issues, so we can show women
and straight that we care for them as, in the poor countries, women are are
greater risk?» <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">See my answer to the above question. I think
it was a very deliberate strategy to divert attention from the fact that the
overwhelming majority of HIV/AIDS cases in the <u></u><u></u>U.S.<u></u><u></u> have - and still are - among
gay/bi men of all races. Yes, I think it's guilt. Yes, it's shame. This guilt
and shame, and the hunger for middle-class respectability and acceptance as
«just like» heterosexuals, means that most HIV/AIDS advocates are more than
eager to point out the women and kids at risk or living with HIV. They have
been, since the 1980s, very eager to downplay the huge impact of HIV/AIDS on
gay/bisexual men because that requires accepting that gay men have sex- and not
always in safe, «respectable» monogamous «marriage» relationships.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">— Do you think it was a way to conform
to the big agencies, UNAIDS and stuff, who do set the trends of what's decided
in the fact against AIDS? <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">It is important to point out that funders,
such as cities and states and, in the <u></u><u></u>U.S.<u></u><u></u> the federal government,
stipulate that HIV/AIDS organizations serve «everyone» who needs them -
regardless of their sexual orientation or race/ethnicity. This has created a
schizoid position for many community organizations founded by and originally
intended for gay men with AIDS, where they try to figure out are they foremost
a «gay» organization or an «HIV/AIDS organization». My view is that gay
America, and gay HIV/AIDS organizations, should claim our unique experience in
the HIV/AIDS epidemic - gay/bi men of all races have been affected far greater
than any other single community - because the great heroism displayed by gay
men and lesbians in advocating for just HIV/AIDS policy and resources is to be
celebrated, something to be very proud of as LGBT people….Continue<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Full-text: </span></font></span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR-CH"><a href="http://www.minorites.org/index.php/3-lagence/1418-john-manuel-andriote-on-reclaiming-hiv-as-a-gay-disease-exclusive.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US">http://www.minorites.org/index.php/3-lagence/1418-john-manuel-andriote-on-reclaiming-hiv-as-a-gay-disease-exclusive.html</span></a></span></font><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR">========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="FR">LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR">========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="FR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Identifican sectores más afectados por
VIH/sida en el Caribe <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Prensa Latina, Cuba<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Bridgetown,
5 dic (PL) El Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana VIH/sida constituye la
principal causa de muerte entre jóvenes y adultos de mediana edad en el Caribe,
reveló aquí la Cuarta Bienal de la comisión de esa enfermedad en Barbados.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Desde
2001, la mortalidad relacionada con ese mal descendió un 40 por ciento gracias
a los tratamientos antirretrovirales, pero todavía muchos no acceden a ellos o
conocen demasiado tarde su padecimiento, dijo el juez del Tribunal Supremo de Barbados,
Marston Gibson.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Todavía
persiste la discriminación hacia las personas seropositivas pues existe la idea
de que esa enfermedad solo pueden adquirirla homosexuales o quienes comercian
su cuerpo, reconoció Gibson al participar en la reunión.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Las
mitad de los caribeños con sida son mujeres, pero nadie está exento de
contraerlo, por eso debemos combatir los prejuicios y la discriminación, ya sea
motivada por la orientación sexual o de cualquier otro tipo, insistió.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Los
datos manejados por Gibson fueron reseñados este miércoles por el sitio digital
<a href="http://caribbeannewsnow.com" target="_blank">caribbeannewsnow.com</a> y provienen de los más recientes informes de Naciones
Unidas, difundidos la víspera en el encuentro realizado en esta capital.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Después
de África subsahariana, el Caribe posee los niveles de incidencia más altos de
VIH/sida, aunque en los últimos años la cantidad disminuyó significativamente,
resaltó la ONU.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_LatinAmericaCaribbean2"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="FR">2<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Estiman más de 25 mil mujeres serán portadoras
de VIH para el 2013 <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Hoy Digital, DR<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">El
director del Consejo Presidencial para el Sida (COPRESIDA), Víctor Terrero
manifestó que se proyecta para el año 2013, según el estudio estimaciones y
proyecciones de prevalencia de VIH y carga de enfermedad del 2011, más de 25
mil mujeres serán portadoras de ese mortal virus en el país. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Estas
declaraciones fueron dadas por Terrero al participar en un encuentro con las
Comisiones Permanentes de Salud Pública y Equidad de Género de la Cámara de
Diputados, quienes recibieron la visita del director de COPRESIDA, con la
finalidad de analizar el tema de la violencia contra las mujeres y la cantidad
de personas que están infectadas con el VIH - SIDA en el país. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Las
presidentas de ambas comisiones, Juana Vicente y Magda Rodríguez , mostraron su
preocupación por esa enfermedad que cada día sigue tomando terreno en la
población, por lo que agradecieron a las autoridades del ministerio de Salud
Pública el interés mostrado para que ese mal sea erradicado lo más pronto
posible de la nación dominicana. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">En
ese sentido, Terrero expresó su preocupación por la feminización de la pandemia
del VIH en el país y de las consecuencias que se derivan de la situación, las
que estima se traducen en desafío para la sociedad y el Estado dominicano. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">El
funcionario señaló que los datos a los se refirió, unidos al incremento de la
violencia contra la mujeres motiva preocupación, por que llamó a reorientar y
definir políticas públicas a favor este segmento de la población. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">También
hizo un llamado al Congreso Nacional y a todos los sectores del país para que cesen
los feminicidios y el maltrato a ese sector de la población.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Asistieron
al encuentro los diputados Milcíades Franjul, Julio Brito, Olfalida Almonte,
Eufrasia Santiago, Carlos Terrero, María Antonia Martínez, Ramón Duran, Pedro
Botello, Elpidio Infante, Ramón Dilepcio Núñez, Juan Compre, Juan Suazo, Marcos
Cross, Pedro Billilo Mota, Roberto Pérez, Adalgisa Pantaleón Mario Hidalgo,
Fabio Vargas entre otros diputados. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">En
el encuentro participó además, la doctora Ana Navarro del programa de las Naciones
Unidas, quien señaló que el 32 por ciento de las enfermedades se debe a que las
mujeres exigen protección a los hombres al momento de sostener relaciones
sexuales.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_LatinAmericaCaribbean3"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="FR">3<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Festejan nacimientos libres de VIH<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">El Informador, Mexico<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">06/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">GUADALAJARA,
JALISCO (06/DIC/2012).- “Lucía” no puede prestar su cortaúñas. Ni
su rastrillo ni cualquier otro objeto que pueda predisponer algún contacto con
su sangre. Tiene VIH y cuatro hijos.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Para
la joven de 27 años, el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) es como
cualquier otra enfermedad. Lo entendió así y aprende a vivir con ello. Su
cuerpo se infestó cuando se embarazó. En los seis meses de gestación —de
su cuarto hijo— recibió la noticia.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Todo
parecía normal, hasta que una crónica neumonía la llevó grave al hospital aquel
noviembre de 2008. El resultado fue duro: se contagió de VIH por su esposo.
Ella jamás lo imaginó. El VIH llegó directo a su casa.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Su
mente formuló mil ideas. ¿Cómo una mujer dedicada al hogar, a sus hijos
—en ese momento tres— pudo contagiarse del VIH, si su sexualidad
era exclusiva con su pareja estable? No drogas, no tatuajes, no transfusiones
de sangre. Nada de nada. Nada que tuviera más lógica. La verdad aún le duele, a
veces, dice.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Según
la reestructuración de los hechos, su esposo pudo haber contraído el VIH luego
de tener relaciones sexuales con una prostituta de la zona de San Juan de Dios.
Él lo confesó a “Lucía”. Su vida dio un vuelco irreversible. La
joven tenía tres situaciones que enfrentar: el VIH en su cuerpo, su matrimonio
fracturado y la posibilidad de que su hijo naciera también contagiado del
virus.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Nueva
manera de vivir<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">A
la fecha, no existe medicamento ni tratamiento que desaparezca ni prevenga el
VIH por completo. Lo más importante en aquel momento, era que “Lucía”
tratará de equilibrarse mentalmente y luchara para que su hijo naciera sin el
virus.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">El
Hospital Civil de Guadalajara la contactó con el Mesón de la Misericordia
Divina, una asociación civil tapatía que desde 2004 apoya a familias con
situación de VIH. “Lucía” pensó que moriría; la muerte es una de
las primicias que se dispersan en la persona y su entorno.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">En
el Mesón de la Misericordia Divina, “Lucía” encontró lo necesario
para enfrentar el VIH, así como asesoría médica para que su hijo esquivara esa herencia.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">“Lucía”
se integró al programa “Salva a tu bebé del sida”, proyecto
coordinado por Gabriela Salazar Santos en el Mesón, que a la fecha, suma 105
casos de niños nacidos sin VIH de madres contagiadas.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">A
raíz del VIH, “Lucía” modificó su estilo de vida. Ahora tiene que
respetar sus horas para dormir. El medicamento tiene que ser ingerido con
exactitud. En tiempo de calor no puede tomar cítricos, pues su estomago los
recibe como una bomba atómica. En invierno, los helados están erradicados por
completo, un resfriado puede ser fulminante.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">“Lucía”
tiene muchas prohibiciones, pero las acepta con la consigna de ser feliz y
durar muchos años más para sus hijos. Entre éstas, no tuvo la oportunidad de
amantar a su hijo, pues la leche materna figura como una vía de contagio.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">En
esta entrevista, “Lucía” no es “Lucía”. Vive en el
anonimato. Solamente los más cercanos saben la crudeza de su enfermedad y
realidad. Muy pocos la entienden, asegura al explicar que la estigmatización y
rechazo hacia la enfermedad y las personas que la padecen son evidentes aun así
con tanta información divulgada.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Ella
prefiere evitar malos entendidos y dar explicaciones a quienes no las
requieren. Gabriela Salazar, señala que la expectativa de vida de una persona
con VIH es de 25 años, pero ella confirma casos de quienes superan este número
gracias a la disciplina que el paciente muestra con el seguimiento del
tratamiento y un estado emocional motivado y esperanzador.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Lucha
de por vida<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">“Lucía”
forma parte de las 176 mujeres que pertenecen al programa “Salva a tu
bebé del sida”. Actualmente, son siete las futuras madres que están en
tratamiento para evitar que sus hijos nazcan con VIH, las restantes se
encuentran en alguna parte del tratamiento posterior al nacimiento.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Las
madres con VIH enfrentan dos situaciones: el proceso para librar a su hijo del
virus y el tratamiento para ellas de por vida.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">La
coordinadora del proyecto, Gabriela Salazar habla de un logro. Cada tratamiento
brindado en las embarazadas con VIH tiene un costo aproximado de 250 mil pesos
(financiados principalmente por el Gobierno), lo que representa un ahorro
triplicado de lo que significaría un seguimiento médico a un bebé con VIH en
años futuros.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">El
programa “Salva a tu bebé del sida” implica un tratamiento retroviral
a partir del primer trimestre de gestación —como periodo ideal con el
virus ya diagnosticado— aunque existen casos como el de
“Lucía”, en que el medicamento puede administrarse todavía en el
sexto o séptimo mes de embarazo y lograr resultados positivos.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">El
embarazo fluye en apariencia normal, pero el método de alumbramiento debe ser
forzosamente a través de la cesárea para reducir aún más los riesgos de
contagio. Ya nacido, el bebé recibe durante dos años un tratamiento exclusivo
para descartar totalmente la presencia de VIH.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">ATENCIÓN<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Apoyo
y donaciones<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">El
Mesón de la Misericordia Divina A. C., cuenta con diversas áreas de atención
para apoyar a personas con VIH y adiciones, recuperación y cuidados paliativos,
y así como un área de albergue para personas foráneas. Dirección: San Felipe
673, Colonia Centro, Guadalajara. Teléfonos: 3613 9717 (18).<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">CONTAGIO
SIN CONOCIMIENTO<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Lucha
por una vida normal a pesar del padecimiento<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">No
todo es juicio. Para “Tania”, de 25 años, su padecimiento de VIH no
ha sido impedimento para llevar una vida “normal”: encontrar el
amor, conseguir trabajo y ser madre nuevamente.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Hace
seis años, “Tania” se enteró que tiene VIH. Su ex pareja se lo
transmitió. Ni ella ni él tenían conocimiento alguno. Tras separarse y cada
quien emprender rumbos distintos, esta mujer fue a dar al hospital, también por
una neumonía atípica. Ahí le anunciaron la fría verdad.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">“Tania”
buscó ayuda y el Mesón de la Misericordia la apoyó sin problemas. Dos años
después volvió a vivir la experiencia de ser madre, y su pequeño forma parte de
los 105 niños que han nacido sin complicaciones de VIH.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Gabriela
Salazar Santos, destaca que aún existe falta de información entre la sociedad
para librar por completo los mitos y prejuicios que rondan a la situación de
VIH.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">“El
Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana se adquiere a través de tres vías: la
vertical, de madre a hijo a través del nacimiento o la lactancia; la sanguínea
(por transfusiones o accesorios contaminados, y la sexual. Son las únicas tres
maneras, pero está más estigmatizado la parte sexual (...) el VIH no se
transmite a través de la saliva ni del sudor, ni porque vayas al mismo baño, ni
por estar en la misma casa ni utilizar los mismos trastes, ni porque les picó
el mismo zancudo”.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">“No
son mujeres que de dedican a la prostitución, ni tienen múltiples parejas. Sin
embargo, el VIH llegó a su casa. Las mujeres, cuando tenemos una pareja estable
no nos sentimos vulnerables”, explica la coordinadora de “Salva a
tu bebé del sida”.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_LatinAmericaCaribbean4"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="FR">4</span></font></b></a><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white" lang="FR"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Brasileiros
em busca da cura da Aids<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="FR">Brasilia en tempo real<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Uma
equipe de cientistas brasileiros liderada pelo farmacêutico Luiz Pianowski está
perto do que pode ser um sinalizador para a cura da Aids. As pesquisas
conduzidas por esse grupo já se encaminham para a fase de conclusão de estudos
pré-clínicos. No jargão farmacêutico, isso significa que testes serão
realizados em animais - nesse caso, em macacos Rhesos, a mesma espécie de
primatas na qual foi testado e descoberto o fator Rh do sangue - para apurar a
eficácia e saber as contraindicações desse possível medicamento.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">A
pesquisa começou meio que por acaso, quando o empresário cearense Everardo
Ferreira Telles, ex-dono da cachaça Ypióca (cuja marca e uma parte dos ativos
da companhia foram vendidos para grupo britânico de bebidas Diageo), decidiu
financiar estudos científicos sobre a eficácia da planta aveloz no tratamento
de câncer. "Ouvi vários relatos de pessoas do Nordeste que foram curadas
pelo aveloz. Decidi encarar esse desafio e financiar as pesquisas", disse
o empresário ao Valor.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">No
Norte e Nordeste, feiras livres e até farmácias vendem "garrafadas",
poções compostas de ervas, com fama de curar os mais diferentes males. Entre
elas está a "garrafada" de aveloz - Euphorbia tirucalli, planta
nativa da África do Sul que lembra um cacto - também conhecida como
árvore-do-lápis, cega-olho e espinho-italiano, considerada eficaz para os casos
de câncer. A crendice é alimentada com a argumentação de que alguns
medicamentos desenvolvidos por grandes multinacionais voltados para o
tratamento do câncer têm origem em moléculas extraídas de plantas. Importantes
remédios, como o Tamiflu (da suíça Roche), para o combate da gripe H1N1, vêm do
anis estrelado, por exemplo. Alguns produtos para o coração, e até a famosa Aspirina,
da alemã Bayer, fazem parte da extensa lista de produtos extraídos de plantas.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Pelo
sim, pelo não, Telles decidiu levar o projeto adiante. O empresário, que não
tem nenhuma familiaridade nessa área, criou a empresa Amazônia Medicamentos
Ltda., na qual é o maior acionista, para bancar os estudos. "Já investimos
cerca de R$ 50 milhões e podemos colocar mais outro tanto para financiar as
pesquisas."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">O
empresário contratou o cientista paranaense Luiz Pianowski, farmacêutico de
formação, com especialização em fitomedicamentos (de origem vegetal) na cidade
do Porto (Portugal), para conduzir as pesquisas no Brasil. Alto e "um
tanto gordo", como ele mesmo se define, o pesquisador passou por
importantes empresas farmacêuticas no país, antes de montar seu próprio QG de
pesquisa, a Kyolab, em Valinhos (SP), onde foi contatado por Telles.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Antes
de seguir carreira solo, Pianowski desenvolveu fitomedicamentos para o
laboratório Hebron, de Pernambuco, e para a farmacêutica Aché, uma das maiores
de capital nacional, cujo carro-chefe é o anti-inflamatório Acheflan, de que é
um dos detentores da patente.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Ao
Valor, Pianowski disse que começou a pesquisa focada no câncer em 2003. Mas, no
meio do caminho, percebeu que as moléculas extraídas do aveloz também apontavam
para outras duas linhas de tratamento - combate ao vírus HIV e à dor crônica. O
estudo, então, se dividiu em três - AM10 (câncer), AM11 (dor) e AM12 (Aids).
Para ajudá-lo nesse trabalho, o pesquisador se cercou de acadêmicos brasileiros
- João Batista Calixto (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, UFSC), João
Ernesto Carvalho (Unicamp), Odorico de Moraes (Universidade Federal do Ceará,
UFCE), Vera Redher (Unicamp), Auro Giglio (vinculado ao Hospital Albert
Einstein).<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">No
caso do AM12, voltado para a Aids, os pesquisadores detectaram que a substância
extraída da planta (ingenol) age deslocando o vírus de dentro da célula
infectada, levando-a à morte (apoptose). Com isso, o vírus é exposto aos
antirretrovirais existentes. Em tese, isso poderia significar a cura da Aids,
uma vez que a substância mata a célula infectada. "Os atuais tratamentos
só agem matando o vírus quando ele se multiplica e sai da célula invadida para
entrar em outras", disse Pianowski.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Estudos
começaram com foco no câncer e se desdobraram em duas novas linhas de
tratamento: HIV e dor<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Grupos
farmacêuticos internacionais já pesquisaram mais de dois milhões de substâncias
tentando chegar a essa mesma ação. Porém, as poucas moléculas que conseguiram
quebrar a latência da célula, ou seja, extrair o vírus, foram consideradas
altamente tóxicas. O AM12 tem demonstrado baixa toxicidade na dose eficaz.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Para
levar o estudo adiante, a equipe de cientistas contatou as empresas americanas
Bioqual e o conceituado centro de virologia do Instituto Johns Hopkins para
conduzir os testes em animais. Se ficar comprovada a baixa toxicidade no
organismo do animal, a pesquisa passa para a próxima fase, quando são feitas
experiências em humanos. Paralelamente a essa linha de estudos, a equipe também
observou que a substância AM12 pode se ligar a receptores celulares, impedindo
que o vírus HIV "ataque" outras células de defesa sadias.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">De
acordo com Lúcio Gama, professor instrutor do Departamento de Patobiologia
Molecular e Comparada da Escola de Medicina do Instituto Johns Hopkins, em
Baltimore (EUA), serão testadas duas drogas isoladas pela equipe do Pianowski.
"Vamos usar células de macacos para que possamos utilizar essas
substâncias no futuro em animais infectados com o SIV [o HIV dos macacos] em
combinação com o coquetel antirretroviral."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Segundo
Gama, o laboratório está fazendo os experimentos "in vitro" apenas
nas células. "A Bioqual [companhia privada americana] fará os experimentos
em macacos. Vai providenciar macacos infectados pelo SIV e em tratamento antirretroviral,
administrar a nova droga em conjunto com o coquetel, além de monitorar os
animais. Amostras de sangue serão coletadas semanalmente e uma pequena
quantidade será mandada para nós aqui no Hopkins para algumas avaliações",
afirmou. Procurada, a Bioqual não retornou aos pedidos de entrevista.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">A
evolução desses estudos somente será levada adiante se as contra-indicações não
forem mais danosas que os benefícios que o possível medicamento poderá trazer.
A expectativa dos cientistas brasileiros é grande. Nos próximos quatro a seis
meses, esses resultados serão divulgados. Se forem positivos, um grupo de
pacientes voluntários testará o medicamento.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">NORTH AMERICA</span></font></b></span><u></u><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB"><u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">On World AIDS Day, We Look to the Future <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Huffington Post<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">Sen. Chris Coons and Sen. Johnny Isakson<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">As chairman and ranking member of the Senate
Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, we've seen firsthand the
enormous toll of HIV/AIDS on families, communities and economies. We have
traveled throughout Africa and visited those impacted by this terrible disease,
and we have witnessed the results of <u></u><u></u>U.S.<u></u><u></u> assistance, which has saved
millions of lives throughout the world. On December 1st, we marked World AIDS
Day by honoring the lives lost to the scourge of AIDS and by recommitting
ourselves to building an AIDS-free generation and ending this pandemic once and
for all.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Although we come from different political
parties, we stand together in our belief that the <u></u><u></u>United States<u></u><u></u> should remain a
global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">For decades, this has remained a bipartisan
issue. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a remarkable
program that is supporting life-saving antiretroviral treatment for 5.1 million
people around the world, was launched by President Bush a decade ago and
continued by President Obama, has strong support in Congress from both sides of
the aisle.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Progress made over the last 10 years means
that the <u></u><u></u>United States<u></u><u></u>
is ready to look forward, and shift from an emergency response to a sustainable
response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. This means working closely with partner
countries to ensure their AIDS response is effective, efficient and durable.
Perhaps most importantly, it means transitioning to country-ownership of PEPFAR
programs -- as some countries have already done -- so governments in Africa and
worldwide can effectively implement and sustain life-saving programs
themselves.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">One of the best ways to move forward is to
take stock of the lessons learned. Secretary of State Clinton's PEPFAR
Blueprint, which was released on November 29th, offers leaders in Congress and
the next Secretary of State the benefit of 10 years of lessons and best
practices from PEPFAR programs. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Scientific advances and their successful
implementation -- as well as the leadership of the <u></u><u></u>United States<u></u><u></u> -- have brought us to
the brink of an AIDS-free generation. The last 10 years have seen tremendous
progress and millions of lives saved -- and we can't stop fighting now. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><i><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666;font-style:italic" lang="EN">Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)
is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs
and a member of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus. Senator Johnny Isakson
(R-Ga.) is the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on
African Affairs<u></u><u></u></span></font></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_NorthAmerica2"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">2<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Q&A: How Innovative Funding Combats
HIV/AIDS<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">IPS News Agency<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">03/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">By Julia Kallas<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><i><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666;font-style:italic">Julia Kallas interviews PHILIPPE
DOUSTE-BLAZY, U.N. under-secretary-general in charge of innovative financing
and chair of the UNITAID executive board <u></u><u></u></span></font></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">UNITED NATIONS, Dec 1 2012 (IPS) - On World AIDS Day, the
fact that the number of children newly infected with HIV continues to decline
is welcome news to UNITAID, the International Drug Purchase Facility hosted by
the World Health Organisation. But UNITAID is also well aware of how much more
remains to be done for children already living with the disease.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Philippe Douste-Blazy, of <u></u><u></u>France<u></u><u></u>, is a special advisor who
promotes UNITAID and other sources of innovative financing for the achievement
of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">“There was some progress made but there is still a
lot to be done by the international community,” Douste-Blazy told IPS
regarding the fight against HIV/AIDS. “Unfortunately we do not have enough
money to achieve the MDGs by 2015,” he added.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Douste-Blazy spoke to IPS U.N. correspondent Julia Kallas
about the progress that has been made in preventing mother-to-child
transmission of HIV but also how the international community must continue providing
childhood HIV treatments to developing countries. Excerpts from the interview
follow.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Q: What is the current funding scenario for treating
childhood HIV in developing countries?<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">A: About 3.3 million children are living with HIV today.
Unfortunately we do not have enough money to reach the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) in general but in particular to reach the health-related MDGs
– HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">We must find funding now because with the current economic
crisis, we will see a dramatic decrease in Official Development Aid (ODA). It
will be difficult for all countries to help. We cannot ask the Greek
government, for example, to donate 3 billion dollars for development countries
because they are seeing an increase in poverty themselves. So we are going to
see an increase in childhood mortality.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">We have to create innovative financing for development.
For example, UNITAID has placed a small tax on plane tickets. This funding
helps combat childhood HIV.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Children are rarely born with HIV in wealthy countries
because mothers living with HIV are treated during pregnancy to ensure that
their babies are born HIV-free. Still, more than 1,000 children are born
HIV-positive every day – 99 percent of them in <u></u>Africa<u></u>.
Only 28 percent are treated.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">We analysed what companies were interested in producing
antiretroviral drugs. Our long-term funding gave suppliers the incentive to
manufacture child-friendly formulations so we were able to buy pills for five
years. Several generic suppliers that entered the market brought the price of
the pills down by 70 percent.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Before, no child was treated by periotic antiretroviral,
but with an adult’s syrup, 18 times a day. Now with only two pills a day,
children can be treated.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Q: World AIDS Day is on Dec. 1. Should we be celebrating
major progress?<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">A: Yes. We can see that there was some progress made, but
there is still a lot to be done by the international community. For the first
time more than 50 percent of the 15 million patients who need antiretroviral
therapy have access to it.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">It is also huge progress that we have 7 million fewer new
HIV infections around the world, in particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Unfortunately in <u></u>Eastern Europe<u></u>, <u></u>Russia<u></u> and <u></u><u></u>Indonesia<u></u><u></u>, however, the infection
has increased.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Q: Can you talk about the development of the three-in-one
fixed-dose combination AIDS medicines for children?<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">A: Since its creation UNITAID has been working on
combating paediatric HIV by creating a market for quality child-friendly
antiretroviral treatments. Before, there was no incentive for pharmaceutical
companies to invest in child-friendly antiretroviral drugs. HIV treatments for
children in low-income countries were syrups designed for adults – up to
18 foul-tasting doses a day.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">So the three-in-one fixed-dose combination AIDS medicines
for children are a major innovation, from 18 doses a day to a pill twice a day.
It is huge progress. Every year UNITAID finances the treatments of more than
100,000. Now is the time to follow up on our work with paediatric HIV.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Q: How should the new post-2015 sustainable development
agenda address HIV/AIDS, and what can be done more effectively?<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">A: We cannot continue if we do not have money. Every head
of state, head of government or member of parliament says we are going to reach
the MDGs. It is not true.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">To combat HIV we need three things. First is prevention.
We need to help prevent high-risk people such as prostitutes and homosexuals
from becoming infected. Secondly, we must ensure universal access of treatment.
Only 54 percent of adults and 28 percent of children are being treated today.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Finally, we need to raise funds to achieve the MDGs
– we need more innovative financing. With UNITAID, we proved that this is
possible.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">Q: Can you talk more about the one-dollar plane tax idea
created by you, former Brazilian president Lula and former French president
Chirac? What needs to be done to get more countries involved in this project?<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">A: UNITAID’s funding model is based on an air ticket
solidarity levy. Every American who goes to <u></u><u></u>France<u></u><u></u> is going to pay one extra
U.S. dollar to support our program. It is the same thing in 15 other countries.
In five years we raised 2.5 billion dollars, and it is predictable, sustainable
funding.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666">For the traveller, it is painless – people who can
pay for a plane ticket can easily pay an extra dollar. It is not even the price
of a coffee. With this funding we help combat childhood HIV. Eight out of 10
children are treated thanks to this system. Now we are working to convince more
countries to become involved in this program.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_NorthAmerica3"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">3<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Queen Noor Expresses Hope on the Rights of
Arab Women<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">New York Times<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">By STEPHEN CASTLE<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">LONDON</span></font></span><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"> — Amid worries
that the Arab Spring may give way to political Islam and set back the cause of
women’s rights, Queen Noor of <u></u><u></u>Jordan<u></u><u></u> said Tuesday that it was too
soon to give up hope that revolutions in the region would ultimately yield
social progress<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“Revolutions are messy,” she said
at a conference in <u></u><u></u>London<u></u><u></u>.
“They take time. They ultimately require negotiation and compromise.
Revolutions in the <u></u>Middle East<u></u> are taking
place in real time as we speak, and I think it is far too soon to give them up
for lost.” <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Queen Noor conceded that the rise of political
Islam had shaken confidence in the progressive social impact of the Arab
Spring, highlighting worries on <u></u><u></u>Egypt<u></u><u></u>,
where a vote on a new constitution is scheduled for Dec. 15. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“It appears again that women’s
rights are once again at risk even as revolution progresses,” she said. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">No women were appointed to the committee that
drew up the new draft constitution in <u></u><u></u>Egypt<u></u><u></u>, and the percentage of female
legislators dropped to 2 percent from 12 percent because parliamentary quotas
were abolished, she said. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">However, the region’s gender equality
ratings by the World Economic Forum have increased in the past two years by 1.2
percent, despite a 5.3 percent drop in <u></u><u></u>Syria<u></u><u></u>. That demonstrates, she said,
that the greatest threat to women’s rights might be war, not religious
conservatism. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“Even as some groups attempt to turn
back the clock on Arab women’s rights using religious justification,
Islam should not be considered the source of misogyny and women’s
oppression in the region,” Queen Noor said, adding that setbacks
“do not mean that the revolution has failed, it means it is not finished.”
<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Queen Noor is the widow of King Hussein of <u></u><u></u>Jordan<u></u><u></u>.
The conference, Trust Women, was organized by the Thomson Reuters Foundation
and The International Herald Tribune, which is published by The New York Times.
<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Egypt</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"> was a central focus of
concern at the conference. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“The situation in <u></u><u></u>Egypt<u></u><u></u> is really alarming,”
said Dina Wahba, an Egyptian women’s rights activist, who said the draft
constitution endangered the rights of women and children. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“We are in a very pessimistic
situation,” she added. “It looks very grim. It looks very
scary.” <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Julia Lalla-Maharajh, the founder of the
Orchid Project, which is based in London and campaigns to end female genital
cutting, said Egypt had “one of the highest prevalences in the world of
female genital cutting: according to Unicef statistics, more than 9 out of 10
women are affected.” <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“There are worrying reports that have
suggested that female genital cutting is on the rise, with one call in
Parliament for a ban on it to be overturned,” she said. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Ala’a Shehabi, a British-born Bahraini
writer and activist, said the uprising in her country had been led by women and
was not motivated by the economic discontent that drove some of the other
revolutions in the region. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“In the gulf, it’s about
inequality,” she said, with issues like corruption also proving
important. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Manal al-Sharif, a women’s rights
activist from <u></u><u></u>Saudi Arabia<u></u><u></u>,
said that there, too, it was women who were pushing for change. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Alaa Murabit, an activist from <u></u><u></u>Libya<u></u><u></u>,
argued that the overthrow of the government of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi had
changed the political dynamic. “Women are getting involved,” Ms.
Murabit said. “Women are taking the initiative.” Ayaan Hirsi Ali,
the founder of the AHA Foundation, which works to protect the rights of Muslim
women, called for an end to placing women under the control of male guardians. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">There were warnings about women’s rights
in Western nations, as well. Nazir Afzal, chief crown prosecutor for the
northwest of <u></u><u></u>England<u></u><u></u>,
said he had dealt with more than 50 so-called honor killings. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“One after another,” he said,
“I was seeing these stories of people who were being killed because they
had a boyfriend, they kissed somebody in public, they wanted to learn to drive,
they wanted to go to school.” <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">A version of this article appeared in print on
December 5, 2012, on page A14 of the <u></u><u></u>New
York<u></u><u></u> edition with the headline: A Queen Expresses
Hope on the Rights of Arab Women..<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_NorthAmerica4"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">4<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Counterfeit Drugs (Letter)<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">New York Times<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">05</span></font></span><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN-GB">To the Editor:<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">“The Problem of Fake and Useless Drugs”
(editorial, Nov. 22), highlighting the danger of fake drugs, unfairly enlists a
specific incident involving Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières in
a call for a global crackdown on fraudulent medicines. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Our team in <u></u><u></u>Kenya<u></u><u></u> treating people living with
H.I.V./AIDS was not “duped into buying fake antiretroviral drugs.”
Rather, in September 2011, we detected problems with generic medicines
purchased through a distributor certified by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of
Kenya. While laboratory tests confirmed the drugs’ medicinal properties,
the drugs had been repackaged with falsified expiration dates. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Upon discovery of the tampered dates, we
immediately alerted the Kenyan health authorities, quarantined the drugs in
question, traced and notified all affected patients, secured adequate
replacement drugs and provided medical follow-up. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Any strategy designed to prevent the
distribution of fake drugs must ensure that access to much-needed lifesaving
medicines is not curtailed. While the date tampering could have happened with
patented drugs, it is generics that often wrongly fall under the too broad
definition of “counterfeit.” <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Most of our more than 200,000 patients treated
for H.I.V./AIDS in more than 20 countries are alive today thanks to quality-assured
generic medications. Millions more in the developing world living with AIDS or
other diseases rely on generics. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">While it is important to improve systems that
protect patients from harmful fake medicines — both patented and generic
— the problem in many countries is not the need for more laws, but the
need for improved enforcement of already existing laws and more resources for
drug regulatory authorities. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">JENNIFER COHN, Medical Coordinator, Médecins
Sans Frontières Access Campaign<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">Geneva</span></font></span><u></u><u></u><span><font color="#666666" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#666666" lang="EN">, Nov. 27, 2012 <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><b><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">UNAIDS WEB.SITE<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">========================<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Eastern Europe</span></font></span><u></u><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">’s growing HIV
epidemic under scrutiny <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">UNAIDS<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">05/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">Government officials,
civil society representatives—including people living with HIV—and
other experts in the AIDS response gathered in Warsaw, Poland to discuss the
challenges faced by the region with the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the
world.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">At the 19th annual
conference on HIV, which took place from 3-4 December hosted by the Ministry of
Health of Poland, participants shared best practices and explored opportunities
to strengthen the AIDS response in Eastern and Central Europe.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">“For obvious
reasons, we are trying to focus on the situation of <u></u>Eastern
Europe<u></u>, as this is the region where the epidemic dynamic is the
highest in the world,” said Igor Radziewicz-Winnicki, Under Secretary of
State, Ministry of Health. “It is one of the major epidemiological
challenges at the moment,” he added.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">According to UNAIDS,
between 2001 and 2011, the estimated number of people living with HIV in
Eastern Europe and Central Asia increased by more than 50% from 970,000 to 1.4
million. Furthermore, despite the scale up of antiretroviral coverage in the
last years only an estimated 25% of people eligible for HIV treatment are
receiving it.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB">The epidemics in the
region continue to be fuelled by injecting drug use where countries have had
limited progress in slowing the spread of HIV among people who inject drugs.
Evidence from recently published studies suggests that accessibility to needle
and syringe programmes is low in most countries in the region. Access to other
HIV prevention methods such as condoms, HIV testing or treatment is also very
limited for people who use drugs.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial">In her keynote address, UNAIDS Deputy
Executive Director, Management and Governance, Jan Beagle highlighted the need
to scale up evidence-based and country-specific HIV prevention programmes
focusing on the needs of key populations at higher risk. She also emphasized
the need to increase access to antiretroviral treatment for all eligible
persons in the region.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial">Although funding for HIV prevention
programmes for people who inject drugs has increased in some countries, most of
this increase results from the efforts of international donors. Domestic public
sector sources in the region provide only 15% of spending on HIV prevention
programmes for people who inject drugs. Ms Beagle called on political leaders
to commit to scale up domestic investment and to increase national ownership of
such programmes.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial">“Leaders in the region need to
demonstrate strong political will to focus on the right programmes for the
right people, to increase domestic investment, and to be role models in
reducing HIV–related stigma and discrimination.” stated Ms Beagle.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><u></u><u></u><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial">Poland</span></font><u></u><u></u><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial">: Chairing the
UNAIDS Board<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial">The host country of this year’s
conference will be the next Chair of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating board
that will take place from 11-13 December in <u></u><u></u>Geneva<u></u>, <u></u>Switzerland<u></u><u></u>.
<u></u><u></u>Poland<u></u><u></u>
is the first country of the region to be elected as Vice-chair and subsequently
Chair of the UNAIDS board which is a clear recognition of their leadership in
the region. <u></u><u></u>Poland<u></u><u></u>
has played a critical role in making the issues affecting the region more
visible to the Board.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial">Ms Beagle pointed out <u></u><u></u>Poland<u></u><u></u>’s
exemplary collaboration with civil society organizations in designing and
implementing its own national AIDS strategy. “This is a model of
political engagement at multiple levels—international, regional, national
and local,” stated Ms Beagle.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_FromUNAIDSorg02"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">2<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan supporting pregnant women living with HIV on World AIDS
Day <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">UNAIDS<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">03/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">On
World AIDS Day, UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
visited local hospital facilities in her hometown of Mumbai, India to learn
more about the services provided to HIV positive pregnant women.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Mrs
Rai Bachchan toured the facilities of the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical
College and General Hospital in Mumbai where she had the opportunity to speak
to pregnant women living with HIV benefitting from HIV services. “I am
very impressed with what I have been seeing. The women I spoke with will all
have healthy babies because they have access to the needed medicines,”
said Mrs Rai Bachchan.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Mrs
Rai Bachchan emphasised the importance of all pregnant women to go for an HIV
test and to know their status. Accessing HIV services on time will contribute
to stopping new HIV infections among children and keeping the mothers healthy.
“I commit to work towards the elimination of new HIV infections among
children not only in India, but globally,” she said.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial">During the
visit to the hospital, Mrs Rai Bachchan also met with Aradhana Johri,
Additional Secretary of the National AIDS Control Programme. Ms Johri stressed
that the HIV prevalence in the country had declined to 0.27% as of 2011, new
HIV infections had been reduced by more than half and HIV related deaths had
also come down. "We are proud to be associated with what has been
recognised as a global success,” said Ms Johri. “We are balancing a
prevention approach with treatment and lastly, we are working to ensure that
every person who is infected lives a life of dignity."<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><a name="13b7079d250265a0_FromUNAIDSorg03"><b><font color="white" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:white;font-weight:bold" lang="EN-GB">3<u></u><u></u></span></font></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">Gaming for HIV prevention: a public-private
partnership in <u></u><u></u>Gabon<u></u><u></u>
<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="EN-GB">UNAIDS<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#e93e35" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#e93e35" lang="ES-TRAD">03/12/2012<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font color="#ff99cc" face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#ff99cc" lang="ES-TRAD"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">According
to the Ministry of Health of Gabon, only 1 out of 2 young Gabonese aged 15-24
have a comprehensive knowledge on HIV in a country where the prevalence rate
among youth aged 15-24 is about 4.8%, and 15% of youth have sexual
relationships before the age of 15.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">In
an effort to revolutionise HIV prevention in Gabon, Shell Gabon in co-operation
with the non-governmental organization Aiducators4life, the government and
UNICEF launched an innovative tool aimed at stimulating discussions on HIV
among youth (13+) in the country.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">“Shell
is truly committed to slow the spread of HIV in this country,” said the
Director General of Shell Gabon, Adrian Drewett who officially launched the
board game on the 3rd of December at Lycee Paul Indjendjet Gondjout in Libreville.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">The
new tool consists of an interactive board game called “Vie2Jeune”.
Aligned with Gabonese culture and customs, the game provides relevant
information for young people on topics like safe sex, sexually transmitted
infections, facts about HIV, teenage pregnancies and discrimination against
people living with HIV. There are about 60 information cards and 60 question
cards that are used while playing the game.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">This
board game was successfully launched in Zambia in 2009. The new French version
was developed by Aiducators4life in cooperation with a French biology teacher
and a French language teacher. The game is approved by medical experts and it
has been tested extensively in schools in both Libreville and Gamba.<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">The
entertaining format of the game makes it easily acceptable in many cultures and
people groups especially where readership is low. “This is a very direct
and very ‘fun’ approach to learning about HIV,” said UNAIDS
coordinator in Gabon, Ms Inge Tack. “We noticed during the tests that
this approach was very effective and also different to the current methods used
in schools.”<u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.0pt"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="PT-BR">Shell
Gabon will finance 1000 games for secondary schools in Gamba and Libreville.
The final objective is to provide all Gabonese secondary schools with the game
which has just been approved for educational purpose by the Gabonese Ministry
of Education. The distribution of the game will start in January 2013. <u></u><u></u></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span><font face="Arial" size="1"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:Arial" lang="EN-GB"><u></u> <u></u></span></font></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>HIV TWG Listserv<br><br>Address to post message: <a href="mailto:hivaids-twg@ngocentre.org.vn">hivaids-twg@ngocentre.org.vn</a><br><br>Subscribe to the listserv: <a href="http://mailman.ngocentre.org.vn/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/hivaids-twg">http://mailman.ngocentre.org.vn/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/hivaids-twg</a> <br>