MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of the International AIDS Society' source. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:37:13 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3367840&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F10 Conclusions: Weekend CVCT, though new, was feasible in both capital cities. The beneficial impact of CVCT on loss to follow up was significant, while nevirapine compliance was similar in women tested alone or with their partners. Pre-measured nevirapine syrup syringes provided flexibility to HIV-positive mothers in Lusaka, but may have contributed to study loss to follow up. These two prevention interventions remain a challenge, with CVCT still operating without supportive government policy in Zambia. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3367840 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3367840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339226&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F9 Conclusions: The major challenges in the delivery of paediatric HIV services were related to the knowledge gap in paediatric HIV and the lack of counselling skills, as well as health system-related constraints. There is a need to train health workers in child-counselling skills, especially in the issues of disclosure, sexuality and sexual abuse, as well as in addressing fears related to death and an uncertain future, in order to improve paediatric HIV care. Provision of child-friendly services, guidelines and antiretroviral formulations for children may provide a window of hope to improve HIV counselling and testing services for children. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339226 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3339226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3339227&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F8 Conclusions: Patients in home based care for HIV/AIDS who never initiated ART experienced greater financial and logistical barriers to seeking HIV care and had more negative perceptions about the benefits of the treatment. Future efforts to expand access to ARV care should consider ways to reduce these barriers in order to encourage more of those medically eligible for ARVs to initiate care. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3339227 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3339227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3324595&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F7 Conclusions: The rate of condom use at first sexual intercourse is low among the students. It indicates students are exposed to health hazards through their sexual behaviour. If low use of condom at first sex continues, vulnerable sexual networks will grow among them that allow quicker spreading of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Findings from this study point to areas that policy and programmes can address to provide youth with access to the kinds of information and services they need to achieve healthy sexual and reproductive lives. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3324595 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3324595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3252300&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F6 Research shows that gender power inequity in relationships and intimate partner violence places women at enhanced risk of HIV infection. Men who have been violent towards their partners are more likely to have HIV. Men's behaviours show a clustering of violent and risky sexual practices, suggesting important connections. This paper draws on Connell's notion of hegemonic masculinity and reflections on emphasised femininities to argue that these sexual, and male violent, practices are rooted in and flow from cultural ideals of gender identities. The latter enable us to understand why men and women behave as they do, and the emotional and material context within which sexual behaviours are enacted.In South Africa, whilst gender identities show diversity, the dominant ideal of Black African ma... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3252300 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3252300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3241425&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F5 Conclusions: Such results suggest that there is a need for in-depth behavioural research and serological studies in this domain to better understand the determinants of risky sexual behaviour among the hearing impaired, and to propose operational prevention approaches for this group. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3241425 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3241425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3233286&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F4 Conclusions: This is the first study from an industrialized country to show a faster CD4 cell decline and higher rate of subsequent virological failure with subtype D infection. Further studies are needed to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for the greater virulence of subtype D. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3233286 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3233286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3187103&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F3 Conclusion: The integration approach enables the public sector PHC system to test more patients for HIV, place more patients on ART more quickly and efficiently, reduce loss-to-follow-up, and achieve greater geographic HIV care coverage compared to the vertical model. Through the integration process, HIV resources have been used to rehabilitate PHC infrastructure (including laboratories and pharmacies), strengthen supervision, fill workforce gaps, and improve patient flow between services and facilities in ways that can benefit all programs. Using aid resources to integrate and better link HIV care with existing services can strengthen wider PHC systems. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3187103 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3187103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3177399&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F2 Conclusions: In 32% of the countries in the European Region, there are either some kind of HIV-related travel restrictions, or we were unable to determine if such restrictions are in force. Most of these countries defend restrictions as being justified by public health concerns. However, there is no evidence that denying HIV-positive foreigners access to a country is effective in protecting public health. Governments should revise legislation on HIV-related travel restrictions and in the meantime a joint effort is needed to draw attention to the continuing discrimination and stigmatization of PLHIV that takes place in the European Region where such laws and policies are still in force. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3177399 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3177399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3161256&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F13%2F1%2F1 In 2007 an estimated 33 million people were living with HIV; 67% resided in sub-Saharan Africa, with 35% in eight countries alone. In 2007, there were about 1.4 million HIV-positive tuberculosis cases. Globally, approximately 4 million people had been given highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) by the end of 2008, but in 2007, an estimated 6.7 million were still in need of HAART and 2.7 million more became infected with HIV.Although there has been unprecedented investment in confronting HIV/AIDS - the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates $13.8 billion was spent in 2008 - a key challenge is how to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic given limited and potentially shrinking resources. Economic disparities may further exacerbate human rights issues and widen the increasingly d... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3161256 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3161256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3094219&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F38 Conclusion: Despite advanced disease presentation and a very large-scale programme, high-quality care was achieved as indicated by good long-term clinical, immunologic and virologic outcomes and a low rate of second-line HAART initiation. High rates of single drug substitution suggest that the public health approach to HAART could be further improved by the use of a more durable first-line regimen. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3094219 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3094219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3083618&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F37 Conclusions: The total lost benefits of ART not reaching the people who need it are estimated at 3.8 million life years for the period, 2000 to 2005. The economic cost of those lost life years over this period has been estimated at more than US$15 billion. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3083618 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3083618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3080780&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F36 Clinical and epidemiologic research has identified increasingly effective interventions to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission in resource-limited settings These scientific breakthroughs have been implemented in some programs, although much remains to be done to improve coverage and quality of these programs. But prevention of HIV transmission is not enough. It is necessary also to consider ways to improve maternal health and protect child survival. A win-win approach is to ensure that all pregnant and lactating women with CD4 counts (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3080780 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3080780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3046232&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F35 Conclusion: Despite suggestions that family-based approaches to preventing adolescent HIV infection may be culturally inappropriate, our results suggest that a family-based intervention to prevent adolescent HIV infection is feasible if it: (1) provides families with comprehensive HIV prevention strategies and knowledge; (2) addresses barriers to participation; (3) is adolescent friendly, flexible and convenient; and (4) is developmentally and culturally appropriate for rural Indian families. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3046232 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3046232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3035147&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F35 Conclusions: Despite suggestions that family-based approaches to preventing adolescent HIV infection may be culturally inappropriate, our results suggest that a family-based intervention to prevent adolescent HIV infection is feasible for rural Indian families if it (1) provides families with relevant family-based prevention strategies and knowledge about HIV/AIDS, (2) addresses barriers to participation, (3) is adolescent-friendly, flexible, and convenient, and (4) is developmentally and culturally appropriate. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3035147 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3035147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3010230&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F10 Conclusions: Despite suggestions that family-based approaches to preventing adolescent HIV infection may be culturally inappropriate, our results suggest that a family-based intervention to prevent adolescent HIV infection is feasible for rural Indian families if it (1) provides families with relevant family-based prevention strategies and knowledge about HIV/AIDS, (2) addresses barriers to participation, (3) is adolescent-friendly, flexible, and convenient, and (4) is developmentally and culturally appropriate. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3010230 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3010230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3046233&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F34 This systematic review focuses on empirical work on disability and HIV/AIDS in Africa in the past decade and considers all the literature currently accessible. The review presents data from different surveys and summarizes the findings. In this way, it convincingly reveals that people with disabilities are very vulnerable to contracting HIV, and lack access to information, testing and treatment. The review further reveals gaps in the research and areas of concern. While vulnerability and accessibility have been investigated, there are few prevalence studies or evaluations available. A certain amount of work has focused on the deaf population, but little has been done for other disability groups. A growing area of concern is sexual abuse and exploitation of people with disabilities. Only a ... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3046233 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3046233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2986814&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F9 This systematic review focuses on empirical work on disability and HIV/AIDS in Africa in the past decade and considers all the literature currently accessible. The review presents data from different surveys and summarizes the findings. In this way, it convincingly reveals that people with disabilities are very vulnerable to contracting HIV, and lack access to information, testing and treatment. The review further reveals gaps in the research and areas of concern. While vulnerability and accessibility have been investigated, there are few prevalence studies or evaluations available. A certain amount of work has focused on the deaf population, but little has been done for other disability groups. A growing area of concern is sexual abuse and exploitation of people with disabilities. Only a ... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2986814 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2986814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3046235&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F32 Conclusion: The proportion of HIV-positive formal sector employees in Namibia is in line with national prevalence estimates and varies widely by employment sector. Following the surveys, there was a considerable increase in private health insurance uptake. This suggests that anonymous HIV workplace surveys can serve as a tool to motivate private companies to provide health insurance to their workforce. Health insurance taken up by those who are able to pay the fees will alleviate the burden on the public sector. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3046235 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3046235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3046234&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F33 Conclusion: Our study suggests that CSF leukocyte count influences CSF HIV-1 viral load in patients with meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3046234 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3046234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3035148&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F31 Conclusions: The referral system reduced delays in seeking care, and enabled the monitoring of access to HIV treatment among diagnosed persons. Similar systems to monitor referral uptake and linkages between HIV services could be readily implemented in other settings. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3035148 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3035148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2982872&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F7 Conclusions: The proportion of HIV-positive formal sector employees in Namibia is in line with national prevalence estimates and varies widely by employment sector. Following the surveys, there was a considerable increase in private health insurance uptake. This suggests that anonymous HIV workplace surveys can serve as a tool to motivate private companies to provide health insurance to their workforce. Health insurance taken up by those who are able to pay the fees will alleviate the burden on the public sector. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2982872 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2982872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2982871&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F8 Conclusions: Our study suggests that CSF leukocyte count influences CSF HIV-1 viral load in patients with meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2982871 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2982871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2979123&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F6 Conclusions: The referral system reduced delays in seeking care, and enabled the monitoring of access to HIV treatment among diagnosed persons. Similar systems to monitor referral uptake and linkages between HIV services could be readily implemented in other settings. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2979123 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2979123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3046239&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F26 With the success of antiretrovirals and increased access to this lifesaving treatment, the life expectancy of people living with HIV has been substantially increased and, in many instances, is comparable to that of the general population. However, HIV infection, as well as its treatment, can cause physical, psychological or social disabilities that prevent people living with HIV from full and equal participation in society. At the same time, there is evidence that people with disabilities are at greater risk of contracting HIV. Although more attention is being paid to these overlapping fields, the field of HIV and disability remains largely overlooked.The Journal of the International AIDS Society is publishing, for the first time, a thematic section consisting of a number of papers on HIV ... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3046239 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3046239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3046238&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F27 As part of a partnership arrangement with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada hosted an International Policy Dialogue on HIV/AIDS and Disability from 11 to 13 March 2009 in Ottawa, Canada. The dialogue provided a forum for stakeholders from governments, academia, and non-governmental and multilateral organizations to explore the issues and evidence related to HIV/AIDS and disability, and to chart a way forward in terms of policy and programme development. This meeting report outlines the participants, objectives and high-level outcomes. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3046238 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3046238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3046237&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F28 This article provides an historic overview of the fields of disability and HIV. We describe this area of concern in terms of "fields" versus "a single field" because of the two related but distinct trends that have evolved over time. The first field involves people living with HIV and their experiences of disability, disablement and rehabilitation brought on by the disease and its treatments. The second involves people with disabilities and their experiences of vulnerability to and life with HIV. These two fields have evolved relatively independently over time. However, in the final section of this article, we argue that the divide between these fields is collapsing, and that this collapse is beginning to produce a new understanding about shared concerns, cross-field learning and the mutua... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3046237 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3046237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3046236&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F30 Conclusion: This framework is the first to consider the contextual factors that influence experiences of disability from the perspective of adults living with HIV. Extrinsic factors (level of social support and stigma) and intrinsic factors (living strategies and personal attributes) may exacerbate or alleviate episodes of HIV-related disability. These factors offer a broader understanding of the disability experience and may suggest ways to prevent or reduce disability for adults living with HIV. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3046236 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3046236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3035149&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F29 Stigma and discrimination constitute one of the greatest barriers to dealing effectively with the HIV epidemic, underlying a range of human rights violations and hindering access to prevention, care, treatment and support. There is some existing protection against HIV-based discrimination under international law, but the extent of states' obligations to address such discrimination has not been comprehensively addressed in an international instrument.The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force in May 2008. As countries ratify the convention, they are required to amend national laws and policies to give greater protection to the human rights of people with disabilities, including abolishing disability-based discrimination by the state and prote... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3035149 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3035149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3028066&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F2 As part of a partnership arrangement with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada hosted an International Policy Dialogue on HIV/AIDS and Disability from 11 to 13 March 2009 in Ottawa, Canada. The dialogue provided a forum for stakeholders from governments, academia, and non-governmental and multilateral organizations to explore the issues and evidence related to HIV/AIDS and disability, and to chart a way forward in terms of policy and programme development. This meeting report outlines the participants, objectives and high-level outcomes. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3028066 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3028066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2975210&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F1 With the success of antiretrovirals and increased access to this lifesaving treatment, the life expectancy of people living with HIV has been substantially increased and, in many instances, is comparable to that of the general population. However, HIV infection, as well as its treatment, can cause physical, psychological or social disabilities that prevent people living with HIV from full and equal participation in society. At the same time, there is evidence that people with disabilities are at greater risk of contracting HIV. Although more attention is being paid to these overlapping fields, the field of HIV and disability remains largely overlooked.The Journal of the International AIDS Society is publishing, for the first time, a thematic section consisting of a number of papers on HIV ... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2975210 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2975210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2975209&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F2 As part of a partnership arrangement with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada hosted an International Policy Dialogue on HIV/AIDS and Disability from 11 to 13 March 2009 in Ottawa, Canada. The dialogue provided a forum for stakeholders from governments, academia, and non-governmental and multilateral organizations to explore the issues and evidence related to HIV/AIDS and disability, and to chart a way forward in terms of policy and programme development. This meeting report outlines the participants, objectives and high-level outcomes. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2975209 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2975209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2975208&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F3 This article provides an historic overview of the fields of disability and HIV. We describe this area of concern in terms of "fields" versus "a single field" because of the two related but distinct trends that have evolved over time. The first field involves people living with HIV and their experiences of disability, disablement and rehabilitation brought on by the disease and its treatments. The second involves people with disabilities and their experiences of vulnerability to and life with HIV. These two fields have evolved relatively independently over time. However, in the final section of this article, we argue that the divide between these fields is collapsing, and that this collapse is beginning to produce a new understanding about shared concerns, cross-field learning and the mutua... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2975208 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2975208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2975207&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F4 Stigma and discrimination constitute one of the greatest barriers to dealing effectively with the HIV epidemic, underlying a range of human rights violations and hindering access to prevention, care, treatment and support. There is some existing protection against HIV-based discrimination under international law, but the extent of states' obligations to address such discrimination has not been comprehensively addressed in an international instrument.The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force in May 2008. As countries ratify the convention, they are required to amend national laws and policies to give greater protection to the human rights of people with disabilities, including abolishing disability-based discrimination by the state and prote... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2975207 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2975207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2975206&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F2%2F1%2F5 Conclusions: This framework is the first to consider the contextual factors that influence experiences of disability from the perspective of adults living with HIV. Extrinsic factors (level of social support and stigma) and intrinsic factors (living strategies and personal attributes) may exacerbate or alleviate episodes of HIV-related disability. These factors offer a broader understanding of the disability experience and may suggest ways to prevent or reduce disability for adults living with HIV. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2975206 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2975206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924255&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F25 Conclusions: Despite a low rate of therapeutic failure (4%) among these patients, those who failed possessed high numbers of resistance mutations as well as novel resistance mutations and/or polymorphisms at sites within reverse transcriptase and protease. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924255 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2924255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924256&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F24 Conclusion: Improvements in hospitals and within government offices are necessary to strengthen the vital registration system. These should include such strategies as training physicians and coders in accurate reporting and recording of death statistics, implementing continuous quality assurance methods, and working with the government to underscore the importance of using mortality statistics in future evidence-based planning. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924256 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2924256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2873731&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F23 IntroductionLesotho has the third highest HIV prevalence in the world (an adult prevalence of 23.2%). Despite a lack of resources for health, the country has implemented state-of-the-art antiretroviral treatment guidelines, including early initiation of treatment ( (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2873731 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2873731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2844504&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F22 Conclusions: We found that an ART delivery model that shifted patient monitoring and antiretroviral dispensing tasks into the community by HIV-infected patients was both acceptable and feasible.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT00371540 (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2844504 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2844504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2808790&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F21 Conclusions: In an African HIV-infected ambulatory population presenting with new onset headache, aetiology was found in at least 70%. Cryptococcal meningitis and sinusitis accounted for more than half of the cases. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2808790 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2808790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2805855&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F19 Conclusions: The distribution of HIV incidence for birth cohorts by infection year suggests that the HIV epidemic continues to affect older homosexual men as much as, if not more than, younger men. The results are useful for evaluating the impact of the epidemic across successive birth cohorts and study trends among the age groups most at risk. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2805855 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2805855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2805854&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F20 Use of antiretrovirals is widespread in Brazil, where more than 200,000 individuals are under treatment. Although general prevalence of primary antiretroviral resistance in Brazil is low, systematic sampling in large metropolitan areas has not being performed.The HIV Threshold Survey methodology (HIV-THS, WHO) was utilized, targeting Brazil's four major regions and selecting the six most populated state capitals: Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Porto Alegre, Brasilia and Belem. We were able to sequence samples from 210 individuals with recent HIV diagnosis, 17 of them (8.1%) carrying HIV isolates with primary antiretroviral resistance mutations. Five, nine and four isolates showed mutations related to resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside re... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2805854 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2805854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2798425&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F18 Conclusions: We conclude that the increase in economic growth that results from addressing HIV/AIDS is sufficient to offset the population pressure placed on income poverty. Moreover, incentives to mitigate HIV/AIDS lie not only with poorer infected households, but also with uninfected higher income households.Our findings reveal the substantial burden that HIV/AIDS places on future economic development in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa, and confirms the need for policies to curb the economic costs of the pandemic. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2798425 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2798425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2739260&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F17 Conclusion: In settings where most minors are unaware of their HIV infection, researchers should consider excluding the term, "HIV", when explaining HIV-related research to minors, and omitting it from assent forms or informational sheets related to research participation. However, an individualized disclosure plan should be initiated with parents and caregivers at the time of enrolment in HIV-related research, particularly in research that involves treatment. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2739260 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2739260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2735867&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F16 Conclusion: The study identified the beginning of a change in the experiences of HIV-positive people, or those at risk of HIV, in their seeking of health care. With focused, contemporary HIV education and training, the beginning of positive changes in the knowledge base and attitude of health providers seemed to be apparent to some participants of this study. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2735867 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2735867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2676306&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F15 The purpose of this review paper is to provide information and guidance to those in the health care setting about why it is important to combat HIV-related stigma and how to successfully address its causes and consequences within health facilities. Research shows that stigma and discrimination in the health care setting and elsewhere contributes to keeping people, including health workers, from accessing HIV prevention, care and treatment services and adopting key preventive behaviours.Studies from different parts of the world reveal that there are three main immediately actionable causes of HIV-related stigma in health facilities: lack of awareness among health workers of what stigma looks like and why it is damaging; fear of casual contact stemming from incomplete knowledge about HIV tra... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2676306 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2676306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2607814&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F13 Background: Identification of factors that determine quality of life is important in order to better tailor health and social care services, and thereby improve the functioning and well being of people living with HIV. The estimated number of people living with HIV in eastern Europe and central Asia is 1.6 million. Little is known about the quality of life of people living with HIV in this region. The main purpose of the present study was to identify the factors influencing quality of life in a sample of HIV-infected persons in Estonia. Methods: A convenient sample of 451 patients attending three infectious diseases clinics for routine HIV clinical care visits was recruited for a cross-sectional survey. The World Health Organization's Quality of Life HIV instrument was used to measure qual... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2607814 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2607814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2607813&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F14 IntroductionThe overlapping drug toxicity profiles, drug-drug interactions and complications of management of both HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in patients with advanced HIV have not been fully delineated. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of the outcomes of tuberculosis treatment among 69 HIV-infected patients with TB, who were hospitalized in Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran between 2002 and 2007, and who received standard category 1 (CAT-1) regimens. Group I (N=47) included those treated from 2002 to 2005 with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiated after eight weeks of TB treatment for those whose CD4 count was (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2607813 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2607813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2589894&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F12 Global AIDS policy still treats HIV as an exceptional case, abstracting from the context in which infection occurs. Policy is based on a simplistic theory of HIV causation, and evaluated using outdated tools of health economics. Recent calls for a health systems strategy - preventing and treating HIV within a programme of comprehensive health care - have not yet influenced the silo approach of AIDS policy.Evidence continues to accumulate, showing that multiple factors, such as malnutrition, malaria and helminthes, increase the risk of sexual and vertical transmission of HIV. Moreover, complementary interventions that reduce viral load, improve immune response, and interrupt pathways of transmission could increase the effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs and other tools of AIDS policy.In h... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2589894 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2589894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2557997&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F11 Ninety percent of HIV-1-infected people worldwide harbour non-subtype B variants of HIV-1. Yet knowledge of resistance mutations in non-B HIV-1 and their clinical relevance is limited. Although a few reviews, editorials and perspectives have been published alluding to this lack of data among non-B subtypes, no systematic review has been performed to date.With this in mind, we conducted a systematic review (1996-2008) of all published studies performed on the basis of non-subtype B HIV-1 infections treated with antiretroviral drugs that reported genotype resistance tests. Using an established search string, 50 studies were deemed relevant for this review.These studies reported genotyping data from non-B HIV-1 infections that had been treated with either reverse transcriptase inhibitors or p... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2557997 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2557997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2551317&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F10 Interaction with the chemokine receptor, CCR5, is a necessary precondition for maintaining HIV-1 infection. Individuals with the CCR5-delta32 deletion who lack this receptor are highly resistant to infection by the most common forms of HIV-1. We recently reported on the successful transplantation in an HIV-1-positive patient of allogeneic stem cells homozygous for the CCR5-delta32 allele, which stopped viral replication for more than 27 months without antiretroviral therapy.Here, we report on the results of a meeting regarding the potential implications and future directions of stem cell-targeted HIV treatments. The meeting drew together an international panel of hematologists, immunologists, HIV specialists and representatives from bone marrow donor registries.The meeting came to an agree... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2551317 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2551317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2524912&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F9 Conclusions: By explicitly modeling the underlying abrupt changes in mortality risk after initiation ofantiretroviral therapy we are able to estimate their number and location in a rigorous, data-driven manner. Theexistence of a high early risk of death after initiation of antiretroviral therapy and the determination of itsduration has direct implications for the optimal management of patients initiating therapy in this setting. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2524912 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2524912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2490733&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F8 Background: As highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) becomes increasingly available to African children, it is important to evaluate simple and feasible methods of improving adherence in order to maximize benefits of therapy. Methods: HIV-1-infected children initiating World Health Organization non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase-inhibitor-containing first-line HAART regimens were randomized to use medication diaries plus counselling, or counselling only (the control arm of the study). The diaries were completed daily by caregivers of children randomized to the diary and counselling arm for nine months. HIV-1 RNA, CD4+ T cell count, and z-scores for weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height were measured at a baseline and every three to six months. Self-reported adherenc... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2490733 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2490733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2437827&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F7 The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a major issue facing Botswana, with overall adult HIV prevalence estimated to be 25.7 percent in 2007. This paper estimates the cost and impact of the draft Ministry of Health male circumcision strategy using the UNAIDS/WHO Decision-Makers' Programme Planning Tool (DMPPT). Demographic data and HIV prevalence estimates from the recent National AIDS Coordinating Agency estimations are used as input to the DMPPT to estimate the impact of scaling-up male circumcision on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These data are supplemented by programmatic information from the draft Botswana National Strategy for Safe Male Circumcision, including information on unit cost and program goals. Alternative scenarios were developed in consultation with stakeholders. Results suggest ... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2437827 Wed, 27 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2437827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2392956&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F6 As sub-Saharan African countries continue to scale up of antiretroviral treatment (ART), there has been an increasing emphasis on moving provision of services from hospital level to the primary care clinic level. ART delivery at the clinic level increases the number of entry points to care, while the greater proximity of services encourages retention in care. In Tete city, Mozambique, patients on ART were rapidly down referred from a provincial hospital to four urban clinics in large numbers without careful planning, resulting in a number of patients being lost-to-follw up. We outline some key lessons learnt to support down referral, including the need to improve processs management, clinic infrastructure, monitoring systems, and patient preparation. Down referral can be avoided by initiat... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2392956 Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2392956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2360516&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F5 This study examined health-related quality of life among HIV-positive individuals initiating HAART in Cape Town, South Africa, and explored the impact of HAART-related drug toxicities on quality of life. Methods: Health-related quality of life was assessed using a standardised questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36. Physical health summary scores and mental health summary scores were compared pre-HAART and at regular intervals during the first 48 weeks of HAART. The relationships between socio-demographic, baseline and on-treatment variables and decline in health-related quality of life, as well as the impact of drug toxicities on quality of life, were assessed in unadjusted bivariate and adjusted multivariate analyses. Results: Two hundred and ninety-five patients were ... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2360516 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2360516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2264215&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F4 Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS represents a mobilising and an organising principle for the involvement of people living with HIV in program and policy responses. People with HIV have been at the forefront of designing and implementing effective HIV treatment, care and prevention activities. However, governments and health systems have yet to act to fully harness the potential and resources of people living with HIV in addressing the epidemic. The lives and experiences of people living with HIV highlight the need for a shift in the existing paradigm of disease management. The high prevalence of HIV amongst health care providers in many countries, exacerbated by stigma towards those with HIV in the health care professions, is seriously undermining the capacity of health ... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2264215 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2264215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2151139&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F12%2F1%2F2 Since the announcement of the STEP trial results in the past months, we have heard many sober pronouncements on the possibility of an HIV vaccine. On the other hand, optimistic quotations have been liberally used, from Shakespeare's Henry V's "Once more unto the breach, dear friends" to Winston Churchill's definition of success as "going from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm". I will forgo optimistic quotations for the phrase "Sang Froid", which translates literally from the French as "cold blood"; what it really means is to avoid panic when things look bad, to step back and coolly evaluate the situation. This is not to counsel easy optimism or to fly in face of the facts, but I believe that while the situation is serious, it is not desperate. I should stipulate at the ou... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2151139 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2151139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2135612&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F11%2F1%2F9 Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have been among the most affected populations by HIV since the AIDS pandemic was first identified in the 1980s. Evidence from a wide range of studies show that these men remain at the highest risk for HIV acquisition in both developed and developing countries, and that despite three decades of evidence of their vulnerability to HIV, they remain under-served and under-studied. Prevention strategies targeted to MSM are markedly under-funded in most countries, leading to limited access to health services including prevention, treatment, and care. We explore the global epidemic among MSM in 2008, the limited funding available globally to respond to these epidemics, and the human rights contexts and factors which drive HIV spread and limi... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2135612 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2135612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2063325&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F11%2F1%2F9 Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have been among the most affected populations by HIV since the AIDS pandemic was first identified in the 1980s. Evidence from a wide range of studies show that these men remain at the highest risk for HIV acquisition in both developed and developing countries, and that despite three decades of evidence of their vulnerability to HIV, they remain under-served and under-studied. Prevention strategies targeted to MSM are markedly under-funded in most countries, leading to limited access to health services including prevention, treatment, and care. We explore the global epidemic among MSM in 2008, the limited funding available globally to respond to these epidemics, and the human rights contexts and factors which drive HIV spread and limi... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2063325 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2063325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2043756&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F11%2F1%2F8 Among the earliest and the most enduring responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been the imposition by governments of entry, stay, and residence restrictions for non-nationals living with HIV and AIDS. Sixty-six of the 186 countries in the world for which data are available currently have some form of restriction in place. Although international human rights law allows for discrimination in the face of public health considerations, such discrimination must be the least intrusive measure required to effectively address the public health concern. HIV-related travel restrictions, by contrast, not only do not protect public health, but result in deleterious effects both at the societal level - negatively impacting HIV prevention and treatment efforts - and at the individual level, affecting, i... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2043756 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2043756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2001030&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F11%2F1%2F7 The widespread phenomenon of enacting HIV-specific laws to criminally punish transmission of, exposure to, or non-disclosure of HIV, is counter-active to good public health conceptions and repugnant to elementary human rights principles. The authors provide ten reasons why criminal laws and criminal prosecutions are bad strategy in the epidemic. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2001030 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2001030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2001031&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F11%2F1%2F6 HIV associated TB is a major public health problem. In 2006, it was estimated that there were over 700,000 people who suffered from HIV associated TB, of whom about 200, 000 have died. The burden of HIV associated TB is greatest in Sub-Saharan Africa where the TB epidemic is primarily driven by HIV. There has been steady progress made in reducing the burden of HIV in TB patients with an increasing number of TB patients tested for HIV and provided with cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) and anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Less progress is being made to reduce the burden of TB in people living with HIV. The number of HIV infected persons reported to have been screened for TB was less than 1% while Isoniazid preventive therapy was reported to have been provided to less than 0.1% of eligi... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2001031 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2001031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2001034&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F11%2F1%2F1 This editorial welcomes readers to the launch of Journal of the International AIDS society. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2001034 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2001034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2001033&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F11%2F1%2F2 Conclusion: The J2J program helps to increase global awareness of pertinent HIV/AIDS concepts. Through this professional development strategy, journalists from around the world may help to amplify efforts to prevent new HIV infections and quench the dissemination of inaccurate information and folklore. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society) Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2001033 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2001033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2001032&cid=s_38189_20_f&fid=38189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jiasociety.org%2Fcontent%2F11%2F1%2F3 The effect of conflict on HIV transmission and regional and global security has been the subject of much recent discussion and debate. Many long held assumptions regarding these relationships are being reconsidered. Conflict has long been assumed to contribute significantly to the spread of HIV infection. However, new research is casting doubt on this assumption. Studies from Africa suggest that conflict does not necessarily predispose to HIV transmission and indeed, there is evidence to suggest that recovery in the "post-conflict" state is potentially dangerous from the standpoint of HIV transmission. As well, refugee populations have been previously considered as highly infected vectors of HIV transmission. But in light of new investigation this belief is also being reconsidered. There h... Journal of the International AIDS Society journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2001032 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2001032