State of Silent Crisis

Urgent action needs to take place now for mortality rates in Central African Republic (CAR) are skyrocketing through the roof.  Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), medical aid group, has come forth and called on donor governments and development agencies to come through with their commitments of foreign assistance, whether it be through funds or humanitarian acts.  As one of world's poorest countries, ranking 179 out of 187 countries in the 2011 UN Human Development Index, life expectancy in CAR is 48 (second lowest in the world).  Cause of most deaths?  Malnutrition and diseases, like malaria, HIV and Aids, that could have been prevented or treated if necessary resources were at their disposal.  Also, with the notorious workings of Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), violence, rape, and abduction are contributing factors to the high death rates.  

Sure, health funding is allocated, but it appears that international donors are becoming less involved dropping from $39m in 2005 to $9.9m in 2009.  So, the issue at hand, accountability.  People need to start stepping up to the plate and be good on their commitments for their lives are ultimately in your hands.    

Sean Healey, MSF humanitarian affairs officer, said "The Central African Republican falls into the category of forgotten crises.  It is not receiving the humanitarian commitment that it should."

-Georisa Chang

SOURCE: The Guardian

The Gumption of Youths to Shape Our Future

In light of the many challenges the world is currently faced with, rising unemployment rates to severe climate changes, people are apprehensive about what lies ahead.  Despite the global unease, the young people are taking charge.

Don’t underestimate the power of the young people in the world.  This segment of society plays a vital role in building a better future that ensures “peace, prosperity, freedom, and justice for all”.  They are accomplishing more to shape this world for the better than we actually give them credit for.  Their efforts in fighting poverty and hunger, protecting the environment, acts of HIV/AIDS prevention, and taking a stand against discrimination (gender, race, or sexual orientation) should not go unnoticed.  With the limited resources they have and their gumption to stand up for what they believe in, there is no stopping them from changing this world for the better.

Also, communication today has transformed with advancements in technology and social media allowing them to globally connect and widen their perspective on the world around them.  The more they interact with the world, the more they learn, the more likely they will want to get involved.  They are our future; let their voice be heard, loud and proud.    

“They are, in short, demanding the dignity and opportunities that are their right.”

-Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General

-Georisa Chang

SOURCE: UN News

HIV AIDS Finally Has A Cure!!!

You cannot get better news than this one: AIDS finally has a cure! You are not hearing it wrong because it is true. A 45 year old man living in San Francisco, California has become the first person ever who has been cured of the deadly disease, HIV AIDS because of the discovery of an apparent HIV immunity gene.

Known as “The Berlin Patient”, Timothy Ray Brown was tested positive for HIV back in 1995. In 2007, Brown was living in Berlin, Germany dealing with HIV and leukemia, when scientists there gave him a bone marrow stem cell transplant. Scientists said that Brown received stem cells from a donor who was “immune to HIV”. An interesting note: about 1% of Caucasians are immune to HIV. Some researchers believe that the immunity gene goes back to the Great Plague: people who survived the plague passed their immunity down and their heirs have it today.

In Brown’s own word, “I quit taking my HIV medication the day that I got the transplant and haven’t had to take any since. I’m cured of HIV. I had HIV but I don’t anymore.”

UCSF’s Dr. Jay Levy, who co-discovered the HIV virus and is one of the most respected AIDS researchers in the world, said this case opens the door to the field of “cure research.” But the researchers are still using this case as an exception rather than the rule because of the unanswered questions related to the experiment.

Brown’s amazing progress continues to be monitored by doctors at San Francisco General Hospital and at the University of California at San Francisco medical center. The institute said that it plans to begin clinical trials next year in the hopes of replicating Brown’s success for broader populations of people with HIV.

We sincerely hope that the trial works and AIDS finally has a permanent cure for which we have been waiting so long.

-Nisha Noor

SOURCE: <"a href="http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/05/16/apparent-immunity-gene-cures-bay-area-man-of-aids/">CBS SAN FRANCISCO

USAID Funded Initiative Helping to Better the Lives of Young Mozambique Girls

Communities in Mozambique, like many other areas of Sub-Saharan Africa are fighting to better the lives of their children, who will come to endure the harsh realities of the AIDS/HIV virus, poverty, and lack of education among many others. According to the USAID, young women in Africa have increasingly become victim to the hardships of teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, and prostitution.

The Avante Raparigas! (Go Girls!) initiative is a local program in Mozambique that aims to educate and encourage communities in improving communication with young girls about topics such as risky sexual behavior, peer pressure and, alcohol abuse. All too often young girls are having to endure dangers and difficulties that affect the ability to better their futures. This initiative, funded by the USAID through PEPFAR (The U.S. President's Emergency Plan and AIDS Relief) and implemented by John Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, uses visuals, brochures, manuals and, training programs to reach local communities.

The Go Girls! program has been increasingly improving outlooks for the future of young girls in local communities. According to the USAID, "...just one year into the program, teen pregnancies in the Mogovolas District of Nampula Province...dropped all the way to zero." Such a great success provides a platform for young girls to continue schooling, improve community relationships and build trust. Participants of the program stated that, they felt a greater sense of safety at school if their teachers were in the program. This has prompted teachers from other communities to begin exploring the possibility of replicating the program across Mozambique.

Without continued foreign assistance funding and funding for the USAID, program successes such as these will be greatly affected, reducing the possibilities for young women to better their lives through continued education. Please continue to support foreign assistance funding by calling your congressional leaders weekly.

-Kelsey Christianson

SOURCE: USAID

5 More Million US$ Against HIV/AIDS in Bahamas

US Ambassador to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Nicole Avant announced in the Caribbean Regional HIV Prevention Summit celebrated yesterday that the US will provide with 5 million US$ over the next five years in support of the country's fight against HIV/AIDS. The money will come from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, a US Government initiative to combat the disease around the world. This money will complement the existing US Foreign Aid efforts against HIV/AIDS in Bahamas.

US foreign aid against HIV/AIDS in Bahamas, (some 50,000 US$ a year) was distributed by the Embassy in form of small grants for organizations and NGOs that promote HIV/AIDS prevention, public awareness, and also for those that fight HIV/AIDS social stigma. The new PEPFAR funding will support Bahamas's efforts in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

- David Nebreda

SOURCE: The Bahama Journal

UNICEF Gives Hope to Uzbek Children

UNICEF has been supporting day care centers in Uzbekistan for children affected by HIV/AIDs and creating a positive effect in Uzbek communities. Since June 2010, over 550 children who have experienced stigma and discrimination because of their HIV status have found solace in these kinds of centers.

Today, four UNICEF-supported day care centers for children and their families function in the country’s capital, Tashkent and in the provinces of Andijan, Namangan and Fergana. In these centers, children and adults whose lives are impacted by HIV are given access to psycho-social support, medical and legal counseling and most importantly to an environment free of stigma and discrimination. These centers also help surrounding communities by providing HIV/AIDS awareness programs, care and treatment for HIV positive children including orphans, and support groups for families.

By removing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDs, these centers also give families affected by the disease a sense of hope. One mother’s experience is indicative of the positive effect centers have had on people’s lives in Uzbekistan: "When we came to the Center, it was the first time I saw moms like me and children like my son. They were playing, talking and having a good time. I received counseling and openly talked about my problems with other parents. This was a great relief for me. I stopped feeling lonely. This experience completely changed my life and today I am a full time employee of the Center."

-Clare Ortblad

SOURCE: UNICEF

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day, and the UN has recently just issued a global report on the HIV epidemic. The 2010 UNAIDS report shows that since 1999 the overall HIV infection rate has declined almost 20 percent in 10 years. Much of that decline can be attributed to funding from donor nations, such as the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The program funds education about prevention, safe sex, and making condoms more available. Despite the progress, in 2009 more than 33 million people worldwide were living with HIV- with the biggest epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa.

One of the most important components of tackling the AIDS epidemic is providing access to universal treatment. Today, more people than ever before are receiving antiretroviral therapy, which is an approach of treatment for infections of retroviruses, like AIDS. Typically, three or four medications are taken in combination to fight the disease. Although overall access for such treatment has increased, there are substantially greater gains in some regions than in others.

In 2009, nearly 37 percent of people eligible for treatment in sub-Saharan Africa were able to access life-saving medicines. In Central and South America the number is slightly higher with approximately 42% accessing such treatment. Antiretroviral therapy coverage for children is lower than that for adults, and a low percentage of pregnant women were able to receive therapy for their own health. In addition, many key populations at higher risk received very low coverage. Access to treatment needs to be made more available for all populations.

Investing for AIDS is an essential global responsibility. It improves the lives of people living with HIV and lowers future health costs associated with the disease. In 2009, international donors and governments provided $15.9 billion for the global AIDS response. This investment has resulted in more than 5 million people receiving life-saving treatment, basic education and health care access for millions of orphans, and more tolerant social environments due to campaigns that fight the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV. Although there is still much more progress to be made, it is important to recognize what can be accomplished with the strong mobilization of the global community.

-Martina Georgieva

SOURCE: UNAIDS Global Report 2010

IMAGE SOURCE: http://arladii.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/aids-ribbon.jpg

Bill and Melinda Gates on 60 Minutes

Sunday Bill and Melinda Gates were featured on 60 Minutes in a montage of interviews and videos in which they discussed their plans for charitable investments domestically and around the world through their foundation.

The plan is to give away $60 billion. Part of this money will go towards funding The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s global priorities which are HIV/AIDS, malaria, and mother and child deaths. While those are the priorities, the Foundation is also working to eradicate polio where it still exists.

With the opening of The Global Fund’s replenishment meeting today, it is a good time to ask yourself how you would give away that much money. Once you have answered that question, take action. Call your congressional leaders in favor of foreign assistance laws. Call the White House in favor of a higher Global Fund pledge. Most of us are not billionaire philanthropists; however, collectively, we still have the power to create change. As for Melinda Gates, she is less worried about the amount of money they invest than with the result that is going to come from that investment.

-Kelli Hanson

SOURCE: CBS News

New Steps in HIV Vaccine

In May 2010, Seth Berkley addressed the TED audience about new steps towards a vaccine for HIV, the disease that leads to the development of AIDS. HIV is the most complicated virus that scientists have ever seen. The disease constantly mutates within the human host, sends out decoys when the body first detects a foreign invader, attacks the very cells the immune system uses for defense (T-cells), and genetically modifies the cell it inhabits so that the body begins to produce HIV on its own. It is the constant mutation that makes a vaccine so hard to find. For the flu, each season scientists choose three strains that they expect to be the strongest and make a vaccine. Each person infected with HIV in effect has their own strain.

Tests in April 2010 in Thailand have shown the vaccine works in humans, albeit modestly. Scientists have done this by isolating a part of the HIV cell that does not mutate very much from human to human. Separately, they have also found the antibody that the body produces to fight HIV. They are working to make this antibody stronger, and reshape it to fit to the part of the cell that doesn't mutate. The idea is, once this UNIVERSAL vaccine is given, the body will produce its own strain of these antibodies to fight HIV if it were to become present.

That was a really complicated paragraph, and the TED talk is a bit heady as well, but take a second to read it closely. This means that scientists have discovered the one part of the HIV cell that can be susceptible to a vaccine. They have also found the one antibody that can fight it. This is amazing!

Furthermore, they have found a much cheaper way to produce the vaccines so that they can be globally available faster. Additionally, the same science can be used to find a vaccine for all versions of the flu.

WOW!

-Erica Stetz

SOURCE: TED

Join the Baby Protest

ONE International is staging a Baby Protest. You may rightly be wondering what in the world a baby protest entails. Well, this Baby Protest is a campaign to ensure that no babies are born with HIV by 2015. The protest began at the UN Summit last week, where ONE and other advocacy organizations passed the message on to world leaders. Born HIV Free (a campaign for the Global Fund) also staged a very poignant campaign during the Summit (see video above). However, these campaigns are just beginning.

October 4-5 is the Second Meeting of the Third Voluntary Replenishment of the Global Fund. The Global Fund is a world monetary fund dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Donor countries along with private sector donors will meet to discuss the progress that has been made as well as to pledge more money for the Fund. Since 2002, the Fund has disbursed US$ 19.3 billion for over 572 programs in 144 countries. While this has tremendously helped the fight against these diseases, the bottom line is that more than 1,000 babies per day are still being born with HIV.

The Baby Protest and Born HIV Free are campaigning to end this. To learn more about the Baby Protest or to join go to ONE’s website. You can also act now by visiting Born HIV Free’s website. Both are great resources for learning about the cause and joining the fight against it. We can all help end mother to child transmission of HIV by 2015!

-Kelli Hanson

SOURCE: ONE Blog, The Global Fund

Decline in New HIV Cases in Sub-Saharan Africa

A global decline in new HIV infections is lead by Sub-Saharan Africa, according to UNAids. This is due to greater awareness and better use of preventative measures. UNAids Executive Director, Michel Sidibe said, "for the first time change is happening at the heart of the epidemic. In places where HIV was stealing away dreams, we now have hope." Due to increases in worldwide treatment, 200,000 fewer people died from the virus in 2008 than in 2004. UNAids said "young people are leading the prevention revolution by choosing to have sex later, having fewer multiple partners and using condoms, resulting in significantly fewer new HIV infections in many countries highly affected by AIDS." Additionally, the report also said that the complete elimination of mother-to-child transmission is possible by 2015.

These statistics mark significant progress in the implementation of MDG #6, to halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015.

SOURCE: UNAids Report

-Erica Stetz

Youth Olympics bring opportunity for AIDS awareness

The first-ever Youth Olympic Games began in Singapore on Saturday August 14, 2010. The UN is capitalizing on this international event, by partnering with the organizers in order to bring awareness about HIV/AIDS to young people. UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will provide educational information about HIV over the two weeks of competition. Workshops on topics such as adolescent sexual health, reproductive health, and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS will be offered to the 3,600 athletes and 1,400 officials in attendance.

Many people have recognized the potential impact that these young and talented athletes can have in their own communities as role models and leaders. "We need to call on these young people to lead the prevention revolution if we are to reach UNAIDS' vision of zero new infections," said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. President of the IOC, Jacques Rogge agreed by saying, "HIV awareness and prevention campaigns are most effective when addressed to the youth. Sport is a powerful tool for reaching out to today's youth on all continents and for educating them early on about healthy and responsible behaviors."

-Devynn Patterson

Source: "UN reaches out to young Olympians in quest for zero new HIV infections" -UN News Centre

Liberia Creates Five-Year Plan to Combat HIV/AIDS

Last Thursday in Monrovia, The National AIDS Commission of Liberia launched their five-year National AIDS and HIV Strategic Framework. The framework has two goals: to contain HIV prevalence among the general population to below 1.5 precent by 2014, and to mitigate the impact of the epidemic. As of 2007 the average HIV infection rate in Liberia was 1.5 percent among those age 15-49, but among woman it was 1.7 percent. The new strategy hopes to address this disparity.

The new framework will involve improving coverage and quality of existing prevention, care and treatment services, and strengthening the involvement of non-health government sectors, civil society and the private sector. A Secretariat for the National AIDS Commission has been established, as well as an initiative for the prevention of mother to child transmission efforts, strengthening of blood safety, provision of post-exposure prophylaxis and condoms, and awareness raising.

Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary-General for Rule of Law said, "The prevalence of HIV in Liberia may be low. However, HIV steadily marches on. And now, rather than later, is the best time for us to rally around Liberia in preventing the HIV from spreading. We cannot allow Liberia to suffer such a fate, in addition to the challenges of extreme levels of poverty and unacceptably high levels of sexual and gender based violence."

- Clara Hill

SOURCE: "5-Yr Nat'l. Strategic HIV Frameworks Launched" - Liberian Daily Observer

UN Initiative Aims to Stop Tuberculosis Death Among People With AIDS

Yesterday at the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna, the United Nations and the Stop TB Partnership agreed to step up joint efforts to halve by 2015 the number of people with HIV who die from tuberculosis. TB accounts for one quarter of all deaths among those living with the virus. The two organizations plan to work with civil society organizations, communities affected by TB and HIV and the private sector to form a strong partnership to jointly address TB and HIV. They also plan on making at least two joint visits in the next year to areas heavily affected by the diseases to promote the new initiatives, and to have at least one international event per year promoting the new initiative.

Also at the conference today, the UN Office on Dugs and Crime launched a toolkit on addressing needs for prevention and treatment of HIV and TB in prisons, where there are particularly large populations living with the diseases. The toolkit includes comprehensive HIV care available to all prisoners in the form of prevention, voluntary counseling and testing, antiretroviral treatment, and prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections.

- Clara Hill

SOURCE: "New UN initiative aims to stop tuberculosis deaths among people with HIV" - UN News

New gel dramatically cuts HIV infection rate in women

At the International AIDS Conference in Vienna this week, researchers unveiled the results of a two year study in South Africa on the effectiveness of a new vaginal gel containing tenofovir, an antiretroviral microbicide that slows down the growth rate of the HIV virus.

The study followed 889 sexually active female participants, half of whom received the gel containing tenofovir while the other half received a placebo. The gel was able to reduce the infection rate in women by 50% over a 12 month period. The gel can be applied up to 12 hours before intercourse and is completely unnoticeable to male partners. The gel is thus highly empowering to women, who can take charge of their sexual safety without the consent of a man. Medical professionals cheered when the results of the study were revealed last month at a medical conference in Durban, South Africa.

Although the trials have been very successful, it will be at last two more years until the gel is available for general use. When it does become available to the general public, it will be able to appeal to many Western countries as well (the gel also reduces the risk of contracting genital herpes by 51%).

-Matthew Thwaites

SOURCES:

"African Studies Give Women Hope in H.I.V. Fight"-NY Times, "Gel cuts HIV transmission rate in study"-CNN News

Annie Lennox Named UN International Goodwill Ambassador

Annie Lennox, renowned Scottish singer, songwriter and former member of the band Eurythmics, was recently appointed as an International Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS. A women's activist, Lennox launched the SING campaign in October of 2007 to raise awareness and support for South African women and children affected by AIDS. She is a member of Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), a grassroots organization working for the rights of people with HIV and AIDS living in South Africa, as well as an envoy for HIV and AIDS in her native Scotland.

As an International Goodwill Ambassador Lennox, a mother of two daughters, will focus on bringing attention to gender inequality, violence against women and stigmatization, and empowering women and girls to better protect themselves against HIV and AIDS. Lennox stressed that leadership is key in addressing these issues. She explained, "I think when you have leadership that is prepared to tackle the issues, to work with civil society, to work with government and to work with the system… then you have a chance." In her new role as International Goodwill Ambassador, Lennox will be participating at the Women Deliver 2010 conference and the 2010 Global Business Coalition conference, both to be held in Washington, D.C. next week.

- Clara Hill

SOURCE: "Artist, activist and UN ambassador, Annie Lennox gives voice to women with HIV" - UN News

Football is More Than a Game

As HIV/AIDS spreads rapidly throughout the world, death is increasing and youth are left to fend for themselves. Children are forced to become adults at younger ages and information and training for life-skills is becoming lost as the parent-generation is dying.

UNICEF and FIFA have begun collaborating to find a way to educate youth through a common passion - football. This game is one of the only things that allows 90 minutes of diversion away from daily distress and gives back to their childhood.

Because football is so popular, UNICEF is using it to increase HIV/AIDS education through coaches and community mentors. While this is a fairly new approach, it continues to catch on throughout the world.

-Leah Kelly

SOURCE: UNICEF

World Cup Used to Combat HIV/AIDS

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) recently created a partnership with Sony to provide HIV and AIDS counseling and services to more people throughout Ghana and Cameroon.

The program will function by providing HIV/AIDS testing and education where people can also come to watch the World Cup. Sony will set up large screens in both countries to freely broadcast around 20 World Cup matches. This will allow people to watch the games live in areas where both televisions and medical resources are scarce. This initiative hopes to reach 13,000 people and administer HIV tests to nearly 2,000 of them.

The UNDP and Sony said they plan to join forces on other global initiatives this year to promote progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.


-Michelle Leung

Source: UN News Center

Madonna Gives Hope to African Girls

Madonna's New Documentary on HIV/AIDs in Africa.

The Pop star Madonna traveled to Malawi for an opening ceremony at the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls. This academy aims to give better education to orphan girls in villages in Malawi.

Madonna said on her new website: "On my first visit to Malawi, I was devastated to meet child after child who had been orphaned by AIDS. Having lost my mother at such a young age, I felt a close connection to these children. Their stories had touched my own."

The two Malawi children David and Mercy adopted in 2006 and 2009 respectively, were present with her during the ceremony.

You can see Madonna's new website on: http://www.raisingmalawi.org/

- Loubna SADIKI

Source: BBC News

Mobile Phones Assist in HIV/AIDS Detection and Treatment

Mobile phones may become a key weapon in the war against HIV and AIDS in Africa, by allowing counselors to reach greater numbers of people, says the chief of the United Nation's AIDS agency.

With basic intensive training and armed with mobile phones, local community or village workers could be a part of the health service delivery system, says Michel Sidibe of the UN AIDS agency.

A pilot project is underway in Nigeria. Village workers - who have barely been through secondary school - have been trained to identify symptoms of minor ailments. They tour villages examining patients and then use their mobile phones to call up trained medical workers at a major referral center to get a diagnosis and prescription dictated over the phone.

- Tiffanie Depew

SOURCE: Africa Good News