South Africa's northwestern neighbour has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. With 38 percent of its 1,7 million population infected with HIV, Botswana has shown determined leadership in providing free antiretroviral therapy to all its citizens who need it.
More young adults, children under five, babies and women in childbirth are dying now than a few years back, both as a result of HIV/AIDS and the deterioration of health services In addition, chronic diseases associated with poor diet, smoking, excessive drinking and lack of exercise are on the increase.
HIV/AIDS and lifestyle diseases are the chief causes of death among South Africans, doctors and nurses continue to leave the country and health spending is not keeping pace with what is needed. All in all, we're not looking too healthy.
The Medicines Control Council, has recommended to the Health Ministry that it stop using nevirapine as a single agent in the prevention of mother-to-child-HIV-transmission. Health-e caught up with the Registrar of medicines Precious Matsoso, at the XV International AIDS
Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, and asked her why the MCC made the decision.
Young people around the globe are at the heart of the AIDS epidemic. Thirty two percent (12.1 million) of under 25 year-olds are HIV-positive, according to UNAIDS. Despite the disproportionate risks and burdens they face, young people are also the world's best hope in the fight against the epidemic. But voices of youth were still marginal at the 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand
The South African furore over nevirapine drowned out some of the other important issues highlighted at the International AIDS conference. Health-e takes a look at some of the global challenges.
Activists, scientists, religious leaders, the youth and civil society organisations spoke of their experiences over the last few days during the final session of the 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Senator Mechai Viravaidhaya, fondly known as the 'Condom King' in Thailand spoke of economically empowering those infected and affected.
The male condom is still the most effective intervention to prevent HIV transmission. Evidence from studies to suggest that male circumcision decreases the risk even further is still inconclusive, a South African scientist has told delegates at the Bangkok AIDS Conference.
South African scientists attending the AIDS conference in Bangkok have presented evidence showing that resistance to Nevirapine is reduced dramatically six months after the mother has taken the drug. Further evidence suggested that combination therapy was the way forward.
Despite the diversion created by the unfortunate and ill timed Nevirapine statements from the South Africa government, the Bangkok AIDS conference has managed to place the urgent need for millions to access lifesaving anti-retroviral therapy on the world agenda. Health-e captures the critical messages from the Thailand conference.
Entering the arrivals hall at Bangkok Airport in Thailand, one is greeted by energetic young men and women dressed in cream-white shirts sporting the XV International AIDS Conference's red emblem depicting three elephants to the left of the chest, symbolising unity in the global fight against AIDS.
It was a process of turning down the heat as South African scientists, health workers, government officials and activists met to clarify recent statements by the Medicines Control Council and the Minister of Health.
The Bush Administration's approach to the global fight against HIV/AIDS is increasingly taking on the domineering, "go-it-alone" trademarks of US foreign policy.
In a world of numbers and science, the human dimension of HIV/AIDS is less easily quantifiable but critically important. Human rights and language featured strongly in the Jonathan Mann Memorial Lecture at the Bangkok AIDS conference.
It was a process of turning down the heat as South African scientists, health workers, government officials and activists met to clarify recent statements by the Medicines Control Council and the Minister of Health.
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