Women are more at risk of contracting HIV than are men. In this audio report on the female condom, researchers speak about the extent to which it enables women to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.
In this audio report, another look at the female condom. Researchers speak about the pros and cons of the femidom and how acceptable it is to women - and to men.
COSATU, the Anglican and Catholic churhes and the Treatment Campaign have joined forces, determined to pressurise Government into increasing its budget to allow for AIDS drugs. The groups also called on Government to declare a national emergency and to "get on with it", steering clear of controversy
South Africa's Health minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has made it clear that her budget does not allow for anti-retroviral treatment, but she has recommitted herself to treating opportunistic infections, boosting people's immune systems and addressing nutrition as a matter or urgency. She also refuted reports that Government was de-emphasising spend on HIV/AIDS.
South African health minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has recommitted herself to fighting TB and Malaria. She has ordered a forensic audit of the SA National TB Association and expanded the use of DDT to control Malaria in Mpumalanga and the Northern Province.
The death of parents due to HIV/AIDS is leaving a growing number of children vulnerable and in need of care. The more fortunate are taken in by grandparents or other relatives, but this does not protect them from the a life of poverty where food and clothing is scarce and often they are turned away unconstitutionally from schools because they can't afford school fees. In this audio report we hear from amongst others, a young girl from the Northern Province.
South African scientists are reluctant to comment on and engage with President Thabo Mbeki'€™s interpretation of cause of death statistics and whether AIDS is the biggest killer in the country or not.
In what promises to be a bruising court battle, the Health Minister and nine health MECs indicated yesterday, (Wednesday 12th) that they would contest the Treatment Action Campaign's demand for the anti-AIDS drug Nevirapine to be freely available to pregnant HIV positive women.
The impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic is exacerbated by the fact that many of the children affected and infected are desperately poor. Despite their right to free education and state support, they are frequently consigned to the margins of society by unsympathetic teachers and principals. In previous audio packages these children have spoken out about their needs. In this feature, the education department explains its commitment to support these children.
A step-by-step explanation of how the government'€™s programme to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV works, from ante-natal HIV testing to birth and beyond.
The Health Minister has until today, (Wednesday 12th) to respond to court papers demanding that she offers the anti-AIDS drug Nevirapine to all pregnant HIV positive women.
Third World Network, Oxfam International and Health Gap Coalition are accusing US trade policy of robbing the poor of their health and have launched a petition to try and change US president George Bush's mind on the matter.
The World Conference Against Racism has heard how stigma and intolerance promote discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS which in turn impedes their access to health care and medication.
Human genetic engineering has the potential to divide humanity into "super-humans" and slaves, and this "gene-ism" could "eclipse racism as the most destructive force on the planet", according to Boston University's Professor of Health Law, George Annas.
The media in South Africa tend to be irresponsible, ignorant and inaccurate when reporting about HIV/AIDS. That's the analysis of the President of the Medical Research Council, Professor Malekgapuru Makgoba. Zackie Achmat of the Treatment Action Campaign agrees. He cites a lack of informed stories in the South African media on issues such as good nutrition, health economics and the economic impact the disease has on the country.
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