Infections impact on each other Living with AIDS # 344
With a poor control programme, the development of drug-resistant bacilli, no new drugs to treat it and an increasing HIV case load, South Africa is facing the worst TB epidemic in decades.
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Read More » Infections impact on each other Living with AIDS # 344
Govt, TAC to work together?
Statements made by ANC politicians at the recent national congress of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) suggest a move towards better relations between the government and the activist group. The relationship between the two has been at an all-time low over the last few years amid confrontation and mudslinging over the anti-retroviral treatment roll-out plan.
Time to translate words into action
The stocky, greying man moves in behind the microphone and flings his fist in the air. 'I am stopping TB,' he shouts.
A chorus of voices replies, echoing off the drab interior of the Mitchells Plain community hall ' 'I am stopping TB!'
Another disappointing result on HIV prevention front
In just less than a month after the disappointing Carraguard microbicide results, a study using a genital herpes drug, Acyclovir, has proved that it does not reduce the risk of HIV infection among people with Herpes Simplex Virus-2.
Acyclovir doesn’t prevent HIV Living with AIDS # 342
Results of an international study testing whether Acyclovir, a pill used for the treatment of genital herpes, can reduce HIV risk, show that the intervention is not effective in preventing HIV infection.
Home-based ARV programme would save lives
Allowing home-based community workers to run an antiretroviral therapy service at people's homes would reduce deaths, according to The Lancet
Disappointment and hope follow Carraguard failure
Organizations working in the field of HIV/AIDS are still hopeful that new HIV prevention methods will be found despite Carraguard's disappointing results.
KZN drops misconduct charges against doctor
The misconduct charge against rural doctor Colin Pfaff for implementing 'dual therapy' at his hospital have been dropped.
Carraguard microbicide fails to stop HIV
Yet another microbicide candidate fails to prevent HIV infection, as the scientific world turns its attention to 'third generation' technology.
KZN MEC in row over doctor insult
MEC slurs rural doctors and describes AZT as "toxic" while on hospital tour.
Govt will continue to adapt WHO guides, says Xundu and minister
South Africa's health department will continue to adapt the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the prevention of mother to children transmission (PMTCT) 'to suit the national situation'.
TB is a ‘human disgrace’
Africa will not achieve the United Nations-set sixth Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of halting and reversing the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) by 2015.
Looking into the future Living with AIDS # 334
Perhaps the most encouraging news about HIV/AIDS this year is that prevalence rates in South Africa and the world are decreasing. The decline might be small, but it's certainly something to build on going forth into 2008.
Will an HIV vaccine be found?
An HIV vaccine is possible, but it will take some time before it's discovered, says the head of the HIV/AIDS Research Unit at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Prof. Lynn Morris.
The only remaining hope in microbicide research
Results of the Carraguard clinical trial - the first microbicide candidate to complete a Phase 111 trial ' are expected to be released in a few weeks' time.