CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update
Friday, May 14, 1999
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The CDC National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases, and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information.
GENERAL MEDIA
INFORMATION FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
HIV CONSUMER TIP INFORMATION
GENERAL MEDIA
"Rising Rate Not Linked to Prostitution"
Bangkok Post Online (05/14/99);
Santimetaneedol, Ampa A new report from the Thai Public Health Ministry reveals that some 950,000 people in Thailand have contracted HIV, including 109,900 who developed AIDS. AIDS has taken the lives of over 30,000 Thais since 1984. More than 25 percent of all AIDS patients are between the ages of 25 and 29, 23.5 percent are 30 to 34 years of age, and about 14 percent are between 35 and 39. Infection rates among men remain high and rates among pregnant women did not decline as much as expected, suggesting that prevention programs for couples have not been as effective as hoped. New cases of HIV are largely attributed to unsafe heterosexual sex and drug abuse, rather than prostitution.
"Spread of AIDS Virus Called Serious Threat to Stability of Asia, Africa"
San Francisco Chronicle Online (05/13/99);
Rosenberg, Africa Lawmakers and researchers in the United States are warning that the AIDS epidemic in Africa and Asia may destabilize those regions. On Wednesday, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), the head of a congressional task force on the international scope of HIV/AIDS, cited statistics showing that infection rates in the militaries of African and Asian countries were four times higher than in the civilian populace. This could go far in undermining the militaries of developing countries, he said. In addition, Former Rep. Ronald Dellums (D-Calif.) pointed out that the generation of children orphaned by AIDS, growing up impoverished and hopeless, would likely create tension and instability in that area. Dellums proposed an "AIDS Marshall Plan" in which the government and pharmaceutical firms would contribute $1 million to help fight the epidemic. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called on wealthy countries to meet to discuss the crisis. The World Health Organization announced this week that AIDS is now the world's most deadly infectious disease.
"AIDS Set to Become PNG's Biggest Killer Soon"
Australian Associated Press (05/13/99);
Chappelll, Trevor Ludger Mond, health minister of Papua New Guinea, announced Thursday that AIDS will likely become the leading killer in that country's national capitol district within a year. A 1998 surveillance report of Papua New Guinea detailed an 83 percent increase of diagnosed HIV infections from 1997. In the January to March period of 1999, there were 185 new HIV infections, 41 new cases of AIDS, and four AIDS-related deaths. The most common source of HIV infection in Papua New Guinea is unprotected heterosexual intercourse, followed by mother-to-infant transmission of the virus.
"Breakthrough Reduces STDs in Aborigines"
Australian Associated Press (05/13/99);
Mangnall, Valkerie Penny Miller, of the Nganampa Health Council, announced that a culturally appropriate sexually transmitted disease program in Australia's aboriginal communities almost halved the rate of gonorrhea in Anangu Pitjantjatjara last year. The STD program, also successful in reducing rates of chlamydia and syphilis, will serve as the foundation a manual that will be come the rule for treatment of STDs in aboriginal communities. Officials say the key to an appropriate program is that it be culture appropriate, and that remote communities have access to primary health care, as well as confidential and accurate STD tests.
"Assembly Passes Needle Exchange Bill"
United Press International (05/13/99)
The California State Assembly has passed a bill authorizing needle-exchange programs in an effort to slow the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases. The bill, authored by Kerry Mazzoni (D-San Rafael), authorizes local governments to voluntarily implement needle and syringe exchange programs in their jurisdictions. Districts implementing such programs would be required to develop operating procedures, a database and data tracking program for hypodermic needles, and policies to protect providers from criminal penalties. The measure passed by two votes and now moved on to the California Senate.
"South African Labor Leaders Told to Take AIDS Test"
Reuters (05/14/99)
Zwelinzima Vavi, deputy general secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, has called on leading labor leaders to be tested for HIV and to reveal the results. Vavi says that although labor leaders cannot be forced to have the test, they should lead the way and give the rest of the country a good example to follow. Nkosazana Zuma, South Africa's health minister, has announced plans to make HIV/AIDS a notifiable illness to both the individual's family and to authorities.
"Women Launch Anti-AIDS Campaign"
PANA Wire Service Online (05/13/99)
Phase two of South Africa's national AIDS campaign began Thursday, in the form of the "On the Right Track" HIV/AIDS train. The train, a moving AIDS conference, features discussions on AIDS, and is scheduled to meet delegates from the government, women's organizations, and the media. Phase two will highlight issues involving women and AIDS, soliciting information from women about their concerns and recommendations regarding the disease. The Women in Partnership Against AIDS, a joint project of government and civil society, is one of five partnerships in the government's "Partnership Against AIDS." The initiative has developed a two-year effort to mobilize and organize women from all walks of life to fight AIDS in South Africa.
"Anti-AIDS Campaign Begins in Moscow"
Itar Wire Service (05/14/99)
EuroQuiltTour-99, a large-scale anti-AIDS action, begins in Moscow Friday, and will continue through cities in Russia, Byelorussia, Ukraine, and Poland. The effort was planned to coincide with the International Day of Memory of AIDS Victims, which was first observed in 1983. In Russia, 350 people have died of AIDS, including 10 children.
"Takeda Chemical Discovers New AIDS Drug"
Comtex Online (05/13/99)
Japan's Takeda Chemicals and researchers at Kagoshima University have developed a novel AIDS drug that works in a manner different from existing AIDS treatments. The experimental compound prevents HIV from changing a protein into a receptor that facilitates the virus' entrance into cells. Takeda said it could submit preliminary data to the Food and Drug Administration in May and begin clinical studies in August.
INFORMATION FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
"Notice to Readers: Availability for Public Comment of Draft Document, 1999 USPHS/IDSA Guidelines for the Prevention of Opportunistic Infections in Persons Infected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus" Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (05/14/99) Vol. 48, No. 18, P. 383 This year's USPHS/IDSA Guidelines for the Prevention of Opportunistic Infections in Persons Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus are currently available for public comment. The draft report features recommendations for the prevention of major parasitic, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections in HIV-infected individuals. The document can be obtained from the AIDS Treatment Information Service web site, at www.hivatis.org, or from the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention-Intervention, Research, and Support, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Mailstop E-49, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., N.E., Atlanta, GA 30333; telephone (404) 639-2004; fax (404) 639-2007. Written comments must be received by June 1, 1999.
HIV CONSUMER INFORMATION
This next bit of HIV consumer tips and links is from a dear friend of mine named alex. He has worked overtime for this disease. He is a comrade and mentor. Let him know you appreciate his hard work.
I used to have a manager that use to say I love it when a plan comes together. It seems that the more scientists discover how HIV operates, and how the immune system works, they are confirming what we long term survivors have known all along.
Take, for example, the importance of protecting and supporting the digestive system.
As reported in "Positive Health News" *** (spring, 1999) there are many things that can be done to help mucosal immunity such as Omega 3 fatty acids and L-Glutamine. Even monounsaturated fats found in cold pressed olive and hazelnut oils can reduce Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), increase IgA, and support mucosal immunity.
Even if a person does not wish to add these helpers into their diet, there are simple things they can do to reduce harm to the sensitive tissues of a persons digestive/immune system such as avoiding sugar, especially in things like soda. (Some sodas can remove paint -- can u imagine what it does to your immune system)? and unhealthy fats to name a few. There are so many ways, in fact, for a person to either make positive changes and/or eliminated unhealthy habits that one wonders why aren't more people doing these things?
This question probably does not apply to anyone on this list, because just by being on it I respect that you are looking for ways to survive HIV and/or help someone you care about.
My frustration comes from observing people who go to the clinics and probably don't even have a computer or even had a chance to use one.
The closest they got was, perhaps, the computer at the clinic reception desk which doles out appointments on which he fragile balance of their life hangs.
To this end, I wanted to compile a list of things that people living with HIV either added to their lives that make a difference form them to manage the disease, and/or things they have eliminated. See the new tips page.
I am therefore going to ask people to please let me know what three (3) most important things you have done to help yourself, and the three most important things that you eliminated our are trying to cut down on that make a real difference in how you feel, and even how you feel about yourself.
Please be as concrete and specific as possible. The idea is to give the compiled list (no names will be used) to a person on the street, or with limited access to the system, including English.
Your comments, questions, and concerns are greatly appreciated.
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