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Health Issues in Africa


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Also see our section on the UN Disability Rights Convention, US Health Issues and Older People and HIV/AIDS

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Call For AIDS Researchers to Refocus on Elderly Africans (July 23, 2012)
In South Africa, scientists have noted a 6.4% prevalence rate among adults older than 50 years old, in comparison to 16.9% in 15-49 year olds. While nations continue to neglect HIV (both awareness and care) among older persons,  adults that are HIV positive face many more difficulties than those who are HIV negative. As the population of older persons increases rapidly, so is the HIV rate, thus making it crucial for us to take action now!

Sub-Saharan Africa: HIV Drugs Reach 8 Million in Needy Countries (July 18,2012)
Approximately eight million people are taking antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV. This increase in drug coverage was followed by a 31% drop in deaths from HIV/AIDS related causes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Sadly, access to this treatment is not universal.  All citizens must work to assure such access in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.  All people have a stake in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Uganda: Civil Society Pushes for Elderly Friendly Aids Policies (July 5, 2012)
In Uganda, Civil Society Organizations have asked for inclusion of older persons in HIV/AIDS policies. Uganda has a high number of sexually active people who are over 60 years old. Officials say that 64% of the older persons in Uganda are sexually active; some 91% are not using condoms. It is vital that policies are instituted to educate and assure that more citizens protect themselves with condoms.

Zimbabwe: Zimbabwean Lawmakers Get Circumcised for AIDS Awareness (June 22, 2012)
More than Zimbabwean 40 lawmakers have volunteered to be circumcised, as part of a campaign to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS.  Zimbabwe reports an infection rate of 15% for HIV/AIDS.  Studies indicate that circumcision reduces a man’s likelihood of contracting HIV by 76%.

Kenya: People Living with HIV Await Key Government Word on Drug Successfully Tried in Kenya (June 15, 2012)
    A recent study, Partners Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Study, a Kenya determined that two HIV preventative treatments were effective in preventing the spread of HIV from an infected individual to an uninfected individual during intercourse.  Tenofivir offers 65% protection while Truvada provides 75% protection in preventing the spread of HIV; PrEP drugs are not vaccines.
    PrEP would be taken prior to sexual intercourse to prevent the spread of HIV and would be complemented by post exposure prophylaxis, taken after intercourse.  Additionally, individuals who are HIV positive would continue with their antiretroviral treatments.  As a result, another weapon would be added to the arsenal in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
    Kenyans await two governmental agencies to determine if costs will hinder accessibility of HIV preventatives, to identify target groups, and to decide if the drug will be provided to specific individuals or to the general population.




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