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.
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.
