Agence France-Presse - Table of Contents 'English'

2008

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January February March April May June July August September October November

December

Opposition MP in Malaysia withdraws HIV remarks: report: Agence France-Presse - December 28, 2008; KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28, 2008 (AFP) - A senior opposition politician withdrew his statement that people with HIV should be banned from marriage, after he was criticised by AIDS activists, a report said Sunday.
Pakistan takes fight against AIDS into mosques: Hasan Mansoor; Agence France-Presse - December 24, 2008; KARACHI, Dec 24, 2008 (AFP) - Mohammad Azeem leads prayers every Friday at his local mosque in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi, but one week his sermon contained a shock for the deeply conservative congregation.
Malaysia urges voluntary HIV screening for non-Muslim couples: Agence France-Presse - December 21, 2008; KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21, 2008 (AFP) - Malaysia will urge non-Muslim couples to take voluntary pre-nuptial HIV screening tests before tying the knot due to high levels of infection among married women, the deputy premier said.
Rights court slams Ukraine over AIDS detainee's death: Agence France-Presse - December 18, 2008; STRASBOURG, France, Dec 18, 2008 (AFP) - Europe's rights court on Thursday slammed Ukrainian authorities for failing to treat an AIDS virus carrier and recognised schizophrenic held on unsubstantiated theft charges.
Malaysia's HIV rate halved, but female infections rising: Agence France-Presse - December 18, 2008; KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18, 2008 (AFP) - Malaysia's HIV infection rate has dropped by nearly half over the past five years but the number of women infected is rising sharply, deputy premier Najib Razak reportedly said Thursday.
HIV/AIDS "hidden but growing" problem in the Philippines: Mynardo Macaraig; Agence France-Presse - December 17, 2008; MANILA, Dec 17, 2008 (AFP) - "I came out to show people we are normal," says AIDS worker Roberto Ruiz, who is fighting the social stigma that HIV/AIDS still carries in the Philippines.
Malawi looks to halt brain-drain in health care: Agence France-Presse - December 10, 2008; BLANTYRE, Dec 10, 2008 (AFP) - Malawi, with only 7,000 health workers for a population of 13 million, opened a meeting Wednesday to find ways to stop health workers leaving the country.
Public security forces undermine China's HIV fight: rights group: Agence France-Presse - December 9, 2008; BEIJING, Dec 9, 2008 (AFP) - The harassment and imprisonment of drug users in China is undermining the country's response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, activist group Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday.
Financial crisis, gays at centre of African AIDS conference: Agence France-Presse - December 7, 2008; DAKAR, Dec 7, 2008 (AFP) - An international conference on AIDS in Africa that ended Sunday was dominated by worries about funding amid a global financial crisis and marked the first time gays took centre stage.
Nobel medicine laureate sees progress on AIDS vaccine: Agence France-Presse - December 6, 2008; STOCKHOLM, Dec 6, 2008 (AFP) - Luc Montagnier, co-winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize for Medicine, Saturday stood by his view that a "therapeutic vaccine" for the AIDS pandemic could be created within four to five years.
Global Fund chief seeks to calm fears of AIDS funding cuts: Agence France-Presse - December 6, 2008; DAKAR, Dec 6, 2008 (AFP) - The head of the Global Fund to fight AIDS on Saturday dismissed criticism by support groups of a possible 25 percent funding cut, saying that international donors are honouring their commitments.
African taboos surrounding gays hamper access to HIV/AIDS programs: Stephanie van den Berg; Agence France-Presse - December 5, 2008; DAKAR, Dec 5, 2008 (AFP) - In a continent where 38 out of 53 countries have criminalised consensual gay sex, African gays and lesbians have trouble getting access to HIV/AIDS programs, activists warned.
No simple solution for Africa's AIDS pandemic: UNAIDS chief: Agence France-Presse - December 4, 2008; DAKAR, Dec 4, 2008 (AFP) - Peter Piot, who has been at the helm of UNAIDS since its creation in 1995, told an international conference Thursday to stop looking for a magic bullet to fight the AIDS pandemic in Africa.
Major AIDS conference considers impact of financial crisis: Stephanie van den Berg; Agence France-Presse - December 3, 2008; DAKAR, Dec 3, 2008 (AFP) - A major international conference on AIDS in Africa opens on Wednesday in Dakar amid fears that the global financial crisis could hit funding for the fight against the disease.
World Bank sees challenges ahead for AIDS funding: Agence France-Presse - December 3, 2008; DAKAR, Dec 3, 2008 (AFP) - Funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS may be hit by the current financial crisis, a World Bank economist told an international conference on the disease in Dakar Wednesday.
Dakar protesters urge West to keep promises on AIDS funding: Agence France-Presse - December 2, 2008; DAKAR, Dec 2, 2008 (AFP) - Hundreds protested in Dakar on Tuesday to urge Western leaders to keep their promises on AIDS funding despite the global financial crisis.
China to investigate attack on Belgian TV crew: state media: Agence France-Presse - December 2, 2008; BEIJING, Dec 2, 2008 (AFP) - China said it has ordered an investigation into an attack on a Belgian television crew who were making a documentary about AIDS victims, state media reported.
Early HIV screening of newborns at risk can save lives: UN: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; UNITED NATIONS, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - Timely screenings can save the lives of newborns at risk of contracting HIV, according to a report released Monday by four UN agencies to mark World AIDS Day.
Obama promises to 'recommit' US anti-AIDS strategy: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; CHICAGO, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - President-elect Barack Obama on World AIDS Day Monday promised to "recommit" US efforts against the deadly disease through a national strategy of education, prevention, treatment and "a strong health care system."
Governments tackle HIV stigma on World AIDS Day: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - Governments across the globe pledged Monday to step up the fight against HIV, promising to bankroll treatment programmes on the 20th annual World AIDS Day.
Bush reaffirms US commitment to fight AIDS: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; WASHINGTON, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush marked World AIDS Day on Monday by highlighting his dramatic and widely praised overhaul of US efforts to battle the deadly disease, particularly in Africa.
French first lady becomes global AIDS ambassador: Carole Landry; Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; PARIS, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - Wearing a red ribbon, French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy on Monday became a global AIDS ambassador, vowing to direct the media spotlight on her toward a "more important" cause.
Rock stars go online to fight African AIDS: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; NEW YORK, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - Top rock acts, including Coldplay and The Police, were to premiere songs Monday on a new Internet service raising funds for combating AIDS in Africa.
Sierra Leone leader urges citizens to take AIDS test: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; FREETOWN, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - Sierra Leone's leader reaffirmed Monday the government's commitment to provide universal access to HIV treatment and prevention by 2010, and urged citizens to get tested for the AIDS virus.
Iran says HIV cases four times higher than registered: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; TEHRAN, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - Iran's health ministry on Monday estimated that the Islamic republic has 80,000 HIV cases, four times more than the number of people registered, the state news agency IRNA reported.
South Africa observes silence for World AIDS Day: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - South Africa used World AIDS Day on Monday to urge its menfolk to get themselves tested for the HIV virus that leads to the illness.
Singapore likely to see record HIV cases in 2008: govt: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; SINGAPORE, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - The number of HIV cases in Singapore is likely to hit record levels in 2008 as more go for tests to detect the virus, the government said.
Two-thirds of Myanmar HIV cases involve youths: UNICEF: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; YANGON, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - Youths in Myanmar are particularly at risk from HIV, with almost two thirds of the near quarter million people living with the virus in that country aged under 24, the UN Children's Fund said Monday.
Chinese president visits AIDS patients: Agence France-Presse - December 1, 2008; BEIJING, Dec 1, 2008 (AFP) - President Hu Jintao visited AIDS patients and praised volunteers here Monday amid a government effort to fight widespread discrimination in China that has been a major obstacle in tackling the disease.

November

World AIDS Day highlights big challenges 20 years on: Christine Courcol; Agence France-Presse - November 30, 2008; PARIS, Nov 30, 2008 (AFP) - As World AIDS Day is marked on Monday, the fight against the disease remains stymied by the of adequate treatment in poor countries and setbacks in finding an effective vaccine, experts say.
S Africa's AIDS programme carries legacy of denialism: Justine Gerardy; Agence France-Presse - November 28, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 28, 2008 (AFP) - Every morning at 8:00 am, after his mobile phone alarm goes off, Thabo Moloi reaches for his pill box and swallows two small life-saving tablets.
Universal AIDS testing scheme fails in Lesotho: rights groups: Agence France-Presse - November 18, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Nov 18, 2008 (AFP) - Lesotho's effort to give HIV tests to everyone in the country over 12 years old has failed due to lack of funding and poor training for health workers, rights groups said Tuesday.
Bone marrow graft may have curbed HIV in patient, say doctors: Agence France-Presse - November 12, 2008; BERLIN, Nov 12, 2008 (AFP) - Doctors at a Berlin hospital said Wednesday that they appear to have rolled back the AIDS virus in a patient by using bone marrow keyed to a genetic shield against HIV, but stressed it was an unusual case that needed further investigation.
Global AIDS Fund approves 2.75 bn dollars in grants: Agence France-Presse - November 10, 2008; NEW DELHI, Nov 10, 2008 (AFP) - The multilateral Global Fund said on Monday that it has approved 2.75 billion dollars in fresh grants over two years to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
AIDS vaccines: New hope for problem-plagued path: Agence France-Presse - November 9, 2008; PARIS, Nov 9, 2008 (AFP) - A strategic tack in the quarter-century-old effort to devise an AIDS vaccine, which last year became darkly clouded by problems, could be more promising than thought, according to a study published on Sunday.
Ethiopia to see sharp rise in orphans running households: NGO: Agence France-Presse - November 7, 2008; ADDIS ABABA, Nov 7, 2008 (AFP) - Ethiopia will by 2010 see a four-fold increase in the number of orphaned children aged between nine and 19 who are heading families due to AIDS, poverty and conflict, a local NGO said Friday.
UN urges India to decriminalise homosexuality: Agence France-Presse - November 7, 2008; NEW DELHI, Nov 7, 2008 (AFP) - The United Nations has urged India to decriminalise homosexuality, saying it would help the fight against HIV/AIDS by allowing intervention programmes like the successful ones in China and Brazil.
Zimbabwe releases missing AIDS funds: Agence France-Presse - November 7, 2008; HARARE, Nov 7, 2008 (AFP) - Zimbabwe's Reserve Bank has released 7.3 million dollars (5.7 million euros) in unspent aid money meant to fight diseases, which was taken from commercial banks last year, the Global Fund said Friday.
Zimbabwe promises to release missing AIDS funds: report: Agence France-Presse - November 6, 2008; HARARE, Nov 6, 2008 (AFP) - Zimbabwe's government will release millions of dollars in unspent foreign aid given to the country last year to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, state media reported Thursday.
Experimental HIV vaccine may have increased infection risk: study: Agence France-Presse - November 3, 2008; WASHINGTON, Nov 3, 2008 (AFP) - Trials of a once-promising experimental HIV vaccine were cut short in 2007 because the drug may have increased the likelihood of HIV infection rather than preventing it, according to a study published Monday."
HIV-positive man charged after seducing 15-year-old over internet: Agence France-Presse - November 3, 2008; WARSAW, Nov 3, 2008 (AFP) - Polish authorities on Monday charged a 47-year-old HIV-positive man with endangering the life of a 15-year-old girl he seduced over the internet, a police spokeswoman said.

October

AIDS orphans growing as adoptions slow in South Africa: Agence France-Presse - October 27, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Oct 27, 2008 (AFP) - Fewer AIDS orphans are finding adoptive families in South Africa even as their numbers and the cases of abuse are growing steadily, social development minister Zola Skweyiya said Monday.
HIV treatment should begin earlier: study: Jean-Louis Santini; Agence France-Presse - October 27, 2008; WASHINGTON, Oct 27, 2008 (AFP) - Starting anti-retroviral treatment earlier sharply improves survival rates for people infected with HIV, according to a new study.
New, more efficient anti-AIDS drug for untreated patients: Agence France-Presse - October 26, 2008; WASHINGTON, Oct 26, 2008 (AFP) - Medical researchers on Sunday unveiled clinical trials of new anti-AIDS drug that better controls the spread of the deadly virus among previously untreated patients.
Malawi suspends extra pay for public workers with HIV: Agence France-Presse - October 11, 2008; BLANTYRE, Oct 11, 2008 (AFP) - Malawi has suspended extra monthly payments to its 38,000 civil servants with the HIV virus, a government official said Saturday, citing "gross abuse" of the programme in the AIDS-ravaged country.
Research on AIDS virus and cancer wins Nobel Medicine Prize: Pia Ohlin; Agence France-Presse - October 6, 2008; STOCKHOLM, Oct 6, 2008 (AFP) - French and German scientists credited with the discovery of the viruses behind AIDS and cervical cancer won Monday the Nobel Medicine Prize, the first of the prestigious awards to be announced this year.
Global AIDS pandemic: factfile: Agence France-Presse - October 6, 2008; PARIS, Oct 6, 2008 (AFP) - Following is a snapshot of the global AIDS pandemic after France's Francoise Barre-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier were both awarded the Nobel Medicine Prize Monday for their discovery of the HIV virus.
AIDS: A timeline: Agence France-Presse - October 6, 2008; PARIS, Oct 6, 2008 (AFP) - Here are landmarks in the history of AIDS, after France's Francoise Barre-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier shared the Nobel Medicine Prize on Monday for their discovery of the HIV virus, along with a German scientist for his groundbreaking research into cervical cancer.
South Africa's new health minister vows 'to get things right': Agence France-Presse - October 2, 2008; PRETORIA, Oct 2, 2008 (AFP) - South Africa's new health minister vowed Thursday to "get things right" in providing AIDS treatments, after years of missteps by her predecessor who had touted vegetables as a cure.

September

Romanians dislike Roma, gays, people with AIDS: poll: Agence France-Presse - September 8, 2008; BUCHAREST, Sept 8, 2008 (AFP) - Romanians came across as an intolerant people Monday in a Gallup poll that suggested that a majority harbour deep prejudices against homosexuals, Roma and people with AIDS.
AIDS awareness still low in China: survey: Agence France-Presse - September 26, 2008; BEIJING, Sept 26, 2008 (AFP) - Knowledge and awareness of AIDS and HIV transmission in China is still low, even in big cities like Shanghai, according to a survey released Friday.
Nearly one in five intravenous drug users may have HIV: estimate: Agence France-Presse - September 24, 2008; PARIS, Sept 24, 2008 (AFP) - Around 16 million people around the world inject illegal drugs, and nearly one in five of them may have the AIDS virus, according to an estimate published online Wednesday by The Lancet.
China should compensate HIV-hit blood donors: UN official: Agence France-Presse - September 18, 2008; BEIJING, Sept 18, 2008 (AFP) - China should compensate thousands of people infected with the HIV virus through government-backed blood trading and be given access to the latest anti-AIDS drugs, a top UN official said Thursday.
Mining boom linked to Australia's HIV rise: support group: Agence France-Presse - September 17, 2008; SYDNEY, Sept 17, 2008 (AFP) - Australia's resources boom is contributing to a rise in HIV infections in the nation as cashed-up miners contract the disease during trips to Asia and Papua New Guinea, an HIV support group said Wednesday.
South Africa's Zuma dances to a populist tune: Aderogba Obisesan; Agence France-Presse - September 12, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Sept 12, 2008 (AFP) - Jacob Zuma, South Africa's ruling party chief who on Friday won a protracted court battle against corruption charges, is a populist who has had constant brushes with controversy as he closes in on the country's presidency.
Cambodia faces new HIV threat with condom campaign at risk: official: Agence France-Presse - September 10, 2008; PHNOM PENH, Sept 10, 2008 (AFP) - Threats to a successful Cambodian condom campaign has raised fears the country could experience a second epidemic of the disease, health officials said Wednesday.
Swaziland's social problems overshadow independence celebrations: Sibongile Khumalo; Agence France-Presse - September 4, 2008; MBABANE, Sept 4, 2008 (AFP) - The sleepy capital of the poverty stricken kingdom of Swaziland is gearing up for Saturday's celebration of 40 years of independence but many say the country has little to show for it.

August

Zimbabwe lifts ban on aid agencies: ministry: Agence France-Presse - August 29, 2008; HARARE, Aug 29, 2008 (AFP) - Zimbabwe on Friday lifted a ban on aid agencies suspended ahead of the June 27 presidential run-off over accusations that some of them were siding with the opposition.
UN study says polygamy main AIDS driver in Swaziland: Agence France-Presse - August 29, 2008; MBABANE, Aug 29, 2008 (AFP) - Traditional sexual practices including polygamy and promiscuity are driving rampant HIV-AIDS in Swaziland where nearly 40 percent of adults are infected, a UN study released Friday has found.
HIV-positive Ivorians to receive free anti-retroviral treatment: Agence France-Presse - August 29, 2008; ABIDJAN, Aug 29, 2008 (AFP) - Ivorians with HIV/AIDS can now get free anti-retroviral treatment in public health centers with foreign funders picking up much of the tab, according to a decree of which AFP obtained a copy Friday.
Philippines endorses condoms despite church: Agence France-Presse - August 28, 2008; MANILA, Aug 28, 2008 (AFP) - The Philippine Health Department will promote the use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS despite disapproval from the influential Roman Catholic church, an official said Thursday.
New HIV infections up 45 percent in Philippines: official: Agence France-Presse - August 26, 2008; MANILA, Aug 26, 2008 (AFP) - AIDS-related infections are rising rapidly in the Philippines although the ratio of those afflicted out of the total population remains low, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said Tuesday.
HIV-positive Swazi women march against royals' shopping binge: Agence France-Presse - August 21, 2008; MBABANE, Aug 21, 2008 (AFP) - More than 1,500 mostly HIV-positive women staged an unprecedented protest in Swaziland Thursday against a foreign shopping tour by eight of the ruling monarch's 13 wives, in a country ravaged by AIDS.
Condom ringtone launched in India: Agence France-Presse - August 19, 2008; NEW DELHI, Aug 19, 2008 (AFP) - A cellphone ringtone that chants "condom, condom!" has been launched in India to promote safe sex and tackle the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic.
US health secretary to make AIDS visit to Ivory Coast: embassy: Agence France-Presse - August 11, 2008; ABIDJAN, Aug 11, 2008 (AFP) - The US Secretary of Health and Human Services will arrive Wednesday in Ivory Coast to visit projects fighting AIDS and other diseases, the US embassy in Abidjan said Monday.
War on AIDS: Money nightmare seems set to return: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 8, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 8, 2008 (AFP) - "Save someone's life and you have a burden for life," goes the proverb, and its truth seems horribly apt for the campaign against AIDS.
AIDS forum closes with calls for funds, action on prevention: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 8, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 8, 2008 (AFP) - The world AIDS conference ended here Friday with appeals for further funds to care for people infected by HIV and a scaleup of efforts to root out AIDS stigma and prevent the lethal virus from spreading.
Next world AIDS conference set for Vienna 2010: Agence France-Presse - August 8, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 8, 2008 (AFP) - The next International AIDS Conference, a massive meeting of experts and activists, will take place in July, 2010, in Vienna, Austria, the International AIDS Society (IAS) said Friday.
S.African drug company recalls AIDS treatment medicines: Agence France-Presse - August 8, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 8, 2008 (AFP) - A major pharmaceutical company in South Africa, which has the world's highest HIV rate, on Friday issued a recall of generic anti-retroviral drugs due to a packaging error.
AIDS: Male circumcision could be even greater boon than thought: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 7, 2008 (AFP) - Circumcision appears to offer men even greater protection against the AIDS virus than thought and also partially shield them against a common sexually-transmitted disease, two studies presented at the world AIDS conference said Thursday.
Homosexuality must be legal to beat Caribbean AIDS: activists: Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 7, 2008 (AFP) - Sex between men, which is prevalent in the Caribbean region, must be decriminalized or AIDS will never be beaten there, experts at an AIDS conference in Mexico City said Thursday.
Rape in Zimbabwe: Human rights lawyers build prosecution case: Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 7, 2008 (AFP) - A human-rights group on Thursday announced it was collecting legal evidence of politically motivated mass rape by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's youth militia to build a case for prosecuting the men responsible.
Experts say better treatments needed for children with HIV: Christine Courcol; Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 7, 2008 (AFP) - Children, long neglected in the fight against AIDS, still lack access to effective HIV detection programs and treatments, participants warned Thursday, at a six-day world AIDS conference.
Only 2,500 Afghans HIV positive but several risks: ministry: Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2008; KABUL, Aug 7, 2008 (AFP) - Afghanistan has about 2,500 HIV positive cases, a relatively low rate, but a range of factors like growing drug use put the country at risk of the virus spreading, the health ministry said Thursday.
HIV-positive parents kill children before suicide: report: Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2008; MUMBAI, Aug 7, 2008 (AFP) - A couple living with HIV for two years killed their three children and then committed suicide after their daughter was also diagnosed with the virus that causes AIDS, a report said Thursday.
SAfrica slowly shakes image as AIDS pariah: Fran Blandy; Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Aug 7, 2008 (AFP) - The young HIV-positive mother takes a deep breath as her name is called, scurrying behind the doctor who will tell her, after a torturous wait, whether she has infected her six-week old baby.
AIDS victims pay price of Zimbabwe turmoil: Susan Njanji; Agence France-Presse - August 7, 2008; HARARE, Aug 7, 2008 (AFP) - HIV-positive widow Lilian Butau sits on a rickety stool on the veranda of her home in Harare's Mbare township, chewing on a small piece of calcium-rich rock, the only thing she has had to eat all day.
UN goal for HIV drug access won't be reached by all: experts: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 6, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 6, 2008 (AFP) - The UN goal of achieving "universal access" to anti-HIV drugs and care by 2010 is unlikely to be reached worldwide, two leading figures in the campaign against AIDS said here on Wednesday.
AIDS apathy worries activists at world conference: Agence France-Presse - August 6, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 6, 2008 (AFP) - Dozens of US AIDS activists demostrated at a world AIDS conference here Wednesday calling on White House candidates to commit to HIV prevention, as experts warned of emerging US public indifference towards the disease.
Former Soviet states at AIDS tipping point: experts: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 6, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 6, 2008 (AFP) - Experts are concerned that some of the states that emerged from the former Soviet Union are on the brink of widespread HIV/AIDS epidemics, the global AIDS conference heard on Wednesday.
China, US nudging doors open to HIV carriers: Sophie Nicholson; Agence France-Presse - August 6, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 6, 2008 (AFP) - China's reported decision to lift a ban on HIV-positive visitors next year, close on the heels of a huge US step towards removing its own 21-year ban, raised spirits at an international AIDS meeting in Mexico Wednesday.
AIDS, Millennium goals imperilled by health worker shortage: Agence France-Presse - August 6, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 6, 2008 (AFP) - The campaign to provide universal access to anti-AIDS drugs by 2010 and meet key Millennium Development Goals is at threat from a crippling shortage of doctors and nurses, a senior UN health official said.
12 million HIV infections could be avoided: UNAIDS: Agence France-Presse - August 6, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 6, 2008 (AFP) - Twelve million HIV infections could be prevented by 2015 by using a combination of prevention methods including condoms, circumcision and other measures, UNAIDS officials said at a conference here Wednesday.
EU presidency calls on Iran to free AIDS doctors: Agence France-Presse - August 6, 2008; BRUSSELS, Aug 6, 2008 (AFP) - The French EU presidency on Wednesday called on Iran to release two doctors, known for their pioneering work on HIV/AIDS, who were "arbitrarily arrested" in June.
China to lift ban on HIV/AIDS visitors in 2009: report: Agence France-Presse - August 6, 2008; BEIJING, Aug 6, 2008 (AFP) - China is likely to remove next year a ban blocking HIV/AIDS carriers from entering the country, state media reported Wednesday, citing a top health official.
Nine Kyrgyz doctors jailed for infecting kids with HIV: report: Agence France-Presse - August 5, 2008; BISHKEK, Aug 5, 2008 (AFP) - A court in Kyrgyzstan has jailed nine doctors for infecting children with HIV in several hospitals across the south of the country, a judicial source said Tuesday, cited by the Aki news agency.
Africa's 'Champions' take up cause of AIDS prevention: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 5, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 5, 2008 (AFP) - Leading African figures led by former Botswanan president Festus Mogae launched an initiative here Tuesday to lobby African governments to do more to roll back the AIDS virus.
Battles for recognition in HIV-positive Latin America: Agence France-Presse - August 5, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 5, 2008 (AFP) - "Politicians don't include indigenous people in their anti-AIDS campaigns, it's as if we're asexual or don't exist," said Amaranta Gomez, a Mexican Zapotec transvestite, at the first world AIDS meeting in Latin America.
Global connection: Grassroots networking at heart of AIDS meeting: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 5, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 5, 2008 (AFP) - With her immaculate face, cheekbones to die for and slim legs showcased by a slinky black microskirt, Dr. Safelove is unforgettable as a promoter of safe sex among teenage girls.
Mexican migrants increase promiscuity in US: study: Agence France-Presse - August 5, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 5, 2008 (AFP) - Mexicans who migrate annually to the United States change their sex habits significantly on arrival there, and increase their risk of catching HIV/AIDS, according to a Mexican/Califorian study released Tuesday.
HIV: High infection tally sparks search for new strategies: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 5, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 5, 2008 (AFP) - With new infections of HIV running at an average of 7,500 a day, the mission to brake the spread of the lethal virus is exploring new, even controversial paths, the world AIDS conference has heard.
HIV risk from heterosexual intercourse may be underestimated: Agence France-Presse - August 4, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 4, 2008 (AFP) - The standard method for assessing the risk of HIV infection through heterosexual intercourse could be badly wrong, according to a study to be presented at the International AIDS Conference here on Tuesday.
Former President Clinton issues call to arms against AIDS scourge: Sophie Nicholson; Agence France-Presse - August 4, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 4, 2008 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton delivered a rousing call at the world AIDS conference here on Monday, urging people everywhere to join a struggle that had become epic.
Global AIDS Fund says cash requests have tripled: Agence France-Presse - August 4, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 4, 2008 (AFP) - Requests for cash from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria currently total 6.4 billion dollars, a record amount that is triple the level of previous years, the fund said Monday.
Barriers to anti-HIV circumcision campaign not so bad: Agence France-Presse - August 4, 2008; MEXICO, Aug 4, 2008 (AFP) - Psychological hurdles to encouraging circumcision among men to help stem the HIV pandemic are not as bad as feared, according to data presented at the International AIDS Conference here on Monday.
Back to basics in search for HIV vaccine, conference told: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 4, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 4, 2008 (AFP) - Leaders in the quest for a vaccine against HIV acknowledged here Monday that their mission was dogged by many problems and cautioned that any breakthrough lay years in the future.
Bill Clinton praises France in fight against AIDS: Agence France-Presse - August 4, 2008; DAKAR, Aug 4, 2008 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton wound up a four-nation Africa tour aimed at combating HIV/AIDS in Dakar on Sunday, praising France for its financial support through the agency Unitaid.
War on AIDS will be long, more funds needed, conference told: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 4, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 4, 2008 (AFP) - A global conference on AIDS was to get down to business on Monday after hearing that victory against the disease lay beyond the farthest horizon and endangered lives could only be saved with inflows of money.
AIDS: Swiss report on sex stirs controversy at conference: Christine Courcol; Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - Swiss researchers were welcomed with cheers but also tough questions here Sunday as they suggested that patients with HIV whose infection is curbed by drugs do not pass on the virus during unprotected sex.
Keep up momentum in war on AIDS, global conference told: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - A global conference on AIDS opened here Sunday with appeals for the world not to flag in fighting a disease that has claimed more than 25 million lives and placed 33 million others under its shadow.
Indian brothers pedal from Canada to Mexico for AIDS awareness: Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - A pair of Indian brothers arrived in Mexico City Sunday after cycling across North America from Toronto, Canada, to bridge the gap between two International AIDS Conferences and raise awareness.
Obama, McCain vow to step up fight against HIV/AIDS: Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; WASHINGTON, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - White House hopefuls Barack Obama and John McCain Sunday vowed to step up the fight against HIV and AIDS in America, after government figures showed the epidemic was growing faster than previously thought.
Leaders in AIDS fight warn against complacency: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - Leaders in the fight against AIDS pleaded on Sunday for the world to keep up its momentum against the disease and step up funding for HIV treatment and prevention.
TB drug interferes with key AIDS treatment: study: Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; PARIS, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - A drug used to fight tuberculosis also hampers the effectiveness of an HIV treatment widely used in Africa, the world's worst AIDS-hit region, a study published on Sunday said.
Treat HIV sooner for better results, say new AIDS guidelines: Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - Hitting the AIDS virus with drugs before it breaches a widely-recommended threshold of damage to the immune system can carry major benefits for patients, a top panel said here on Sunday.
Iranian doctors quizzed over 'velvet revolution' claims: Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; TEHRAN, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - Iranian authorities have launched an inquiry into two doctors known for their pioneering work on HIV/AIDS over claims they were plotting a "velvet revolution," a newspaper reported on Sunday.
AIDS conference to bring together top scientists: Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - One of the largest conferences in the 27-year history of AIDS was set to open here Sunday with an expected turnout of 22,000 scientists, policymakers and grassroots workers.
UNICEF head concerned over spread of HIV in Mozambique: Agence France-Presse - August 3, 2008; MAPUTO, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - The head of the UN's children fund has raised concerns over the spread of HIV in Mozambique, saying it was partly fueled by immigrants from Zimbabwe who were selling their bodies to make ends meet.
US underestimated country's HIV epidemic: Laurent Thomet; Agence France-Presse - August 1, 2008; WASHINGTON, Aug 3, 2008 (AFP) - US health authorities acknowledged that they had substantially underestimated the number of new HIV infections in the country, in a study showing that the epidemic is worse than previously thought.
Activists march against HIV 'stigma' before Mexico AIDS summit: Agence France-Presse - August 2, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 2, 2008 (AFP) - Several thousand brightly-dressed activists marched through Mexico City on Saturday protesting discrimination against those with the HIV virus ahead of the first world AIDS conference in Latin America.
Malawi distributes one million free nets to fight malaria: Agence France-Presse - August 1, 2008; MANGOCHI, Malawi, Aug 1, 2008 (AFP) - Malawi, one of Africa's poorest nations, launched a nationwide anti-malaria campaign Friday by distributing one million free nets to children aged under five and pregnant mothers.
Clinton pledges more support to fight AIDS in Ethiopia: Agence France-Presse - August 1, 2008; GODINO JITU, Ethiopia, Aug 1, 2008 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton on Friday pledged more support to combat HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, where he started a four-nation African tour.
Many with HIV hide attendance at AIDS conference: Sofia Miselem; Agence France-Presse - August 1, 2008; MEXICO CITY, Aug 1, 2008 (AFP) - Many of the thousands of HIV-positive participants gathering in Mexico City for the 17th International AIDS conference starting this weekend are afraid to say they are attending it.

July

Botswana hikes drink prices to curb alcoholism: Agence France-Presse - July 31, 2008; GABORONE, July 31, 2008 (AFP) - Botswana's government will next month raise alcohol prices by 70 percent in a bid to curb alcoholism, the office of the newly elected President Ian Khama said Thursday.
HIV/AIDS in figures: Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; PARIS, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - Following are the latest UN figures for the AIDS pandemic, published on Tuesday ahead of the August 3-8 International AIDS Conference in Mexico City:
Slow progress against HIV stigma in Latin America: Bertrand Rosenthal; Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; MEXICO CITY, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - As Mexico prepares to host the first world AIDS conference in Latin America, the continent's HIV patients struggle with problems of stigma, discrimination and access to antiretroviral drugs.
Brazil's success in AIDS fight depends on cheap drugs: Claire de Oliveira; Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; RIO DE JANEIRO, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - Brazil, long considered a model country in the fight against AIDS, depends on cheap retroviral treatments secured from the big drug companies after fierce struggle.
China's maintains HIV-AIDS entry ban despite Olympic scrutiny: Guy Newey; Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; China has defied calls to lift its ban on foreign visitors with HIV-AIDS ahead of the Olympics, highlighting a restriction that critics say fuels prejudice against those with the disease.
Gay rights group hails end of ban on HIV-positive visitors to US: Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; WASHINGTON, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - US gay rights activists on Wednesday hailed President George W. Bush for signing legislation to fight AIDS, which lifts a ban on HIV-positive visitors and immigrants from entering the United States.
Gay rights activist detained, abused in Uganda: NGO: Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; NAIROBI, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - Rights groups on Wednesday urged Uganda to investigate the alleged detaining and torture of a gay rights activist on trial for protesting against discrimination last month.
Slow progress against HIV stigma in Latin America: Bertrand Rosenthal; Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; MEXICO CITY, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - As Mexico prepares to host the first world AIDS conference in Latin America, the continent's HIV patients struggle with problems of stigma, discrimination and access to antiretroviral drugs.
Brazil's success in AIDS fight depends on cheap drugs: Claire de Oliveira; Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; RIO DE JANEIRO, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - Brazil, long considered a model country in the fight against AIDS, depends on cheap retroviral treatments secured from the big drug companies after fierce struggle.
US triples AIDS, malaria, TB funds for poorest countries: Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; WASHINGTON, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush on Wednesday signed legislation tripling funds to fight the killer diseases of AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in the world's poorest countries, mainly in Africa.
HIV/AIDS in figures: Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; PARIS, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - Following are the latest UN figures for the AIDS pandemic, published on Tuesday ahead of the August 3-8 International AIDS Conference in Mexico City....
AIDS: A timeline: Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; PARIS, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - Here are landmarks in the history of AIDS, ahead of the 17th International AIDS Conference, running in Mexico City August 3-8.
Orthodoxy under attack as global AIDS conference musters: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - July 30, 2008; PARIS, July 30, 2008 (AFP) - A world congress on AIDS gets underway on Sunday amid what appears to be a lull in the war against the disease and an emerging challenge to cherished strategies.
AIDS hitting Asian gays at high rates: UN: Tosin Sulaiman; Agence France-Presse - July 29, 2008; UNITED NATIONS, July 29, 2008 (AFP) - HIV infection rates among gay men in many parts of Asia are as severe as those which devastated US homosexual communities in the late 1980s, top officials of the UNAIDS agency said here Tuesday.
Eighty percent of HIV-positive Kenyans unaware of status: survey: Agence France-Presse - July 29, 2008; NAIROBI, July 29, 2008 (AFP) - Four out of every five Kenyans living with HIV are unaware of their status and about two-thirds of the country's 37 million people have never been tested, a study released Tuesday said.
AIDS epidemic 'stabilising', but more funds urgently needed: UN: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - July 29, 2008; PARIS, July 29, 2008 (AFP) - After 27 years and the loss of more than 25 million lives, the global AIDS pandemic has at last stabilised, but more funds and a breakthrough in disease prevention are needed to sustain this progress and roll back the threat, UNAIDS said on Tuesday.
UN AIDS chief concerned about Russia, eastern Europe: Tosin Sulaiman; Agence France-Presse - July 29, 2008; UNITED NATIONS, July 29, 2008 (AFP) - The UN AIDS chief said Tuesday that the global fight against the disease has made progress but voiced concern over rising cases in parts of the world, including Russia and Eastern Europe.
Food crisis leads WFP to extend West Africa operations: Agence France-Presse - July 29, 2008; DAKAR, July 29, 2008 (AFP) - The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said Tuesday it was expanding operations in West Africa to feed an extra 1.4 million people in the region hit hard by rising food prices.
Global AIDS pandemic: UN factfile: Agence France-Presse - July 29, 2008; PARIS, July 29, 2008 (AFP) - Following is a snapshot of the global AIDS pandemic, based on a report issued on Tuesday by UNAIDS.
AIDS epidemic 'stabilising', but more funds urgently needed: UN: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - July 29, 2008; PARIS, July 29, 2008 (AFP) - After 27 years and the loss of more than 25 million lives, the global AIDS pandemic has at last stabilised, but more funds and a breakthrough in disease prevention are needed to sustain this progress and roll back the threat, UNAIDS said on Tuesday.
Freed Bulgarian nurses thank France at anniversary reception: Agence France-Presse - July 28, 2008; SOFIA, July 28, 2008 (AFP) - Six Bulgarian medics freed a year ago after almost a decade jailed in Libya on AIDS and misconduct charges formally thanked France and its then first lady Monday, for showing they are "not forgotten."
AIDS-hit Swaziland population drops: Agence France-Presse - July 25, 2008; PIGG'S PEAK, Swaziland, July 25, 2008 (AFP) - The population of the AIDS-riven kingdom of Swaziland, already one of the smallest countries in Africa, has fallen by around a fifth in the last decade, figures showed Friday.
Staying alive: Drug cocktail boosts HIV survival by 13 years: Agence France-Presse - July 25, 2008; PARIS, July 25, 2008 (AFP) - Anti-HIV drugs have slashed death rates among people with the AIDS virus by nearly 40 percent since combination therapy was introduced in 1996, boosting their life expectancy by some 13 years, a study says.
Lancet study blasts Swiss stance on HIV protection: Agence France-Presse - July 25, 2008; PARIS, July 25, 2008 (AFP) - Doctors have unleashed a counterblast to a Swiss panel that said patients with HIV whose infection is curbed by drugs do not pass on the AIDS virus during unprotected sex.
Dissident Catholic groups call on pope to end condom ban: Martine Nouaille; Agence France-Presse - July 25, 2008; ROME, July 25, 2008 (AFP) - Catholic groups from Europe to the Americas called on Pope Benedict XVI on Friday to reverse the Vatican's opposition to contraception, on the 40th anniversary of a key text confirming its position.
AIDS-hit Swaziland population drops: Agence France-Presse - July 25, 2008; PIGG'S PEAK, Swaziland, July 25, 2008 (AFP) - The population of the AIDS-riven kingdom of Swaziland, already one of the smallest countries in Africa, has fallen by around a fifth in the last decade, figures showed Friday.
Lancet study blasts Swiss stance on HIV protection: Agence France-Presse - July 25, 2008; PARIS, July 25, 2008 (AFP) - Doctors have unleashed a counterblast to a Swiss panel that said patients with HIV whose infection is curbed by drugs do not pass on the AIDS virus during unprotected sex.
Staying alive: Drug cocktail boosts HIV survival by 13 years: Agence France-Presse - July 25, 2008; PARIS, July 25, 2008 (AFP) - Anti-HIV drugs have slashed death rates among people with the AIDS virus by nearly 40 percent since combination therapy was introduced in 1996, boosting their life expectancy by some 13 years, a study says.
US group concerned over detention of Iranian doctors: Agence France-Presse - July 23, 2008; WASHINGTON, July 23, 2008 (AFP) - The US-based Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) expressed concern Wednesday over the reported detention by the Iranian government of two Iranian doctors known for their pioneering work on HIV/AIDS.
US activists praise Senate for lifting HIV travel ban: Agence France-Presse - July 18, 2008; WASHINGTON, July 18, 2008 (AFP) - Gay advocates and commentators have hailed a vote by US senators to repeal a travel ban on HIV-positive visitors or immigrants to the United States.
US scientists scrap major AIDS vaccine test: Agence France-Presse - July 18, 2008; WASHINGTON, July 18, 2008 (AFP) - US scientists have scrapped plans for a large trial of a HIV vaccine due to concerns about its effectiveness, the government's medical research agency said.
Two genes may prevent HIV infection: study: Agence France-Presse - July 17, 2008; CHICAGO, July 17, 2008 (AFP) - Scientists have isolated two genes which may prevent people from contracting HIV or at least slow the rate at which they develop AIDS, a new study has found.
US Senate triples funding for global AIDS fight: Agence France-Presse - July 17, 2008; WASHINGTON, July 17, 2008 (AFP) - The US Senate has given a major boost to a program to combat AIDS and malaria around the world, voting to triple funding for a cause championed by President George W. Bush.
Anti-malaria gene in Africans raises HIV risk: Agence France-Presse - July 17, 2008; CHICAGO, July 17, 2008 (AFP) - A gene found only in people of African ancestry which evolved to prevent malaria infection now increases the odds of contracting AIDS by up to 40 percent, a new study has found.
Congo kids to get free AIDS checks and malaria drugs: Agence France-Presse - July 15, 2008; BRAZZAVILLE, July 15, 2008 (AFP) - HIV/AIDS tests and anti-malaria medication will be available free to children, Health Minister Emilienne Raoul announced Tuesday.
Give poor women birth control, education: World Bank: Karin Zeitvogel; Agence France-Presse - July 10, 2008; WASHINGTON, July 10, 2008 (AFP) - Giving women in poor nations better access to birth control and education would help to slash millions of unwanted births in the developing world, the World Bank said Thursday.
G8 set deadline for health package to Africa: Shaun Tandon; Agence France-Presse - July 8, 2008; TOYAKO, Japan, July 8, 2008 (AFP) - The Group of Eight leaders on Tuesday set a five-year deadline to provide 60 billion dollars to fight disease in Africa, but activists said the pledge meant little to the continent's poor.
S. African addicts turn to AIDS medication to get high: Agence France-Presse - July 2, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, July 2, 2008 (AFP) - South African AIDS patients in Durban are under siege from drug addicts who rob them of their antiretroviral treatment to get high, the provincial health department said Wednesday.
Anti-retroviral drug cocktails slash AIDS deaths: study: Agence France-Presse - July 1, 2008; WASHINGTON, July 1, 2008 (AFP) - Anti-retroviral drug therapy has slashed AIDS death rates in the first five years after infection to equal the normal death rates in developed countries, scientists said Tuesday.

June

New study pinpoints HIV risk within existing African couples: Agence France-Presse - June 27, 2008; PARIS, June 27, 2008 (AFP) - HIV infections among heterosexual Africans could be slashed by more than a third if safe-sex counselling was directed at married or cohabiting couples, a new study says.
AIDS epidemic is disaster like drought, floods for Africa: Red Cross: Agence France-Presse - June 26, 2008; GENEVA, June 26, 2008 (AFP) - The AIDS epidemic in southern Africa is so severe that it should be classed as a disaster comparable to floods or famine, a new study by the Red Cross said Thursday.
India's gays set for first nationwide pride marches: Tripti Lahiri; Agence France-Presse - June 26, 2008; NEW DELHI, June 26, 2008 (AFP) - Homosexuality is officially illegal in India but the country's lesbians and gays say that will not stop them coming out for the first nationwide pride marches this weekend.
Zimbabwe eases ban on NGOs: state media: Agence France-Presse - June 18, 2008; HARARE, June 18, 2008 (AFP) - Zimbabwe has lifted a pre-election ban on charities involved in food distribution and AIDS treatment, state media said Wednesday, but NGOs said the move will have little effect.
High HIV rate heightens Mozambique poverty: UN envoy: Agence France-Presse - June 13, 2008; MAPUTO, June 13, 2008 (AFP) - The spread of HIV in Mozambique has hit the economy and are heightening poverty, the United Nations's chief representative in the country said on Friday.
HIV/AIDS cases soar in Indonesian province: official: Agence France-Presse - June 12, 2008; JAKARTA, June 12, 2008 (AFP) - The number of HIV/AIDS cases in Indonesia's South Sulawesi province has more than doubled since 2006 due to an increase in intravenous drug use, a health ministry official said Thursday.
US life expectancy reaches 78 for the first time: Agence France-Presse - June 11, 2008; WASHINGTON, June 11, 2008 (AFP) - The average life expectancy in the United States reached 78 years for the first time in 2006, according to government figures out Wednesday.
Condoms, spousal sex urged prevent HIV in Caribbean jails: Agence France-Presse - June 11, 2008; GEORGETOWN, June 11, 2008 (AFP) - Conjugal visits and condoms could help reduce homosexual sex and slow the spread of HIV in Caribbean jails, where three percent of male prisoners are infected, a regional corrections official said.
UN calls for lifting travel restrictions on HIV carriers: Agence France-Presse - June 10, 2008; UNITED NATIONS, June 10, 2008 (AFP) - UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday called for an end to discrimination against people carrying the AIDS virus, including travel restrictions imposed on them by some countries.
One in four New Yorkers has genital herpes: Agence France-Presse - June 10, 2008; NEW YORK, June 10, 2008 (AFP) - One in four adults living in New York City has the virus that causes genital herpes, and among African-Americans the rate is almost 50 percent, official statistics show.
Ugandan court charges gays with trespassing: Agence France-Presse - June 9, 2008; KAMPALA, June 9, 2008 (AFP) - A Ugandan court charged three homosexuals with trespassing for protesting against discrimination during last week's HIV/AIDS conference in the capital, police said Monday.
Treating TB is key to saving lives of AIDS patients: activist: Agence France-Presse - June 9, 2008; UNITED NATIONS, June 9, 2008 (AFP) - People suffering from both AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) are more likely to die of TB, a Zambian infected with HIV said here Monday.
Malawi begins new census: Agence France-Presse - June 8, 2008; ZOMBA, Malawi, June 8, 2008 (AFP) - Malawi on Sunday began its fifth census since its 1964 independence from Britain, a decade after the last head count was held in the AIDS-blighted and impoverished southern African nation.
Zimbabwe aid ban leaves HIV patients at risk: NGO: Agence France-Presse - June 8, 2008; HARARE, June 8, 2008 (AFP) - Zimbabwe's suspension of aid work before a presidential run-off will especially hurt HIV patients in the country, which has been hard hit by AIDS, a national association of NGOs said Sunday.
Australian researchers say 'natural condom' could stop HIV: Agence France-Presse - June 4, 2008; SYDNEY, June 4, 2008 (AFP) - Australian researchers said Wednesday they had developed a means of producing a "natural condom" which could prevent the spread of AIDS.
Uganda police detain 13 gay activists: Agence France-Presse - June 4, 2008; KAMPALA, June 4, 2008 (AFP) - Ugandan police on Wednesday detained 13 people protesting over discrimination against gays during a global HIV/AIDS conference, a spokesman said.
Marijuana university offers 'higher' education: Karina Ioffee; Agence France-Presse - June 3, 2008; OAKLAND, California, June 3, 2008 (AFP) - A private San Francisco area university dedicated to the study of the cannabis industry is giving a whole new meaning to higher education.
More developing world HIV patients on retrovirals: WHO: Agence France-Presse - June 2, 2008; GENEVA, June 2, 2008 (AFP) - Nearly three million people with HIV/AIDS in developing countries had received anti-retroviral drugs by the end of 2007, said the World Health Organisation Monday: seven times more than four years ago.

May

Four in five Swazi men reject AIDS testing: survey: Agence France-Presse - May 30, 2008; MBABANE, May 30, 2008 (AFP) - Four out of five men in Swaziland, the nation with the world's highest rate of HIV, would refuse to undertake a test for the AIDS virus, official figures showed on Friday.
Canada ruling keeps 'legal drug' clinic alive: Agence France-Presse - May 28, 2008; VANCOUVER, Canada, May 28, 2008 (AFP) - A clinic in a seamy neighborhood of Vancouver in western Canada is the only place in North America where addicts can get medical supervision as they inject drugs illegally bought on the street.
Japan PM pledges 560 million dollars to fight diseases: Agence France-Presse - May 23, 2008; TOKYO, May 23, 2008 (AFP) - Japan announced Friday it will give 560 million dollars to help fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as it seeks to make aid to Africa a major theme of its chairmanship of the G8 group.
Gambia president threatens to behead gays: reports: Agence France-Presse - May 22, 2008; BANJUL, May 22, 2008 (AFP) - Eccentric Gambian President Yahya Jammeh threatened to behead gays unless they left the country, according to reports Thursday.
AIDS cases on the rise in Burundi: officials: Agence France-Presse - May 22, 2008; BUJUMBURA, May 22, 2008 (AFP) - HIV/AIDS prevalence in the small central African nation of Burundi rose to 4.2 percent last year from 3.5 percent in 2002, health officials said Thursday.
Call for fresh thinking as AIDS pandemic marks quarter century: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - May 19, 2008; PARIS, May 19, 2008 (AFP) - New ideas, young talent and injections of money are needed to invigorate the war against AIDS, top experts said here Monday at a review of medical progress since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was discovered 25 years ago.
From 'gay plague' to global tragedy: An AIDS anniversary: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - May 18, 2008; PARIS, May 18, 2008 (AFP) - The campaign against AIDS marks an important anniversary this week, bringing to mind victories of science and the human spirit but also defeats, stigma and ignorance in a combat that has claimed more lives than World War I.
South African military AIDS policy faces court challenge: Agence France-Presse - May 15, 2008; PRETORIA, May 15, 2008 (AFP) - The South African military's blanket exclusions of HIV positive members is not medically justified and ignores government policy, lawyers for service personnel union told a court Thursday.
Kenya moves to stem widespread sodomy in prisons: report: Agence France-Presse - May 13, 2008; NAIROBI, May 13, 2008 (AFP) - Kenyan authorities have commissioned a study in a bid to stem widespread homosexual practices in the country's crowded prisons, a top health official said, the Standard daily reported Tuesday.
Malawi AIDS deaths drop 10 percent, local free drugs study shows: Agence France-Presse - May 9, 2008; PARIS, May 9, 2008 (AFP) - Distributing free anti-HIV drugs in a district of AIDS-ravaged Malawi helped cut the death toll by 10 percent within eight months, according to a study published on Saturday by The Lancet.
Saddam journal reveals prison AIDS fear: Ali Khalil; Agence France-Presse - May 6, 2008; DUBAI, May 6, 2008 (AFP) - Saddam Hussein, the ousted Iraqi dictator hanged in 2006 for crimes against humanity, feared he would pick up sexual diseases while he was in US custody, according to extracts from prison writings published in an Arab newspaper.
Rockers Queen to headline Mandela AIDS concert: Agence France-Presse - May 6, 2008; LONDON, May 6, 2008 (AFP) - Veteran rockers Queen along with Razorlight and Simple Minds will top the bill at an AIDS benefit concert in London next month to mark Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday, organisers announced Tuesday.
AIDS caseload in E. Europe, C. Asia can be cut: UN: Agence France-Presse - May 2, 2008; MOSCOW, May 2, 2008 (AFP) - A real opportunity exists to curb the AIDS epidemic in eastern Europe and central Asia provided current progress can be stepped up and kept up, a top United Nations official predicted here Friday.
Beating beetroot: S.African AIDS plan boosts treatment: Fran Blandy; Agence France-Presse - May 2, 2008; WINTERTON, South Africa, May 2, 2008 (AFP) - The waiting room at the anti-retroviral clinic in rural Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, is bustling, as patients clutch their files patiently awaiting their life-saving medication.

April

HIV infections hit record in Singapore: Agence France-Presse - April 30, 2008; SINGAPORE, April 30, 2008 (AFP) - The number of HIV cases in Singapore hit a record last year, figures monitored on Wednesday said.
Aids help groups announce price cuts for anti-retroviral drugs: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2008; GENEVA, April 28, 2008 (AFP) - Two major organisations for access to AIDS medication on Monday announced new deals with generic medicine manufacturers to reduce the price of second-line anti-retroviral drugs.
Finnish man intentionally spread HIV to five women: court: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2008; HELSINKI, April 28, 2008 (AFP) - A Finnish court on Monday ruled a man had intentionally transmitted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, to five women and had unprotected sex with least 14 others, exposing them to possible infection.
Human protein could help AIDS fight: study: Agence France-Presse - April 28, 2008; WASHINGTON, April 28, 2008 (AFP) - A human protein could offer new hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS by offering scientists a way to attack the virus and avoid problems with drug resistance, according to a US study released Monday.
Clinical symptoms just as good as lab trials for AIDS patients: WHO: Agence France-Presse - April 25, 2008; GENEVA, April 25, 2008 (AFP) - AIDS sufferers whose treatment is assessed by simple clinical signs are almost on a par with those whose therapies are based on advanced laboratory analysis, the World Health Organisation said Friday.
S Korean court blocks plan to deport HIV patient: Agence France-Presse - April 18, 2008; SEOUL, April 18, 2008 (AFP) - A South Korean court has blocked plans by immigration officials to deport a Korean-Chinese man because he is HIV-positive, court officials said Friday.
Iran offers addicts condoms from vending machines: Agence France-Presse - April 16, 2008; TEHRAN, April 16, 2008 (AFP) - Iran is installing vending machines in Tehran to sell cheap condoms and syringes to drug addicts to prevent the spread of AIDS and hepatitis, an official said on Wednesday.
In forum on faith, Clinton shows Obama little charity: Alain Jean-Robert; Agence France-Presse - April 14, 2008; WASHINGTON, April 14, 2008 (AFP) - Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton blasted her rival Barack Obama during a debate Sunday, accusing him of being "elitist" and "patronizing".
Thai Red Cross ends separate screening for gay blood donors: Agence France-Presse - April 11, 2008; BANGKOK, April 11, 2008 (AFP) - The Red Cross of Thailand said Friday that it would change its screening process for blood donors to address concerns from activists who said the system discriminated against gays.
Egypt jails five 'homosexuals' for three years: Agence France-Presse - April 9, 2008; CAIRO, April 9, 2008 (AFP) - A Cairo court on Wednesday jailed five men, four of them HIV positive, for three years on charges of "debauchery" linked to homosexuality, the latest example of what rights groups call a "witch hunt."
Kenya to spend millions for AIDS treatment next year: ministry: Agence France-Presse - April 6, 2008; NAIROBI, April 6, 2008 (AFP) - Kenya will spend millions of dollars next year on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy for a surge of new HIV/AIDS patients in the country, the health ministry said Sunday.
Canadian sentenced to 18 years for exposing lovers to HIV: Agence France-Presse - April 4, 2008; OTTAWA, April 4, 2008 (AFP) - A Canadian man was sentenced on Friday to 18 years in prison for knowingly exposing women to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
US to spend 50 bln to fight AIDS around the globe: Agence France-Presse - April 3, 2008; WASHINGTON, April 3, 2008 (AFP) - The White House Thursday welcomed moves by US lawmakers to triple funding to combat HIV and AIDS worldwide to some 50 billion dollars, saying it could help save millions of lives.
More than 2 million children living with HIV worldwide: UN report: Agence France-Presse - April 3, 2008; GENEVA, April 3, 2008 (AFP) - More than two million children worldwide were living with the HIV virus in 2007, most of whom were infected before they were born, a joint study by United Nations humanitarian organisations said Thursday.
Common AIDS drug linked to risk of heart attack: Lancet study: Agence France-Presse - April 2, 2008; PARIS, April 2, 2008 (AFP) - Ziagen, one of the most widely-used AIDS drugs, may boost the risk of a heart attack, a long-term study published online on Wednesday by The Lancet suggests.
Police in China uncover illegal blood scheme: Agence France-Presse - April 2, 2008; BEIJING, April 2, 2008 (AFP) - Authorities in southern China have uncovered another illegal blood scheme, state media said Wednesday, days after health officials said almost 5,000 blood banks were shut last year.
Ted Turner, protestant churches partner to fight malaria in Africa: Agence France-Presse - April 1, 2008; UNITED NATIONS, April 1, 2008 (AFP) - US broadcasting giant Ted Turner on Tuesday joined hands with the Methodist and Lutheran churches to launch a new global effort to raise 200 million dollars to combat malaria in Africa.
US ups anti-HIV aid to Ivory Coast: embassy: Agence France-Presse - April 1, 2008; ABIDJAN, April 1, 2008 (AFP) - The United States is to distribute 120 million dollars (80 million euros) in anti-AIDS and HIV aid to the Ivory Coast over the new financial year, its embassy in Abidjan said Tuesday.

March

Botswana CEO Mogae exits the boardroom: Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe; Agence France-Presse - March 30, 2008; GABORONE, March 30, 2008 (AFP) - Festus Mogae is to stand down as Botswana's president on Tuesday after a decade in which his country cemented its status as one of Africa's success stories despite fears it could be wiped out by AIDS.
Thousands join French disability, pension protests: Agence France-Presse - March 29, 2008; PARIS, March 29, 2008 (AFP) - Thousands of disabled people demonstrated in the streets of Paris to demand higher benefit payments, while separate protests unrolled across France against proposed pension reforms.
Zimbabwe children face 'unbearable' suffering: charity: Agence France-Presse - March 28, 2008; LONDON, March 28, 2008 (AFP) - Children in Zimbabwe face "unbearable" suffering, ranging from malnutrition and lack of health care to the threat of rape and violence, the British-based charity Save the Children said Saturday.
Red Cross launches China HIV prevention programme: Agence France-Presse - March 28, 2008; BEIJING, March 28, 2008 (AFP) - The Red Cross Society of China on Friday launched its first ever nationwide HIV programme with the aim of reaching all 31 provinces and municipalities in the country by 2010.
UN raises alarm on AIDS epidemic in Asia: Gerard Aziakou; Agence France-Presse - March 26, 2008; UNITED NATIONS, March 26, 2008 (AFP) - Asian governments must devote more funds to preventing AIDS or face the risk the disease could kill nearly 500,000 people each year across the continent by 2020, a United Nations report says.
Spit samples may soon replace blood tests: US study: Agence France-Presse - March 25, 2008; WASHINGTON, March 25, 2008 (AFP) - US researchers have identified all the 1,166 proteins in human saliva in a breakthrough which could become a new tool for diagnosing killer diseases like cancer, a study showed Tuesday.
Pope sends message to sick on world TB day: Agence France-Presse - March 24, 2008; CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, March 24, 2008 (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI said he was "particularly close" to those sick with tuberculosis following Easter prayers which coincide with the World Tuberculosis Day.
Botswana president to visit France: foreign minister: Agence France-Presse - March 18, 2008; GABORONE, March 18, 2008 (AFP) - Botswana President Festus Mogae will on Wednesday begin a two-day visit to France at the invitation of President Nicolas Sarkozy, Foreign Affairs Minister Mompati Merafhe said Tuesday.
Rural, poor S African woman bear brunt of AIDS burden: Amnesty: Agence France-Presse - March 18, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, March 18, 2008 (AFP) - Poor, rural women bear the brunt of South Africa's HIV epidemic as they face sexual abuse and discrimination, rights body Amnesty International said Tuesday, urging government action.
Ex-Yukos executive no longer chained to hospital bed: report: Agence France-Presse - March 17, 2008; MOSCOW, March 17, 2008 (AFP) - Russian prison authorities said Monday the former vice-president of oil group Yukos, suffering from cancer and AIDS, who was moved from his jail to hospital, will no longer be chained to his bed.
WHO warns more TB cases slipping through detection net: Agence France-Presse - March 17, 2008; GENEVA, March 17, 2008 (AFP) - The World Health Organisation warned Monday that more new tuberculosis cases are slipping through the detection net, as countries fail to keep up with rapid progress made in earlier years.
Myriam Makeba backs Kinshasa women in fighting AIDS: Sofia Bouderbala; Agence France-Presse - March 15, 2008; KINSHASA, March 15, 2008 (AFP) - "What I have seen here, I will tell the world in words and in songs," Myriam Makeba promised women with smallholdings on the banks of the Congo, then threw aside her cane for a spontaneous song in the sand.
S African study suggests heart disease growing in developing countries: Agence France-Presse - March 14, 2008; PARIS, March 14, 2008 (AFP) - Heart disease, once predominantly the preserve of rich countries, is expanding fast in developing economies, although for rather different reasons, a study carried out in South Africa suggests.
Indonesia says Freeport should help fight AIDS in Papua: Agence France-Presse - March 12, 2008; JAKARTA, March 12, 2008 (AFP) - Indonesia's health minister said Wednesday mining giant Freeport should contribute money to help fight the spread of HIV and AIDS in Papua, where it operates a massive gold and copper mine.
1 in 4 teenaged US girls has sexually-transmitted disease: study: Agence France-Presse - March 11, 2008; CHICAGO, March 11, 2008 (AFP) - One in four teenaged girls in the United States has been infected with at least one sexually transmitted disease, according to a study released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
UNAIDS calls for lifting of HIV-related travel restrictions: Agence France-Presse - March 7, 2008; GENEVA, March 7, 2008 (AFP) - People with HIV face travel restrictions from some 74 nations, with 13 banning those with the disease from entering the countries completely, UNAIDS said Friday.
UN calls on member states to 'invest in women and girls': Herve Couturier; Agence France-Presse - March 6, 2008; UNITED NATIONS, March 6, 2008 (AFP) - Noting that "progress for women is progress for all," the United Nations is urging the world to invest in its women and girls.
HIV-positive Japan MP says getting married: Harumi Ozawa; Agence France-Presse - March 4, 2008; TOKYO, March 4, 2008 (AFP) - A Japanese member of parliament who is one of the country's most prominent people living with HIV said on Tuesday that he has married.
Malawi seeks to oust fake AIDS healers: Agence France-Presse - March 4, 2008; BLANTYRE, March 4, 2008 (AFP) - Lawmakers began examining Tuesday draft legislation aimed to rid HIV/AIDS-plagued Malawi of quacks claiming to cure the virus through such remedies as sex with virgins, health authorities said.
South Korea rights body raps plan to deport HIV patient: Agence France-Presse - March 4, 2008; SEOUL, March 4, 2008 (AFP) - South Korea's rights watchdog said Tuesday it has asked a court to overrule a government decision to deport a foreign worker infected with HIV.
Clinic closed in Las Vegas in health scandal: city officials: Agence France-Presse - March 2, 2008; LOS ANGELES, March 2, 2008 (AFP) - The city of Las Vegas has shut down a clinic where up to 40,000 people may have been exposed to hepatitis C and the HIV virus through the reuse of syringes and vials, officials said on Sunday.
Zimbabweans get life-saving AIDS drugs in neighbouring state: Florence Panoussian; Agence France-Presse - March 2, 2008; MACHIPANDA, Mozambique(AFP) - Zimbabwean orphans Evans, 13, and Edmond Mahlangu, 8, crossed a mountain range on foot to get to Mozambique where they are slowly recovering on life-saving AIDS drugs in short supply back home.

February

ADB says transport spending may increase AIDS in Asia: Agence France-Presse - February 28, 2008; MANILA (AFP) - Massive Asian Development Bank lending to the region's transport sector may be helping drive the spread of AIDS across the world's most populous continent, the bank said in a study released Thursday.
Bush urges Congress to pass bigger AIDS program for Africa: Agence France-Presse - February 28, 2008; WASHINGTON, Feb 28, 2008 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush urged Congress Thursday to quickly pass legislation tripling funds for a program to combat AIDS and malaria in the world's poorest countries, mainly in Africa.
HIV, hepatitis scare may affect 40,000 US clinic patients: Tangi Quemener; Agence France-Presse - February 28, 2008; LOS ANGELES, Feb 28, 2008 (AFP) - US officials Thursday said 40,000 people may have been infected with HIV and hepatitis in a major health scare after a Las Vegas clinic was found to have re-used syringes and medicine vials.
WHO reports record levels of drug-resistant TB: Agence France-Presse - February 26, 2008; WASHINGTON, Feb 26, 2008 (AFP) - Drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis have been recorded at their highest rates ever around the globe amid shortages in funding needed to combat the disease, the World Health Organization said Tuesday.
Bush urges successor: Keep Africa focus: Agence France-Presse - February 26, 2008; WASHINGTON, Feb 26, 2008 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush on Tuesday urged all of the candidates to succeed him to make clear that they will not turn their backs on US commitments to Africa.
Experimental anti-HIV gel safe, tolerable for women: study: Agence France-Presse - February 24, 2008; CHICAGO, Feb 24, 2008 (AFP) - The quest to develop a vaginal gel to prevent HIV infection took a step forward Monday when researchers announced that one such gel is safe for women to use on a daily basis.
Western clinical trials bad for traditional medicine: S African minister: Agence France-Presse - February 23, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Feb 23, 2008 (AFP) - Traditional medicines used by African healers should not be exposed to Western-style clinical trials, South Africa's controversial health minister was reported as saying Saturday.
Kenya, UN warn crisis risks incubating new AIDS infections: Agence France-Presse - February 22, 2008; NAIROBI, Feb 22, 2008 (AFP) - Kenya's crisis, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, risks sparking a new wave of HIV/AIDS infections that could wipe out progress achieved so far, Kenyan and UN officials warned Thursday.
Poaching of doctors from Africa is 'international crime': Lancet: Agence France-Presse - February 22, 2008; PARIS, Feb 22, 2008 (AFP) - Recruitment agencies in rich countries which actively recruit health workers in Africa are guilty of "international crime," a hard-hitting viewpoint published on Saturday in The Lancet says.
China launches first anti-AIDS drive for gay men: state media: Agence France-Presse - February 21, 2008; BEIJING, Feb 21, 2008 (AFP) - Chinese authorities have launched their first anti-AIDS programme focused on gay men, amid rising concern that the disease is becoming more prevalent among homosexuals, state press reported Thursday.
Next plague likeliest to emerge from poor tropical countries: Richard Ingham; Agence France-Presse - February 20, 2008; PARIS, Feb 20, 2008 (AFP) - Scores of infectious diseases have emerged to threaten humans in the past decades as viruses leap the species barrier from wild animals and bacteria mutate into antibiotic-resistant strains, scientists reported on Wednesday.
Bush signals flexibility on AIDS strategy: Agence France-Presse - February 20, 2008; ACCRA, Feb 20, 2008 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush signalled Wednesday that he might drop his anti-HIV/AIDS strategy's insistence on sexual abstinence if he finds it is ineffective -- but not now, because the program is working.
Asian Development Bank helps Vietnam youths fight HIV: Frank Zeller; Agence France-Presse - February 20, 2008; HANOI, Feb 20, 2008 (AFP) - Nam isn't sure how he caught the HIV virus -- he says he is a former heroin addict and often had unprotected sex -- but now he is committed to helping other Vietnamese youths avoid the same fate.
Russia defends chaining ill Yukos prisoner to hospital bed: Agence France-Presse - February 19, 2008; MOSCOW, Feb 19, 2008 (AFP) - A Russian prison service spokesman justified on Tuesday the use of bed-chains on a jailed former Yukos oil executive, who is receiving treatment for cancer and AIDS in a Moscow hospital, following a complaint from his lawyers.
Ex-Yukos chief 'chained' to hospital bed: lawyer: Agence France-Presse - February 18, 2008; MOSCOW, Feb 18, 2008 (AFP) - A jailed former Russian oil executive who won the right to hospital treatment for cancer and AIDS in a bitter court battle is chained to his sick-bed, one of his lawyers said Monday.
Fresh blow to AIDS microbicide as trials show gel is ineffective: Agence France-Presse - February 18, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Feb 18, 2008 (AFP) - The frustrating quest to develop a vaginal gel to prevent HIV infection was dealt a fresh blow on Monday as researchers announced that the first prototype to complete advanced clinical trials was ineffective.
Bush unveils new anti-malaria campaign in Tanzania: Agence France-Presse - February 18, 2008; ARUSHA, Tanzania, Feb 18, 2008 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush on Monday unveiled a new plan to distribute special bed-nets to defend every Tanzanian child aged one to five from the mosquitoes that spread deadly malaria.
Bush confronts Africa policy critics: Olivier Knox; Agence France-Presse - February 17, 2008; DAR ES SALAAM, Feb 17, 2008 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush with backing from Tanzania's leader Sunday defended US policies towards Africa, from efforts to end Kenya's bloody political crisis to the war on HIV/AIDS.
UAE appeals court upholds verdict in rape case: Agence France-Presse - February 17, 2008; DUBAI, Feb 17, 2008 (AFP) - An appeals court in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday upheld 15-year jail terms handed down against two Emiratis convicted of raping a French-Swiss teenager, an AFP journalist said.
Bush to bring 'American compassion' to Africa: Agence France-Presse - February 15, 2008; WASHINGTON, Feb 15, 2008 (AFP) - President George W. Bush set off Friday on a five-nation tour of Africa, touting American compassion for the poor on a continent where he already basks in high approval ratings.
UN chief hails 'important' Bush tour of Africa: Agence France-Presse - February 15, 2008; WASHINGTON, Feb 15, 2008 (AFP) - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday hailed the upcoming visit of President George W. Bush to Africa as "important" and urged him to use the occasion to help eradicate hunger and disease on the continent.
Bono-sponsored art auction raises 42.5 million dollars for AIDS: Agence France-Presse - February 14, 2008; NEW YORK, Feb 14, 2008 (AFP) - An art auction conceived by U2 frontman and campaigner Bono together with British artist Damien Hirst raised 42.5 million dollars in New York late Thursday for UN-backed health programs in Africa.
'Unacceptable' delay in detecting Brazil AIDS cases: official: Agence France-Presse - February 14, 2008; BRASILIA, Feb 14, 2008 (AFP) - Nearly half the AIDS cases in Brazil are detected only as the syndrome's symptoms appear, resulting in an "unacceptable" delay that jeopardizes the success of treatment, the country's AIDS program coordinator said Thursday.
Bush to 'rally' Africa on Kenya, spotlight aid: Olivier Knox; Agence France-Presse - February 14, 2008; WASHINGTON, Feb 14, 2008 (AFP) - President George W. Bush embarks Friday on a week-long trip to Africa, hoping to highlight the kinder, gentler side of US policy and "rally the continent" to end deadly violence in Kenya, aides say.
Rights group says Egypt chaining HIV men to hospital beds: Agence France-Presse - February 6, 2008; CAIRO, Feb 6, 2008 (AFP) - Egyptian HIV-positive men are arrested, tortured and chained to hospital beds for 23 hours a day before facing unfair trials for alleged homosexuality, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.
HIV infections on the rise in Sweden: officials: Agence France-Presse - February 5, 2008; STOCKHOLM, Feb 5, 2008 (AFP) - The number of new HIV infections jumped 20 percent in Sweden last year, health officials said Tuesday, quoting preliminary figures that could signal altered attitudes towards the disease that causes AIDS.
African women slam abuse of females with HIV/AIDS: Agence France-Presse - February 4, 2008; OUAGADOUGOU, Feb 4, 2008 (AFP) - Hundreds of sub-Saharan Africans rallied Monday in Burkina Faso against the abuse of women infected with HIV/AIDS.
Briton gets 14 years for spreading HIV to Swedish teens: Agence France-Presse - February 1, 2008; STOCKHOLM, Feb 1, 2008 (AFP) - A Swedish court on Friday sentenced a 32-year-old HIV-positive Briton to 14 years in prison for having unprotected sex with 16 young girls and infecting two of them with the virus that causes AIDS.
Health agencies stick to condom advice after Swiss AIDS study: Agence France-Presse - February 1, 2008; GENEVA, Feb 1, 2008 (AFP) - Using a condom is still the safest protection against AIDS, United Nations health agencies said Friday after Swiss researchers claimed patients on retroviral drugs do not transmit the virus.
Ex-Yukos VP with AIDS, cancer denied transfer to hospital: Agence France-Presse - February 1, 2008; MOSCOW, Feb 1, 2008 (AFP) - A Moscow court on Friday turned down a request from a jailed former manager of bankrupt oil giant Yukos, who has AIDS and cancer, to be transferred to hospital for care, a judge said.

January

Russian prison head demands ex-Yukos manager be moved to hospital: Agence France-Presse - January 31, 2008; MOSCOW, Jan 31, 2008 (AFP) - The head of the prison where Vasily Aleksaniyan, a former manager of bankrupt Russian petrol group Yukos who has AIDS, is serving time, has asked for him be transferred to a hospital for care.
Jailed Russian tycoon on hunger strike: lawyer: Agence France-Presse - January 30, 2008; MOSCOW, Jan 30, 2008 (AFP) - Jailed Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky has gone on hunger strike to protest poor treatment provided to a fellow inmate and former associate who is suffering from AIDS, his lawyer said Wednesday.
Patients on AIDS drugs don't transmit virus: Swiss panel: Agence France-Presse - January 30, 2008; GENEVA, Jan 30, 2008 (AFP) - AIDS patients who take effective retroviral drugs do not pass on the virus even through unprotected sex, Switzerland's state commission on the disease claimed on Wednesday.
UAE rape case appeal adjourned until Feb 3: lawyer: Agence France-Presse - January 27, 2008; DUBAI, Jan 27, 2008 (AFP) - An appeal hearing on Sunday in the case of two Emiratis convicted of raping a French-Swiss teenager was adjourned until February 3 because the defendants failed to appear in court, the boy's lawyer said.
'Kenya has bled enough': newspapers appeal for talks: Bogonko Bosire; Agence France-Presse - January 27, 2008; NAIROBI, Jan 27, 2008 (AFP) - Stung by unbridled clashes, Kenyan newspapers Sunday pleaded with feuding leaders to start talks to end the crisis spurred by a disputed presidential election, telling them that "Kenya has bled enough."
Bush to visit five African countries next month: Agence France-Presse - January 25, 2008; WASHINGTON, Jan 25, 2008 (AFP) - President George W. Bush will travel to five African nations next month -- Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Liberia -- on a trip expected to address issues including economic development and AIDS, the White House announced Friday.
Sex attacks on the rise in Kenya: UNICEF: Agence France-Presse - January 25, 2008; GENEVA, Jan 25, 2008 (AFP) - Sexual violence has soared in Kenya amid the country's ethnic clashes and political turmoil, with young women in refugee camps particularly vulnerable to rape and prostitution, the United Nations children's fund said on Friday.
Microsoft and Dell go RED for Bono's AIDS charity: Agence France-Presse - January 24, 2008; SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 24, 2008 (AFP) - Microsoft and Dell on Thursday joined U2 band front man Bono's "RED" charity effort with a line of red personal computers.
No French arms trade-off in Libya medics case: inquiry: Agence France-Presse - January 22, 2008; PARIS, Jan 22, 2008 (AFP) - A French parliamentary inquiry has established that Paris did not offer Libya military aid in exchange for the release of six foreign medics jailed on charges of infecting children with AIDS, its rapporteur said Tuesday.
Charges dropped in Canada HIV tainted-blood scandal: Agence France-Presse - January 18, 2008; MONTREAL, Jan 18, 2008 (AFP) - Canadian prosecutors on Friday dropped all charges against a former director of the Canadian Red Cross who had been implicated in the distribution of HIV-contaminated blood.
New virus linked to rare but lethal skin cancer: Agence France-Presse - January 17, 2008; WASHINGTON, Jan 17, 2008 (AFP) - US researchers have discovered a new virus they believe may be linked to a rare but extremely lethal type of skin cancer, a study released Thursday said.
Ethiopia targets free HIV/AIDS drugs for all by 2010: Agence France-Presse - January 17, 2008; ADDIS ABEBA, Jan 17, 2008 (AFP) - Ethiopia is implementing an action plan against AIDS that sets 2010 as a target for providing free retroviral drugs to all HIV-AIDS sufferers who need them, a senior health official said Thursday.
Zuma rebukes SAfrica government but stresses unity: Isaac Mangena; Agence France-Presse - January 12, 2008; PRETORIA, Jan 12, 2008 (AFP) - Jacob Zuma used his first keynote speech as leader of South Africa's ruling ANC Saturday to rebuke President Thabo Mbeki's failure to narrow the wealth gap, while saying he would not undermine his rival.
World Bank slams corruption in aided Indian healthcare projects: Pratap Chakravarty; Agence France-Presse - January 12, 2008; NEW DELHI, Jan 12, 2008 (AFP) - The World Bank has exposed serious fraud in Indian healthcare programmes it has funded and said New Delhi had agreed to help stamp out corruption, officials said Saturday.
Palestinian medic files complaint against Libya with UN: lawyer: Agence France-Presse - January 10, 2008; AMSTERDAM, Jan 10, 2008 (AFP) - The Palestinian-born doctor held with five Bulgarian nurses in a Libyan prison for over eight years has filed a complaint against Libya with the UN Commission on Human Rights, his lawyer said Thursday.
Kenya wildlife may have eaten human victims of post-poll violence: Red Cross: Bogonko Bosire; Agence France-Presse - January 10, 2008; NAIROBI, Jan 10, 2008 (AFP) - Kenya's world-famous carnivorous wildlife -- big cats and scavenger mammals and birds -- may have made off with and devoured the bodies of human victims of recent post-election violence, the Kenyan Red Cross said Thursday.
Findings of French probe into Bulgarian nurses due January 22: Agence France-Presse - January 8, 2008; PARIS, Jan 8, 2008 (AFP) - The findings of a French parliamentary inquiry into the release by Libya last year of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor are to be made public on January 22, one of its members said Tuesday.
WHO urges less qualified AIDS workers for poorer countries: Agence France-Presse - January 8, 2008; ADDIS ABABA, Jan 8, 2008 (AFP) - Less qualified health workers should be used in HIV/AIDS care in developing countries facing severe shortages of doctors and nurses, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Tuesday.
Building boom drives rapid AIDS spread in Indonesia: ADB: Agence France-Presse - January 8, 2008; MANILA, Jan 8, 2008 (AFP) - Indonesia's construction boom is driving an "exponential" rise in HIV-AIDS infections as migrant workers are more likely to engage in high-risk sex, the Asian Development Bank warned Tuesday.
Malawi pays to improve nutrition of HIV-positive workers: Agence France-Presse - January 8, 2008; BLANTYRE, Jan 8, 2008 (AFP) - Malawi, one of Africa's poorest countries, is to give civil servants carrying the HIV virus an extra 35 dollars a month to help them improve their nutrition, a top health official said Tuesday.
S.Africa's AIDS activist in same-sex marriage: Agence France-Presse - January 6, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Jan 6, 2008 (AFP) - A notable South African HIV/AIDS activist, Zackie Achmat, got married to his co-campaigner boyfriend at a ceremony attended by hundreds of guests, newspapers reported on Sunday.
ANC leader weds as graft row rolls on: reports: Agence France-Presse - January 5, 2008; JOHANNESBURG, Jan 5, 2008 (AFP) - The head of South Africa's ruling ANC party married his fourth wife and mother of his youngest children in a ceremony Saturday at his homestead attended by some 500 guests, local media reported.
AIDS: S.Africa's graveyard generation mourns: Fran Blandy; Agence France-Presse - January 3, 2008; SOWETO, South Africa, Jan 3, 2008 (AFP) - It is Saturday in Soweto and AIDS-ridden South Africa's biggest township is geared up for its foremost weekend activity: funerals.
HIV carriers in Saudi urged to report discrimination: Agence France-Presse - January 2, 2008; RIYADH, Jan 2, 2008 (AFP) - A Saudi human rights watchdog is urging carriers of the AIDS virus to report any discrimination they suffer in the conservative Muslim kingdom, the Jeddah daily Arab News said on Wednesday.

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