UN hails recipients of Nobel Prize for discovering HIV

The United Nations has applauded the awarding of the 2008 Nobel Prize for Medicine to two French scientists for their discovery of HIV. – The United Nations has applauded the awarding of the 2008 Nobel Prize for Medicine to two French scientists for their discovery of HIV and for their subsequent pioneering research into the virus.

Indian doctors can’t deny HIV+, AIDS patients

Indian doctors can not deny HIV+ and AIDS patients, a direction came from India’s apex ruling body the Supreme Court. – India’s Supreme Court has approved the Indian Govt.’s direction to all States that doctors in government and private hospitals should not refuse treatment to People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA).

HIV began spreading among humans between 1884 and 1924

UA-led research indicates the HIV/AIDS pandemic began around 1900 in sub-Saharan Africa, decades earlier than first thought – New research indicates that the most pervasive global strain of HIV began spreading among humans between 1884 and 1924, suggesting that growing urbanization in colonial Africa set the stage for the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Two HIV/TB global leaders announce merger talks

Merger negotiations were announced between Health & Development Networks (HDN) and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance – at the XVII International AIDS Conference which concluded in Mexico on 8_August 2008. – Formal merger negotiations were announced between two global leaders on HIV and TB: Health & Development Networks (HDN) and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance – at the XVII International AIDS Conference which concluded in Mexico on 8_August 2008. The merger will create a new joint organisation with a global mandate, which will be part of the Alliance family.

HIV risk high in indian women abused by husbands

Among married Indian women, physical violence combined with sexual violence from husbands was associated with an increased prevalence of HIV infection. Prevention of IPV may augment efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. – Married women in India who experience physical and sexual violence from their husbands have an increased risk of HIV infection, compared with women who are not abused by their husbands, according to a study in the August 13 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on violence and human rights.

Dr. Ramadoss to Mexico to attend AIDS Conference

Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has left for Mexico city and New York on official tour today. – Indian Health Minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has left for Mexico city and New York on official tour today.

WHO’s new HIV AIDS guide

The World Health Organization released a one-stop guidebook on Tuesday to help low- and middle-income countries seeking to battle the HIV pandemic. – At the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a package of priority interventions designed to help low- and middle-income countries move towards universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support.

International AIDS Society updates treatment guidelines for HIV infection

The availability of new antiretroviral drugs and formulations, including drugs in new classes, and recent data on treatment choices for antiretroviral-naive and -experienced patients warrant an update of the International AIDS Society?USA guidelines for the use of antiretroviral therapy in adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. – An evaluation of recent data has led to an update in the guidelines and recommendations for antiretroviral treatment of adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, according to an article in the August 6 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on HIV/AIDS.

40% higher HIV infection estimate in US

HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) reported that higher HIV infection estimate in US shows need for routine screening, more funding for care. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected soon to increase the estimate of new HIV infections in the United States by 40 percent. This highlights the need to make HIV testing a routine part of medical care and provide better funding to care for those who test positive, according to the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA).

Genetic variation in Africans raises HIV risk

A variant of a gene found only in people of African ancestry increases the odds of becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) by 40 percent. – A genetic variation which evolved to protect people of African descent against malaria has now been shown to increase their susceptibility to HIV infection by up to 40 per cent, according to new research. Conversely, the same variation also appears to prolong survival of those infected with HIV by approximately two years.