Microbicides - a weapon for women

In the sexual politics of AIDS, the balance of power is too often tilted towards men. Short of abstinence, the only reliable way of stopping the spread of HIV, the virus that causes the disease, is by using a condom. Despite attempts to craft versions of this device that can be worn by women, condoms are largely a male prerogative. If a man won't wear one, there is not much a woman can do to protect herself, short of outright refusal of his advances. And that is not always the preferred option.

Zimbabwe government declares HIV/AIDS emergency

Zimbabwe's government has declared a state of emergency over HIV/AIDS and will allow the importation and manufacture of generic drugs, a local state-controlled newspaper reported.

Scaling up community support

An excellent new report on scaling up community support for orphans and other vulnerable children is available to download from the website of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. The title of the report is "Expanding Community-Based Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children."

'Play with Yourself' : Ray Phiri's' views on safe sex

Well-known South African jazz musician Ray Phiri, who has performed with the group Stimela, was in Harare recently with what he calls his "One Armed Struggle Regiment" to give the message, "Play with yourself," referring to masturbation as a way of safeguarding against contracting HIV. The name "One-Armed Struggle Regiment" is derived from the act of masturbation as usually practised by men (using one hand).

HIV message taken the wrong way

A man spent five years believing that being HIV-positive meant he was in good health.

Legal status for healers on the cards

Traditional healers may soon be given the same legal status as Western medical practitioners if a new Bill to be introduced in parliament later this year is adopted. This was said at KwaDukuza (Stanger) on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast this week by the KZN Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize. He was addressing a workshop to gather submissions for the Bill.

Good news on AIDS from Health MEC

HIV-related infections among young pregnant women in Gauteng have decreased.

AIDS 'protocols' agreed for rape survivors

The health department said on Thursday that it had reached agreement on protocols for the provision of anti-retroviral drugs to rape survivors.

HIV/AIDS campaign to be led from the grassroots

Swaziland's mayors are adopting a novel new method in the fight against HIV/AIDS. They are reversing the usual top-down approach and are being led instead by their constituents, ordinary Swazis.

HIV/AIDS is wake-up call for rich nations - Bono

Irish rock star Bono has warned that the AIDS epidemic is the wake-up call rich nations need to become aware of the plight of Africa.