Commonwealth meeting - extract on HIV/AIDS

The following is an extract, covering the subject of HIV/AIDS, from the communiqué issued at the end of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria from 5th to 8th December 2003:

Startling figures on HIV/AIDS in health sector

An estimated 15,7% of workers employed in the public and private health sectors in 2002 were infected with HIV/Aids. This startling finding is revealed in a national survey carried out by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), in conjunction with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the National School of Public Health (NSPH) at Medunsa.

Major victory on anti-retrovirals

It has come late - and at the cost of many lives - but cheaper HIV/AIDS drugs will soon be available to everyone. This comes as a result of a settlement agreement between pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the Competition Commission.

National HIV/AIDS Database: Call for Submissions

The Centre for Health Systems Research and Development (University of the Free State) and The Centre for HIV/AIDS Networking (HIVAN, University of KwaZulu-Natal) is compiling a national database of all organizations involved in HIV/AIDS projects, programmes and activities in South Africa, at the behest of the National Department of Health.

Season's Greetings from HIVAN

The Centre for HIV/AIDS Networking (HIVAN) wishes all its funders, partners, associates, colleagues, database members and staff a peaceful festive season and a prosperous new year.

PLWHA empowerment: some guidelines

Everywhere we turn, we are hearing the word Empowerment: People living with HIV/AIDS need to be empowered; Woman need to be empowered; Empower children .. It seems that most people need to be empowered!

HIV/AIDS hits South African businesses

HIV/AIDS has reduced labour capacity, increased absenteeism and raised the cost of employee benefits according to a new survey by Bureau for Economic Research (BER).

ARV rollouts in 2003 bring hope

The year 2003 saw several African governments rolling out national anti-AIDS drug treatment programmes, suggesting a significant shift towards improving access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

Global Fund calls for new round of proposals

The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has issued a call for a new round of proposals for grant funding.

"Who Cares: AIDS in Africa" - by Susan Hunter to be released in February 2004

Reviews:'This book opens many new perspectives on what has become the largest epidemic in human history. More importantly, it gives us insight into the human tragedy and triumph that is the daily bread of people and communities in the areas most affected by AIDS throughout the world'. - Peter Piot, Executive Director, UNAIDS.