UNAIDS report unveils latest global HIV/AIDS epidemic trends

UNAIDS warned that the number of people living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has risen in every region of the world and last year five million people became newly infected with HIV - more people than any previous year.

Update on the HIV/AIDS Plan as South African delegation leaves for the International AIDS Conference

A high-level South African Health delegation led by Health Minister, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, leaves for Bangkok, Thailand tomorrow to attend the 15th International AIDS Conference to be held in that country from 11-16 July 2004.

Sex workers to participate in HIV research project

HIV/AIDS activists in South Africa hope that the inclusion of sex workers in an HIV research project will draw attention to the need for outreach programmes targeting this often marginalised group.

From Atlanta to Bangkok

Perhaps more than any other medical challenge, HIV has transformed how we think about society€™s response to the illnesses of individuals. The International AIDS Conferences, held since 1985, provide a window onto the unique social history of this epidemic.

Opening addresses at the XV International AIDS Conference

€œLike Durban, Bangkok could be a watershed event,€ Dr Joep Lange, President of the International AIDS Society, told delegates at the Opening Ceremony of the XV International AIDS Conference last night.

Women, HIV/AIDS and the world of work

About half those living with HIV are women, but women are now becoming infected at a faster rate than men. Many women experience sexual and economic subordination in their personal relationships and at work, and so cannot negotiate safe sex or refuse unsafe sex. This briefing from the International Labour Organization (ILO) claims that governments, employers, and trade unions have vital leadership roles to play in changing attitudes and practice in the world of work and the community at large.

New HIV/AIDS model reflects significant impact of interventions

Today the Actuarial Society of South Africa released the most recent version of their AIDS and Demographic model for projecting the impact of HIV/AIDS on the South African population. The model, known as the ASSA2002 model, predicts that some five million South Africans are currently infected with HIV. This is about 25% lower than previous estimates. The lower estimates are mainly due to improvements to the model to incorporate more up-to-date evidence that the relationship between antenatal prevalence and general population prevalence in South Africa is not the same as that observed in other African countries, where fertility is much higher than it is in South Africa. However, it is also due in part to the fact that the new model allows for interventions that have been in place for some years (such as increasing use of condoms and improved treatment of STDs).

Call for action marks start of the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok

Bangkok today welcomed more than 17,000 delegates from over 160 countries to the XV International AIDS Conference, with an official Opening Ceremony attended by world renowned scientists, political leaders, youth, communities, non-governmental organisations, people living with HIV/AIDS, religious, intellectual and private sector leaders, and representatives of the arts and entertainment arenas.

Increased commitment and accountability essential to global success in the battle against HIV/AIDS

Community and scientific experts participating in the XV International AIDS Conference today underscored the urgent need for increased resources and the importance of accountability in the global fight against AIDS. They called for concrete commitments by leaders in all sectors, from policymakers and public officials to business executives and the entertainment industry.

Global workforce could be devastated by HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is holding back economic growth and putting a massive strain on workers in some of the world's poorest nations, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said.