Statement by African delegates at the National HIV/AIDS Treatment Congress

We as people living with HIV/AIDS, and as activists working to the betterment of the quality of lives of people living with HIV and AIDS have been privileged to attend the joint Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and COSATU congress on Access to treatment in Durban, South Africa taking place from 27-29 June 2002.

HIV/AIDS risk awareness "very low", survey finds

Most of Ethiopia's 65 million people are at "high risk" from HIV/AIDS, the world's most far-reaching-ever sexual survey has established. According to the study, most Ethiopians still fail to take precautions against contracting the disease which is devastating their country.

Virtual window on the Barcelona Conference AIDS 2002

Thanks to an innovative low-tech approach, the power of electronic mail and the Internet is providing a front-row seat at the first major AIDS event since the UN Special Session on AIDS last June - without even leaving home.

AIDS activists criticise Coca-Cola's New York Gay Pride Parade

In a Gay Rights parade criticised by many activists as too commercial, AIDS activists bucked the trend sporting a 25 foot coke bottle on a float framed with banners critical of Coca-Cola's decision to limit treatment of its African HIV positive employees to those that work for Coke International.

KZN Health Dept joins hands with natural health practitioners

In a first for KZN, the Department of Health demonstrated its support for complementary health therapies by attending the launch of the Glenwood Natural Health Centre on Friday 28 June 2002. KZN MEC for Health Dr Zweli Mkhize officially opened the Centre in a private ceremony earlier in the day, and his Deputy, Professor Steven Hendricks, addressed guests at an evening function. The Centre, which offers homeopathy, acupuncture, network chiropractic, reflexology and herbal remedies, is owned by leading alternative health practitioners, Doctors Colin La Grange and Cheryl Morris.

New survey gives poor countries information on more affordable AIDS drugs

An updated survey of "Sources and Prices of Selected Drugs and Diagnostics for People Living with HIV/AIDS", released by UNICEF, UNAIDS, WHO and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on June 26, presents a list of HIV medicines, test kits and suppliers of AIDS-related products for procurement agencies and countries.

Barcelona Conference receives record number of Abstract submissions

The XIV International AIDS Conference (Barcelona, Spain, July 2002) has received almost 10 500 abstract submissions from the world's leading scientists, clinicians, community representatives and people living with HIV/AIDS. This is the highest number of submissions ever received in the history of the series of international AIDS conferences.

AIDS stigma pervasive

"It's so hard," said a tearful Rita Domingos. "The moment people learn I'm HIV positive, they treat me differently. Neighbours shun me. Children avoid touching me. The landlord finds an excuse to kick me out of my room."

Sick AIDS activist refuses anti-retrovirals

Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) leader Zackie Achmat, who is HIV-positive, has fallen ill with a lung infection but is refusing to take anti-retroviral drugs.

AIDS campaigner 'probably has tuberculosis'

Zackie Achmat, the country's best-known HIV/AIDS activist, has suspected tuberculosis. If the diagnosis is confirmed, he will have "stage four", or fully blown, AIDS.