Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report Summarizes Reports Released at XVI International AIDS Conference
As part of its expanded coverage of the XVI International AIDS Conference, which will be held Aug. 13 through Aug. 18 in Toronto, the Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report will feature studies and initiatives released during the conference. Summaries of select publications and initiatives appear below.
- "Too Little for Too Few: Challenges for Effective and Accessible Antiretroviral Therapy," Medecins Sans Frontieres: According to data released by MSF Monday at the conference, there has been "political complacency" about ensuring that new HIV/AIDS treatments are available in developing countries. Although the World Health Organization at the conference issued updated treatment guidelines, which recommend using new versions of antiretroviral drugs for first- and second-line treatment for HIV-positive people in developing countries, affordable generic versions of these drugs often are not available in these regions, according to MSF. "We applaud the fact that WHO has expanded the drug formulary to include newer drugs into their guidelines. However, no mechanism exists to make those drugs available at a country level," Alexandra Calmy of MSF's Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines said. The group called on WHO encourage governments to facilitate developing countries' access to generic drugs (MSF release, 8/14).
- "Africa's Orphaned and Vulnerable Generations: Children Affected by AIDS," UNICEF: The report -- which was released Monday at the AIDS conference and is part of UNICEF's Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign -- says that children who have lost a parent to AIDS-related causes are at a higher risk of contracting HIV, missing school, living in homes without enough food and experiencing anxiety. According to the report -- which was co-authored by UNAIDS and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief -- there are 48 million orphans in sub-Saharan Africa, 12 million of whom have lost one or both parents to AIDS-related causes. "Responding to the needs of children affected by AIDS is complex," Michel Sidibe, director of UNAIDS' Country and Regional Support Department, said, adding, "The data presented in this report will lead to better responses, reflecting local realities and meeting local needs." According to the report, the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS should be reduced and the communities and families caring for orphans should be provided with increased support (UNICEF release, 8/14).
Kaisernetwork.org is serving as the official webcaster of the conference. View the guide to coverage and all webcasts, interviews and a daily video round up of conference highlights at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/aids2006. This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.