Just so everyone doesn’t think that HIV is the only disease process getting my attention this week, I have attached a New York Times article about the new recommendations. I realize that some physicians strongly disagree with the new recommendations however I endorse them.
Yours in Good Health
Good Evening everyone, after a long day at the conference center. I finally found a few moments to jot down some notes from the conference. Last night the opening ceremony was held under heavy security for featured guests, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. The Mexican President and Minister of Health discussed equal rights for Mexican homosexuals and the end of discrimination; and universal access to antiretroviral medications by 2010.
Today’s plenary session featured 2 youth activists, an epidemiologist, and a health minister. The Mexican government furthered their pledge to AIDS by committing to $10 million Euros to UNAIDS and an additional $600,000. (USD) to the Global Fund. Several speakers praised the recent reinstatement of PEPFAR funds and asked for other developed countries to match the US funds.
2.7 million people are infected with HIV every year worldwide and a million new people per year with access to treatment. Mexico has one of the lowest HIV prevalence rates in the Western hemisphere. 50% of tuberculosis cases are infected with HIV. In 2005, only 10% of pregnant women worldwide received antiretroviral treatment and in 2007 33% of women received ARV therapy. Thirty five percent of health care facilities worldwide have PEP in place for their workers.
The day’s most inspirational session came from the Vaccine and Microbicide session. Despite the multiple setbacks of the recent HIV vaccine and microbicide trials the speakers prompted the audience to use each setback to create the ultimate success. Tachi Yamada stated “vaccine science is still more of an ART than a science.” Dr. Alan Bernstein stated that the promise for the elimination of HIV lies in young investigators with fresh ideas. Dr. Bernstein presented data about the age of researchers and when they received their nobel prize. Fifty nine percent received the Nobel award at less than 35 years of age. Increase resources and support need to be provided to young investigators.
Until tomorrow.
Yours in Good Health
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/13/opinion/13flanagan.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
