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Shhhh...not anymore!
To remove any perceived embarrassment associated with buying, using and selling condoms, the United States Agency For International Development (USAID) with support from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a new campaign, Condom Bindas Bol! The aim of the campaign is to increase the use of condoms for avoiding unwanted pregnancies and for preventing sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS.
The campaign portrays that asking for condoms is being responsible and caring. It is targeted at men aged 20-29 years and has been launched simultaneously in eight states across northern India, namely Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand. It is a comprehensive six-month campaign and involves advertising, celebrity endorsements, public relations and various events.
Read More: www.hinduonnet.com Kashmir Faces Unique Challenges in Battle Against HIV/AIDS
Kashmir faces many unique challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to IANS/DailyIndia.com, there are 745 reported HIV cases in Kashmir; however, unofficial estimates put the number at 25,000. The influx of migrant workers, security personnel, truck drivers and tourists into Kashmir -- in addition to the region's "difficult" terrain, commercial sex industry, low literacy rate and socio cultural diversity -- have made fighting HIV/AIDS difficult. "Considering the peculiar factors and present circumstances, the state is uniquely positioned and spreading awareness about the virus is a greater challenge," M.A. Wani, Project director of the Jammu and Kashmir State AIDS Prevention and Control Society, said, adding, "Since several languages and dialects are spoken in the state -- Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, Punjabi, Ladakhi, Pahari and Gujjari -- it's even more challenging to accomplish minor tasks like developing video films, songs and posters." To reduce stigma surrounding the disease, JKSAPCS has "roped in religious leaders," such as Muslim imams and Sikh granthis, to educate people about the disease. The program has been implemented in six districts in Kashmir, and about 400 imams have been trained. In addition, awareness programs and seminars have been held for about 600 imams in the state. JKSAPCS is organizing talks with Christian priests to involve them in the campaign.
Read More: www.kaisernetwork.org
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730 mother-infant pairs for phase III HIV trials at BJMC
Pune, September 21: THE Indo-US study, the only US-based National Institutes of Health (NIH)- sponsored Phase III clinical trial to prevent HIV transmission from breastfeeding sero-positive Mothers to their Infants (MIT) at B J Medical College, has completed its enrollment of 730 mother-infant pairs. The study commenced in 2002 and an approximate Rs two crore has been spent on the project.
The results of the trial will be declared by May next year, Gowri Sastry, Indo-US MIT Project Coordinator said. The study has been offering AZT from 36 weeks of pregnancy. A single dose of nevirapine (NVP) is given during labour to the mother and a single dose of NVP to the infant within 72 hours. The study participants can also take additional NVP for six weeks for infant during breast feeding or multi-vitamins
The study is being done jointly along with National AIDS Research Institute, Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation health clinics and other NGOs.
Read more: cities.expressindia.com
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