According to the University of Nebraska Medical Center a team of researchers, among them Kenyan assistant professor, Benson Edagwa, Ph.D have changed the chemical structure of an existing HIV drug to help it reach cells and tissues where the virus resides. This could hasten efforts towards an eventual HIV cure as the intervention has been ‘successful in mice’
HIV
Politics and Society Second patient reportedly cured of HIV after stem-cell therapy
A second patient has reportedly been cured of HIV, after stem-cell therapy, which could be a major milestone in the global fight against the AIDS epidemic. The report was released in the scientific journal Nature, and offers hope that a cure for HIV could be possible in the future, and not just a pipe dream.
Lifestyle Zimbabwean prophet, Walter Magaya HIV cure claim problematic
Walter Magaya, a self-proclaimed Zimbabwean prophet and faith healer has claimed that he has discovered a cure for HIV/AIDS, and cancer. The announcement has divided opinion, with critics accusing the Pastor of preying on the vulnerable, while others say his “cure” is simply a hoax, since it has not been independently, and scientifically tested.
Lifestyle Men aren’t being tested for HIV. How health services can plug the gap
Women and children remain the focus of HIV while men are disadvantaged in accessing testing and treatment in Africa.
Politics and Society Zimbabwe is moving towards inclusive health care to fight HIV, not to legitimise gay rights
The Zimbabwean government has announced that it will set up special health centres for homosexual men, in a bid to curb the spread of HIV/Aids among groups that practice same sex. However, President Emmerson Mnangagwa says this is not a change in the country’s stance on sexual minorities.
Lifestyle Johnson & Johnson announces new study on HIV vaccine efficacy
The new HIV study will evaluate whether HIV-1 preventive vaccine is safe and able to reduce HIV infection incidence in women in Sub Saharan Africa.
Politics and Society TB and HIV are co-endemic but TB is preventable and treatable
Morbidity from Tuberculosis and HIV remain major health challenges including that TB is an important entry point for HIV diagnosis and treatment.
Politics and Society Good Morning Africa on World Aids Day
Today is World Aids day and the World Health Organisation is advocating for the access of safe, effective, quality and affordable HIV services and medicine.
Politics and Society Tanzanian government suspends HIV programs for gay community
The Tanzanian government has suspended U.S. funded AIDS programs for the gay community in what is seen as a crackdown on homosexuals in Tanzania. The suspension was followed by the closure of all 40 health centres which provided AIDS-related services to homosexuals. In most African countries there have been sharp divisions over homosexuality and authorities have consistently escalated their campaigns against homosexuality.