Indonesia's "Next Top Model"

 By Mohammad Shakir

 Indonesia has adopted a new model for measuring HIV infections on the country and surrounding regions. The HIV in Indonesia Model or HIM has been designed specifically for Indonesia taking into account the different epidemic, behavioural and geographical variations that occur in the different countries.

Created in partnership between researchers in Jakarta and scientists from the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales in Australia, the model will be able to give a clearer picture of how the HIV epidemic is developing in Indonesia.

The model will assist in the planning of HIV prevention programmes and give pointers in how to best develop them.

Muslim countries aren’t doing nearly enough to alleviate the suffering of people living with HIV. Other countries need to follow in the steps of Indonesia to fully assess their needs and work with different parties that can help them to implement proper prevention programmes that will save lives.

For more information about the HIV epidemic in Indonesia click here.

World Health Day: Combating Drug Resistance

 7^th April is World Health Day. This year’s theme is antiretroviral resistance, which in simple terms is the body or bacteria building up a resistance to drugs which work against viruses such as HIV.

Drug resistance is a huge barrier to the control of diseases and viruses and is an issue which needs to be addressed if we are to help people live their life and in some cases, cure them of the condition that they are suffering from.

Viruses and bacteria gain resistance to drugs by mutating, which in turn makes it stronger. This could become worse because if these viruses aren’t controlled, diseases and infections may become uncontrollable.

So what causes the mutation and resistance?

One of the main problems is the misuse of drugs or the wrong type of drugs. Many people suffering from a condition may not be able to afford the best quality drug and may resort to using the black market for their drug supply. The use of these drugs can make the virus or infection build up resistance, so when the right drug is used, it has no affect.

We need to work harder with the pharmaceutical companies, governments and aid agencies to lower drug prices so that all people who need it can get the highest quality drugs.

This World Health Day lets highlight what we can do collectively to reduce antiretroviral resistance to ensure that diseases and infections can be eradicated with ease.

For more information visit the World Health Day website.

Are we forgetting Latin America?

By Mohammad Shakir

When we think of HIV, our thoughts immediately go to the effect of the virus on the African continent. Latin America has often been overlooked even though HIV is prevalent in the region.

While we have seen dramatic improvements in HIV prevention in Africa, Latin American has seen transmission rates rise during the past decade. 

Latest figures from UNAIDS reports that the number of people living with HIV in the region went up from 1.1 million to 1.4 million, between 2001 and 2009. In addition, there is another 200,000 people living with HIV in the Caribbean. 

Different problems affect many countries in Latin America and their response to HIV. Political instability, migration between countries in the region and a lack of resources are all major issues in the prevention of HIV.

Myths about HIV are also prevalent and a requirement of awareness and education are sorely required so that the populous in the entire region can work together to debunk these myths so that the correct information about HIV/AIDS can be disseminated and crucial work in preventing HIV can work in earnest.

I don’t like cricket, I love it!

 The 2011 Cricket World Cup is coming to an end this weekend. There has been a big push in partnership with UNAIDS to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS on the sub continent with teams wearing red ribbons during matches in the tournament. The International Cricket Council launched a project called “Think Wise”, and have utilised the sport’s biggest stars to raise HIV awareness in cricket playing countries.

It has been interesting to see the sport used in this way. Cricket is the major sport in the region with over a billion followers currently watching the India vs Pakistan semi final. It is a platform where fan of teams such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Africa will sit up and take notice.

The Bangladesh cricket captain Sakib Al Hasan was more than happy to use his public profile to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS.

Players from the Indian, Sri Lankan, South African and West Indian teams have all visited villages and met people living with HIV. Players from the Bangladeshi team have also thrown major support behind “Think Wise” and their captain Sakib Al Hasan has publicly encouraged people to not “discriminate and stigmatize anybody in the name of HIV.”

This is all encouraging to see but, it would have been better to see a united front from all teams. England for example; rates for new HIV infections have doubled over the past decade. Using the England team in a similar way would also have widened the audience for awareness. Maybe sometimes we forget that HIV can affect anyone. Not just people living in countries in Africa or in Asia – everyone.

In case you were wondering,  Pakistan are currently 70 for 1 in reply to India's 260 for 9*.

*At time of posting

Dame Elizabeth Taylor - The original AIDS crusader

Dame Elizabeth Taylor, February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011

This week saw the passing of Dame Elizabeth Taylor. She was arguably one the last type of actresses of her generation, which saw her mix her acting ability, undeniable beauty and her image, to make her a global superstar.

But behind all the fame and flashbulbs was a cause that was close to her heart; she was one of the biggest contributors to AIDS research and awareness. Through her life, she donated over $100 million to numerous AIDS charities and helped create the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR).

She also started her own charity, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation after she found out that her close friend, actor Rock Hudson, had been diagnosed with HIV in 1984. There was not much known about HIV/AIDS at the time as it was a very new illness, only having been discovered clinically in early 1981.

Unfortunately Hudson’s AIDS was fatal and lead to his premature death, aged only 59. He is reported to have said, “I am not happy that I am sick. I am not happy that I have AIDS. But if that is helping others, I can at least know that my own misfortune has had some positive worth.”

This is what spurred her personal motivation in helping so many people that have been affected by HIV/AIDS. She not only considerably raised the awareness of AIDS, but also donated huge sums of money to support AIDS charities and boost research into the illness that left her without a dear friend.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor sadly passed away on 23rd March 2011, aged 79, she will be greatly missed and not forgotten for years to come. She can rest in peace knowing that she helped move the world a few steps closer towards discovering a cure for AIDS.

HIV/AIDS: 30 years on

 This year will mark the 30^th year since the first case of AIDS was reported in the United States. During the past three decades, the United Nations has increased its commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and working to alleviate the suffering of people living with HIV.

Over the past year they have focused on improving Universal Access, and have been supporting countries and regions around the world to undertake a review of their progress to achieve Universal Access. This programme will end this year, when they will review what more needs to be done in order to achieve universal access and ultimately the Millennium Development Goals.

Universal Access to healthcare is an important aspect to improving the quality of life of those living with HIV. This is still one side of the problem. Focus should also be put on preventing HIV transmission, through education and awareness.

In June of this year, the UN will hold 2011 General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS, with a focus on Universal Access. IHIVF will be represented at the meeting by the UK Consortium on AIDS and InternationalDevelopment, of which we are members and look forward to consulting with them on how we can participate in the AIDS response.

30 years on, and after 30 million deaths, HIV/AIDS still remains prevalent especially amongst women and girls. Let’s hope that in 30 years time, we will closer to eradicating HIV/AIDS forever.

Families and HIV (By Ayla Wahid)

If someone within the family is diagnosed with HIV, this is likely to immediately put a strain on the bonds that a family shares, no matter how tight-knitted they may be. The thought of not having that family member present at all during the important milestones of your life; graduation, marriage, the birth of your children even; not being there to share these special events with you is frightening.

You may be scared, confused or even angry. You’ve heard stories from friends, colleagues and on the news of how others have suffered from HIV but, you never thought this would happen to your family. Alas, it has and you cannot comprehend it. You may deny it or choose not to think about it but it will always be on your mind. You sit there and think how could it happen to us?

Even though it may be one of the most difficult things you do in your life, you must accept it. And remain strong, not only for yourself and the rest of your family but most importantly for the sufferer. This is the time they need you most, your love, support and care. Do not treat them differently; treat them like the loved family member that they are. You may or may not choose to talk about their illness. Some may feel better by revealing what they are feeling or not keeping their emotions bottled up inside of them. Others may decide that it is too painful. It should not be the topic of every conversation or even the most important for no-one is perfect, no matter how hard they might try to be.  Share the experiences that you can with them, add to the memories that you will cherish, show them that you care and most of all, let them know that you love them unconditionally.