AfroAIDSinfo

AfroAIDSinfo is a web portal with up-to-date and scientifically accurate information about HIV/AIDS. We invite researchers, health workers, policy makers, educators and members of the public to visit www.afroaidsinfo.org and register for free access.

Here is just a taste of what you can expect.

Botswana rolls out antiretroviral drugs in all hospitals
In less than three years, the government of Botswana has successfully rolled out antiretroviral (ARV) therapy nationwide.

As a result, Botswana is treating 34% of its people who are eligible for anti-retroviral treatment - the highest proportion of any country in Africa.

Botswana, which has an HIV prevalence rate of above 35% among the adult population, introduced ARV medication in the public health care system in January 2002. According to Dr. Ernest Darkoh, spokesperson for the ARV programme, the government's committment played a huge role - and the benefits are being felt.

'The people of Botswana are finally understanding that, regardless of their HIV status, they have options - they can continue to live fulfilled lives.'

The importance of getting tested
The only way to know your HIV status for sure is to be tested.

You should consider getting tested for HIV if you have engaged in behaviour that puts you at risk of contracting the virus. This includes having sex without a condom and using intravenous drugs with unsterilised needles.

There are many benefits to being tested:

• If you are HIV positive, the sooner you get tested, the sooner you can access treatments and information to help you manage the condition. The sooner you get treatment, the easier it is to delay the onset of AIDS.
• If you find out you are infected, you can make sure you don't infect anyone else (either by not having sex with them, or by using a condom when you do).
• If you are pregnant and test HIV positive, treatment can reduce the risk of your baby becoming infected.

Health workers severely affected by HIV/AIDS
A recent study has concluded that HIV prevalence among South African health care workers is 'very high,' and that the SA government should launch an antiretroviral drug treatment programme that specifically targets them.

The study, led by Dr Olive Shisana (HSRC) and reported in the October 2004 issue of the South African Medical Journal, found that an estimated 15% of health care workers are infected.

Health workers play a key role in managing HIV/AIDS patients, and the report concluded that 'there is a need for vigorous human resource planning to replace the health workers likely to die from AIDS. Infection control procedures also need to be reviewed.'

www.afroaidsinfo.org
Funders: International AIDS Society, Bristol-Myers Squibb 'Secure the Future'