HIV/AIDS Update: Jamaica and Zimbabwe

I present to you two recent examples of progress – or lack thereof – in the fight against HIV/AIDS around the world that we should take note of.

Jamaica

2,731,832: population of Jamaica
25,000: Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS
1.5%:Estimated percentage of adults (ages 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS
28%: Estimated percentage of HIV cases that occured among women (ages 15-49)
Less than 500: Estimated number of children (ages 0-15) living with HIV/AIDS
1,300: Estimated number of deaths due to AIDS

(Source: UNAIDS)

From The Jamaica Gleaner

In empowering women to have more control over protecting themselves, the FC2 will be unveiled by the National Family Planning Board in the next few weeks.

It the second generation of the female condom, some changes have been made to the original to be both pleasurable while being highly protective against HIV/AIDS, other STIs and unwanted pregnancy. The FC2 is made from polyurethane and the FC2 is made from nitrile polymer, which is thin, odourless and stronger than latex from which male condoms are made.

In the coming month, the National Family Planning Board will be conducting a workshop on the new cost-effective female condom. It is intended for both genders to get involved in the use of the female condom to help rid the product of some of the negative stigma which became attached to the female condom in its inception years, for example, its association with prostitution and a 'bad girl' image.

It is hoped that with the coming on of the second generation of the female condom FC2, this newer product will help to demystify these myths and promote widespread use.

Also, unlike the male condom, the female condom helps in the protection against human papilloma virus (HPV) because it provides a barrier between the penis and vagina, cervix and external genitalia.

Since the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the female condom has provided another avenue of protection and prevention of unwanted pregnancy.

Benefits of FC2

Is stronger than latex from which male condoms are manufactured.
In studies so far conducted, it is reported that the FC2 is less noisy.
Is hypoallergenic so there is no risk of allergic reaction.
Unlike latex condom the FC2 can be used with oil and water based lubricants.
Can be inserted for up to eight hours before sexual intercourse.
Is not tight or constricting.
Does not deteriorate in high temperatures or humidity, so it does not require special storage conditions.
Has a shelf life of up to five years.

Zimbabwe

12,236,805: population
1,700,000: Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS
20.1%:Estimated percentage of adults (ages 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS
59%: Estimated percentage of HIV cases that occured among women (ages 15-49)
160,000: Estimated number of children (ages 0-15) living with HIV/AIDS
180,000: Estimated number of deaths due to AIDS
1,100,000: Estimated number of children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS and who were alive and under the age of 17

(Source: Global Health Reporting)

From The Herald (Harare)

The Zimbabwe HIV and Aids Activists' Union has urged organisations in the fight against the pandemic to desist from testing people when they cannot offer post-testing services.

Speaking at the launch of the Treatment Campaign Programme in Bulawayo last week, ZHAAU president Mr Bernard Nyathi said organisations like the New Start Centre should desist from testing people when they cannot provide adequate services like CD-4 count tests.

"When a person tests positive, the next thing needed is treatment, so testing organisations should see to it that the people they have tested receive enough treatment.

"Testing without treatment is a death sentence," he said.

Many people in Bulawayo expressed concern over lack of treatment services.
All the CD-4 count machines in Bulawayo's Government hospitals are currently down yet many people are getting tested everyday, and need to undergo these tests.

Mr Nyathi said that these organisations should not expose the people when they cannot offer treatment to them because they will burden the Government since many people will have to depend upon Government hospitals as private hospitals are expensive.

They should introduce CD-4 count machines at their organisations so that they test and treat people.