HIV/AIDS (PlusNews)

Briefing: Punitive aid cuts disrupt healthcare in Uganda

KAMPALA, 2 April 2014 (IRIN Africa) - Since the enactment of a draconian anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda just over a month ago, donors have been slashing or suspending aid to the country in protest. Health officials, activists and NGOs warn that this could have a major impact on healthcare services, particularly for HIV/AIDS patients. full report

More work on HIV in Laos needed

VIENTIANE, 12 March 2014 (IRIN Asia) - Health officials say more work is needed to fight HIV/AIDS in Laos, which has an over-reliance on foreign donors and lack of government support, as well as limited treatment coverage and a widespread gap of awareness and testing. full report

Reaching out to men who have sex with men in Myanmar

 YANGON, 7 March 2014 (IRIN Asia) - A colonial-era law criminalizing "unnatural" sex is reinforcing the stigma that leaves men who have sex with men (MSM) in Myanmar "hidden, silenced and shamed", hindering efforts to contain HIV/AIDS among this highly at-risk group, AIDS experts and activists say. full report

HIV interventions also needed behind bars

 MANILA, 12 February 2014 (IRIN Global) - Providing access to HIV prevention and treatment services in closed settings, such as prisons, is crucial to curbing the transmission of HIV, particularly among women, say public health experts. full report

Enduring HIV stigma in Cameroon

 YAOUNDE, 23 January 2014 (IRIN Africa) - People living with HIV/AIDS in Cameroon, which has the highest prevalence of the disease in West and Central Africa, endure widespread stigma, with some facing difficulties obtaining bank loans or suffering mistreatment at hospitals, patients and observers say. full report

Push to decriminalize sex work, but stigma remains

YANGON, 14 January 2014 (IRIN Asia) - Despite a decreasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS among commercial sex workers, health workers say the stigma associated with prostitution and the harsh laws against it are undermining sex workers’ access to HIV-related services. full report

Swazis give government poor marks in survey

 MBABANE, 3 January 2014 (IRIN Africa) - A large majority of people in Swaziland go to bed hungry and blame their government for failing to address their food needs, according to findings from the first formal survey to determine how Swazis view their standard of living. full report

Concern over rising HIV infections among youth

 COLOMBO, 26 December 2013 (IRIN Asia) - Sri Lankan health officials have called for a greater focus on youth in the battle against HIV as they become more sexually active and the percentage of young people contracting the virus rises. full report

New law a setback for Uganda’s HIV response

 Kampala, 23 December 2013 (IRIN Africa) - A draconian Anti-Homosexuality Bill passed by Uganda’s parliament will deliver a major blow to the response to HIV/AIDS if it is enacted by President Yoweri Museveni, activists have warned. full report

Life-saving hepatitis C drug approved, but cost is high

 New York, 23 December 2013 (IRIN Global) - Following approvals in the US and Europe this month of a new drug to treat hepatitis C, activists are pushing for the medication to be made available in poor countries. full report

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