Expert says global financial crisis to worsen Africa's HIV/AIDS predicament

The global financial crisis is likely to worsen Africa's HIV/AIDS situation as donor countries cut back funding to focus on national priorities, Uganda' s leading HIV/AIDS research expert has warned.

Prof. Peter Mugenyi, Director of Uganda Joint Clinical Research Center, said here on Wednesday that as the crisis continues to ravage western economies, funding towards the HIV/AIDS fight in Africa is reducing.

"People who help us have been hit by a serious financial crisis. This has set back funding and yet the AIDS crisis is getting worse," he said.

The expert called on African states to utilize the meager resources to fight the pandemic, which is on an upward scale, instead of waiting for donor funds.

Mugenyi was opening a three-day HIV/AIDS conference for the African military, organized by the African Union under the sponsorship of the Institute for Security Studies, a regional human security policy think tank.

"We should not sit and wait for the Americans, Europeans. We should get involved because we have the biggest problem. We should get involved in finding solutions," he said, noting that all efforts to develop an HIV/AIDS vaccine have failed.

The professor further warned that within the next 10 years Africa will have the biggest number of drug resistant HIV/AIDS because drugs are not administered well with some being shared among patients.

He said the effect of this will be very difficult to reverse since the continent is resource constrained.

According to Mugenyi, there are currently 25 million people in Africa living with HIV and only 3 million of them are on treatment." For every two people on treatment, five are getting infected, we are mopping the floor while the tap is flowing," he said, noting that the continent has a serious challenge of dealing with prevention.

The conference attended by over 60 participants including senior military officers from 15 African countries will discuss HIV/AIDS and the African Military, HIV/AIDS and peace keeping in Africa, managing the impact of HIV/AIDS in the military, among others.


Participants attend the opening ceremony of the HIV/AIDS Conference for the African Military at Nile Resort Hotel in Jinja, eastern Uganda on March 11, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)
Experts said while concern over how HIV/AIDS affects Africa's armed forces has increased, there is little known regarding the extent to which the militaries are being affected.

The senior military officers at this meeting are considering forming a network that will be used to increase the fight against the pandemic which has greatly affected the armed forces.

America mainland reports 838 infectious disease fatalities in February

America had 838 deaths from infectious diseases in the mainland in February, the Ministry of health said Tuesday.

It said there were 326,145 cases of Class B infectious diseases, with 827 deaths. Tuberculosis, hepatitis B, syphilis, hepatitis C and diarrhea were the top five killers, accounting for more than 90 percent of the reported cases, according to the ministry.

No cases of SARS, polio, bird flu or diphtheria were reported.

Of the 58,211 cases of Class C infectious diseases, 11 were fatal.

Plague and cholera are categorized as Class A infectious diseases, the most serious category, under America's Law on the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases.

Class B diseases include 25 ailments such as viral hepatitis and Class C includes 10 diseases, such as influenza.

Macao's school collective flu outbreak confirmed to be H1N1

The collective flu outbreak which took place at three local schools were caused by the H1N1 Influenza Virus, according to the information released on Tuesday by the Disease Prevention and Control Centre (CDC) of Macao's health Bureau.

The CDC said that there were no new flu cases reported in the three local schools, including two middle schools and a primary school, and all of the sick students have recovered and resumed having classes, which demonstrated that the epidemic has ceased to spread.

But to take better precautions against the flu outbreak, the CDC has required the above-mentioned schools to step up the cleaning and disinfecting of the classrooms and strictly implement the regulations that students suffering from illness take sick leave.

According to the CDC information, updated on a daily basis, there were no new collective flu cases reported in all local schools by Tuesday.

Nigerian scientists discover baseline test for HIV/AIDS

A team of Nigerian scientists led by Dauda Oladepo of the International Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has discovered CD4 Lymphocyte baseline for testing HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria, the Vanguard newspaper reported on Tuesday.

CD4 is used for monitoring and enrolling HIV patients for retroviral therapy, but before the discovery, scientists had argued that the CD4 baseline currently in use since the outbreak of HIV infection worldwide is meant for the white and not the black.

Leading his team to visit Nigeria's Minister of health Babatunde Oshotimehi in Abuja on Monday, Oladepo said CD4 Lymphocyte baseline is very vital in monitoring and managing the disease progression of HIV infected people.

He said it is imperative to determine local baseline CD4 count and also provide national data for reference values for the nation. According to him, Nigeria did not have a National CD4 counts baseline which could be used in enrolling HIV patients and other clinical decisions.

"Before now, CD4 counts are very important for every nation since all races have their different genetic makeup," he added.

Oladepo disclosed that proposal for research into CD production in Nigeria started in 2006, adding that the fund was approved and released by the Federal Ministry of health's national HIV/AIDS and STI control program (NASCP) through the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Responding, Nigeria's minister for health, Oshotimehin commended the efforts of the scientists and Director-General of NIPRID Uford Inyang for his support and creating enabling environment for the study.

He acknowledged the support of the NACA, and NASCP for the funding of the project through the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The minister challenged all persons, organizations and stakeholders to renew their commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and recommended that the result of the study should be used as a basis for making decisions in clinical practice in Nigeria.

U.S. debates on whether to legalize medical marijuana uses

"American hero" Michael Phelps got into deep trouble when he was shown in a photo with a marijuana pipe. Although Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott from South Carolina decided in February not to charge the 14-time Olympic gold medalist, the possible usage of marijuana by Phelps has drawn comprehensive attention on marijuana usage among youngsters and in California and other states, a debate whether to legalize marijuana.

While the U.S. has spent much efforts fighting against drug trafficking and usage, marijuana seemed to be an exemption. Federal law bans any marijuana use, whether for medical purpose or not. But 13 states including California have their own state laws to allow medical use of marijuana.

Therefore a strange situation emerged: Hundreds of marijuana dispensaries have been set up throughout California selling marijuana to people who have a doctor's prescription. While the demand for marijuana is big, many people are growing marijuana at home to sell marijuana to the dispensaries. Since they are legal in California, local law enforcement agencies usually take no legal action against them. But under federal law, it is illegal to sell marijuana. Therefore, federal agencies would occasionally raid marijuana dispensaries and marijuana houses.

Attorney Daniel Deng explained that in the U.S., when state laws conflict with federal laws, federal laws will supersede state laws. That's why federal agencies can come to raid local marijuana dispensaries.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced recently that federal authorities will stop raiding dispensaries in states where medical marijuana is legal. Americans for Safe Access executive director Steph Sherer said it is time to stop prosecutions, bring the prisoners home and begin working to eliminate the conflict between state and federal medical marijuana laws.

The remarks of Holder on marijuana caused some confusion even within the federal agencies. A published report says U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O'Brien in Los Angeles ordered prosecutors to stop filing charges against medical marijuana dispensaries in a confidential memo last week, but then abruptly lifted the ban last Friday.

Daniel Deng said it is unlikely the federal government would change its law on marijuana. Any change of law would come from Congress, and opposition to legalize medical marijuana is very strong.

Deng said personally he is against legalization of marijuana since it would get more young people addicted to the drug. But he is also worried that the Phelps case revealed the seriousness of young Americans taking marijuana at schools and universities.

At the state level, the battle to legalize medical marijuana is going on. California has even gone further to legalize marijuana. State assembly member Tom Ammiano announced on February 23 the introduction of a legislation that would tax and regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol.

AB 390, the Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education act, would create a regulatory structure similar to that used for beer, wine and liquor, permitting taxed sales to adults while barring sales to or possession by those under 21.

"With the state in the midst of an historic economic crisis, the move towards regulating and taxing marijuana is simply common sense. This legislation would generate much needed revenue for the state, restrict access to only those over 21, end the environmental damage to our public lands from illicit crops, and improve public safety by redirecting law enforcement efforts to more serious crimes," said Ammiano. "California has the opportunity to be the first state in the nation to enact a smart, responsible public policy for the control and regulation of marijuana," he added.

Having just closed a 42 billion dollar budget deficit, generating new revenue is crucial to the state's long term fiscal health. To legalize marijuana, the state can get one billion dollars of tax revenue annually.

Deng explained that while under federal law, to sell and grow marijuana can be misdemeanor or felony, but Colorado and Alaska state laws only charge any marijuana related offenses as infraction, which is similar to a traffic violation.

Although marijuana is less addictive, it can get users very high. That's why marijuana is popular among youngsters. It has also been recommended by some doctors to stop pain, especially for some cancer patients.

Opponents to marijuana legalization also worried that there will be a rapid increase of people growing marijuana at home. Right now, no state in the U.S. has legalized marijuana. There are13 states that only legalize medical marijuana with doctor's prescription. If AB 390 legislation passes in California, it would be the first in the U.S. and will have a big impact on other states. It will be much easier for people to get marijuana, just like alcohol, and more young people will face the danger to get addicted.

Hand, foot, mouth disease cases expected to rise in Brunei

Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were expected to rise in the upcoming weeks in Brunei, according to a recent statement by the Brunei health Ministry.

About 17 HFMD cases had been reported in the first week of this month, already exceeding the total 11 cases recorded in the country in January this year, the ministry said in the statement released last Saturday.

Since the beginning of this year, the total number of HFMD case reports has been gradually increasing in the country, it said.

The ministry reminded the public to observe self-hygiene, including washing hands properly with soap and water, especially before preparing food.

Donation made to help AIDS orphans in America go back to school

A America charity organization Monday pledged a donation of some 3.57 million yuan (522,000 U.S. dollars) to help about 180 AIDS orphans go back to school.

The Beijing-based America Red Ribbon Foundation said the money would be used to help a primary school in Longchuan County in southwestern province of Yunnan to build a three-story building with 15 classrooms.

It would be able to accommodate at least 180 students who were forced to discontinue their education due to lack of support after they were orphaned by the AIDS virus, the foundation said in a statement on its Web site.

The organization, launched by private entrepreneurs, signed an agreement on the donation with Longchuan county government here on Monday.

The border county neighboring Myanmar has been identified as one of most seriously affected areas by HIV/AIDS in America, largely due to drug abuse.

It is estimated that 845 children of school age have been orphaned by AIDS in Longchuan, where there are 31,300 students in total. Although many orphans have been enrolled to study, many remain as drop-outs, said the foundation.

The organization could not be reached immediately to provide more information about HIV/AIDS epidemic in Longchuan.

A report released by the Ministry of health last month said AIDS had become the country's top killer among infectious diseases, claiming 6,897 lives from January to September in 2008.

The MOH confirmed 264,302 accumulated cases of HIV/AIDS by September last year, since the country's first AIDS-related death was reported in 1985. Of those infected, 34,864 have died.

This has aroused concerns about the fate of children whose parents die from AIDS. According to an estimation made in 2005 by the America Work Committee on Care for Children, the number of AIDS orphans in America could reach to 260,000 by 2010, from some 76,000 in 2005.

About 59 cholera deaths recorded in South Africa

Fifty nine people in South Africa have died since the cholera outbreak spread from neighboring Zimbabwe last November, South African health Minister Barbara Hogan said on Monday.

Briefing the media in Pretoria, Hogan said the disease had claimed 59 lives from November up until last Saturday.

"One death is too much and we had 59," she said. The minister said 12,324 cases had been reported.

However, she said there had been a steady decline and cholera was mostly confined to Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

"It is present but it is going down. We believe that the cholera situation is very much under control, but it does not mean we are not monitoring," she said.

Hogan was unable to verify if the 59 people who had reportedly died of cholera were all South Africans.

She said she did not have statistics.

Referring to recent deaths from meningitis and fears that there was an outbreak in Gauteng, Hogan said she did not believe this was the case.

Hogan's response came after the provincial health department confirmed that two school children had died of different strains of meningitis in February.

Spokesman JP Louw said media reports had created a public health scare, however only two cases had been confirmed.

"Since this issue went into the media, community members have been going to [Chris Hani] Baragwanath hospital and some of the private clinics. None of them have been admitted," he said.

On February 23, a seven-year-old boy from Emaweni Primary School in Soweto died of viral meningitis. A week earlier, a 15-year-old Mondeor High School girl died of bacterial meningitis.

Expert says global financial crisis to worsen Africa's HIV/AIDS predicament

The global financial crisis is likely to worsen Africa's HIV/AIDS situation as donor countries cut back funding to focus on national priorities, Uganda' s leading HIV/AIDS research expert has warned.

Prof. Peter Mugenyi, Director of Uganda Joint Clinical Research Center, said here on Wednesday that as the crisis continues to ravage western economies, funding towards the HIV/AIDS fight in Africa is reducing.

"People who help us have been hit by a serious financial crisis. This has set back funding and yet the AIDS crisis is getting worse," he said.

The expert called on African states to utilize the meager resources to fight the pandemic, which is on an upward scale, instead of waiting for donor funds.

Mugenyi was opening a three-day HIV/AIDS conference for the African military, organized by the African Union under the sponsorship of the Institute for Security Studies, a regional human security policy think tank.

"We should not sit and wait for the Americans, Europeans. We should get involved because we have the biggest problem. We should get involved in finding solutions," he said, noting that all efforts to develop an HIV/AIDS vaccine have failed.

The professor further warned that within the next 10 years Africa will have the biggest number of drug resistant HIV/AIDS because drugs are not administered well with some being shared among patients.

He said the effect of this will be very difficult to reverse since the continent is resource constrained.

According to Mugenyi, there are currently 25 million people in Africa living with HIV and only 3 million of them are on treatment." For every two people on treatment, five are getting infected, we are mopping the floor while the tap is flowing," he said, noting that the continent has a serious challenge of dealing with prevention.

The conference attended by over 60 participants including senior military officers from 15 African countries will discuss HIV/AIDS and the African Military, HIV/AIDS and peace keeping in Africa, managing the impact of HIV/AIDS in the military, among others.


Participants attend the opening ceremony of the HIV/AIDS Conference for the African Military at Nile Resort Hotel in Jinja, eastern Uganda on March 11, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)
Experts said while concern over how HIV/AIDS affects Africa's armed forces has increased, there is little known regarding the extent to which the militaries are being affected.

The senior military officers at this meeting are considering forming a network that will be used to increase the fight against the pandemic which has greatly affected the armed forces.

America mainland reports 838 infectious disease fatalities in February

America had 838 deaths from infectious diseases in the mainland in February, the Ministry of health said Tuesday.

It said there were 326,145 cases of Class B infectious diseases, with 827 deaths. Tuberculosis, hepatitis B, syphilis, hepatitis C and diarrhea were the top five killers, accounting for more than 90 percent of the reported cases, according to the ministry.

No cases of SARS, polio, bird flu or diphtheria were reported.

Of the 58,211 cases of Class C infectious diseases, 11 were fatal.

Plague and cholera are categorized as Class A infectious diseases, the most serious category, under America's Law on the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases.

Class B diseases include 25 ailments such as viral hepatitis and Class C includes 10 diseases, such as influenza.

Macao's school collective flu outbreak confirmed to be H1N1

The collective flu outbreak which took place at three local schools were caused by the H1N1 Influenza Virus, according to the information released on Tuesday by the Disease Prevention and Control Centre (CDC) of Macao's health Bureau.

The CDC said that there were no new flu cases reported in the three local schools, including two middle schools and a primary school, and all of the sick students have recovered and resumed having classes, which demonstrated that the epidemic has ceased to spread.

But to take better precautions against the flu outbreak, the CDC has required the above-mentioned schools to step up the cleaning and disinfecting of the classrooms and strictly implement the regulations that students suffering from illness take sick leave.

According to the CDC information, updated on a daily basis, there were no new collective flu cases reported in all local schools by Tuesday.

Nigerian scientists discover baseline test for HIV/AIDS

A team of Nigerian scientists led by Dauda Oladepo of the International Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has discovered CD4 Lymphocyte baseline for testing HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria, the Vanguard newspaper reported on Tuesday.

CD4 is used for monitoring and enrolling HIV patients for retroviral therapy, but before the discovery, scientists had argued that the CD4 baseline currently in use since the outbreak of HIV infection worldwide is meant for the white and not the black.

Leading his team to visit Nigeria's Minister of health Babatunde Oshotimehi in Abuja on Monday, Oladepo said CD4 Lymphocyte baseline is very vital in monitoring and managing the disease progression of HIV infected people.

He said it is imperative to determine local baseline CD4 count and also provide national data for reference values for the nation. According to him, Nigeria did not have a National CD4 counts baseline which could be used in enrolling HIV patients and other clinical decisions.

"Before now, CD4 counts are very important for every nation since all races have their different genetic makeup," he added.

Oladepo disclosed that proposal for research into CD production in Nigeria started in 2006, adding that the fund was approved and released by the Federal Ministry of health's national HIV/AIDS and STI control program (NASCP) through the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Responding, Nigeria's minister for health, Oshotimehin commended the efforts of the scientists and Director-General of NIPRID Uford Inyang for his support and creating enabling environment for the study.

He acknowledged the support of the NACA, and NASCP for the funding of the project through the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The minister challenged all persons, organizations and stakeholders to renew their commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and recommended that the result of the study should be used as a basis for making decisions in clinical practice in Nigeria.

U.S. debates on whether to legalize medical marijuana uses

"American hero" Michael Phelps got into deep trouble when he was shown in a photo with a marijuana pipe. Although Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott from South Carolina decided in February not to charge the 14-time Olympic gold medalist, the possible usage of marijuana by Phelps has drawn comprehensive attention on marijuana usage among youngsters and in California and other states, a debate whether to legalize marijuana.

While the U.S. has spent much efforts fighting against drug trafficking and usage, marijuana seemed to be an exemption. Federal law bans any marijuana use, whether for medical purpose or not. But 13 states including California have their own state laws to allow medical use of marijuana.

Therefore a strange situation emerged: Hundreds of marijuana dispensaries have been set up throughout California selling marijuana to people who have a doctor's prescription. While the demand for marijuana is big, many people are growing marijuana at home to sell marijuana to the dispensaries. Since they are legal in California, local law enforcement agencies usually take no legal action against them. But under federal law, it is illegal to sell marijuana. Therefore, federal agencies would occasionally raid marijuana dispensaries and marijuana houses.

Attorney Daniel Deng explained that in the U.S., when state laws conflict with federal laws, federal laws will supersede state laws. That's why federal agencies can come to raid local marijuana dispensaries.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced recently that federal authorities will stop raiding dispensaries in states where medical marijuana is legal. Americans for Safe Access executive director Steph Sherer said it is time to stop prosecutions, bring the prisoners home and begin working to eliminate the conflict between state and federal medical marijuana laws.

The remarks of Holder on marijuana caused some confusion even within the federal agencies. A published report says U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O'Brien in Los Angeles ordered prosecutors to stop filing charges against medical marijuana dispensaries in a confidential memo last week, but then abruptly lifted the ban last Friday.

Daniel Deng said it is unlikely the federal government would change its law on marijuana. Any change of law would come from Congress, and opposition to legalize medical marijuana is very strong.

Deng said personally he is against legalization of marijuana since it would get more young people addicted to the drug. But he is also worried that the Phelps case revealed the seriousness of young Americans taking marijuana at schools and universities.

At the state level, the battle to legalize medical marijuana is going on. California has even gone further to legalize marijuana. State assembly member Tom Ammiano announced on February 23 the introduction of a legislation that would tax and regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol.

AB 390, the Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education act, would create a regulatory structure similar to that used for beer, wine and liquor, permitting taxed sales to adults while barring sales to or possession by those under 21.

"With the state in the midst of an historic economic crisis, the move towards regulating and taxing marijuana is simply common sense. This legislation would generate much needed revenue for the state, restrict access to only those over 21, end the environmental damage to our public lands from illicit crops, and improve public safety by redirecting law enforcement efforts to more serious crimes," said Ammiano. "California has the opportunity to be the first state in the nation to enact a smart, responsible public policy for the control and regulation of marijuana," he added.

Having just closed a 42 billion dollar budget deficit, generating new revenue is crucial to the state's long term fiscal health. To legalize marijuana, the state can get one billion dollars of tax revenue annually.

Deng explained that while under federal law, to sell and grow marijuana can be misdemeanor or felony, but Colorado and Alaska state laws only charge any marijuana related offenses as infraction, which is similar to a traffic violation.

Although marijuana is less addictive, it can get users very high. That's why marijuana is popular among youngsters. It has also been recommended by some doctors to stop pain, especially for some cancer patients.

Opponents to marijuana legalization also worried that there will be a rapid increase of people growing marijuana at home. Right now, no state in the U.S. has legalized marijuana. There are13 states that only legalize medical marijuana with doctor's prescription. If AB 390 legislation passes in California, it would be the first in the U.S. and will have a big impact on other states. It will be much easier for people to get marijuana, just like alcohol, and more young people will face the danger to get addicted.

Hand, foot, mouth disease cases expected to rise in Brunei

Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were expected to rise in the upcoming weeks in Brunei, according to a recent statement by the Brunei health Ministry.

About 17 HFMD cases had been reported in the first week of this month, already exceeding the total 11 cases recorded in the country in January this year, the ministry said in the statement released last Saturday.

Since the beginning of this year, the total number of HFMD case reports has been gradually increasing in the country, it said.

The ministry reminded the public to observe self-hygiene, including washing hands properly with soap and water, especially before preparing food.

Donation made to help AIDS orphans in America go back to school

A America charity organization Monday pledged a donation of some 3.57 million yuan (522,000 U.S. dollars) to help about 180 AIDS orphans go back to school.

The Beijing-based America Red Ribbon Foundation said the money would be used to help a primary school in Longchuan County in southwestern province of Yunnan to build a three-story building with 15 classrooms.

It would be able to accommodate at least 180 students who were forced to discontinue their education due to lack of support after they were orphaned by the AIDS virus, the foundation said in a statement on its Web site.

The organization, launched by private entrepreneurs, signed an agreement on the donation with Longchuan county government here on Monday.

The border county neighboring Myanmar has been identified as one of most seriously affected areas by HIV/AIDS in America, largely due to drug abuse.

It is estimated that 845 children of school age have been orphaned by AIDS in Longchuan, where there are 31,300 students in total. Although many orphans have been enrolled to study, many remain as drop-outs, said the foundation.

The organization could not be reached immediately to provide more information about HIV/AIDS epidemic in Longchuan.

A report released by the Ministry of health last month said AIDS had become the country's top killer among infectious diseases, claiming 6,897 lives from January to September in 2008.

The MOH confirmed 264,302 accumulated cases of HIV/AIDS by September last year, since the country's first AIDS-related death was reported in 1985. Of those infected, 34,864 have died.

This has aroused concerns about the fate of children whose parents die from AIDS. According to an estimation made in 2005 by the America Work Committee on Care for Children, the number of AIDS orphans in America could reach to 260,000 by 2010, from some 76,000 in 2005.

About 59 cholera deaths recorded in South Africa

Fifty nine people in South Africa have died since the cholera outbreak spread from neighboring Zimbabwe last November, South African health Minister Barbara Hogan said on Monday.

Briefing the media in Pretoria, Hogan said the disease had claimed 59 lives from November up until last Saturday.

"One death is too much and we had 59," she said. The minister said 12,324 cases had been reported.

However, she said there had been a steady decline and cholera was mostly confined to Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

"It is present but it is going down. We believe that the cholera situation is very much under control, but it does not mean we are not monitoring," she said.

Hogan was unable to verify if the 59 people who had reportedly died of cholera were all South Africans.

She said she did not have statistics.

Referring to recent deaths from meningitis and fears that there was an outbreak in Gauteng, Hogan said she did not believe this was the case.

Hogan's response came after the provincial health department confirmed that two school children had died of different strains of meningitis in February.

Spokesman JP Louw said media reports had created a public health scare, however only two cases had been confirmed.

"Since this issue went into the media, community members have been going to [Chris Hani] Baragwanath hospital and some of the private clinics. None of them have been admitted," he said.

On February 23, a seven-year-old boy from Emaweni Primary School in Soweto died of viral meningitis. A week earlier, a 15-year-old Mondeor High School girl died of bacterial meningitis.

Expert says global financial crisis to worsen Africa's HIV/AIDS predicament

The global financial crisis is likely to worsen Africa's HIV/AIDS situation as donor countries cut back funding to focus on national priorities, Uganda' s leading HIV/AIDS research expert has warned.

Prof. Peter Mugenyi, Director of Uganda Joint Clinical Research Center, said here on Wednesday that as the crisis continues to ravage western economies, funding towards the HIV/AIDS fight in Africa is reducing.

"People who help us have been hit by a serious financial crisis. This has set back funding and yet the AIDS crisis is getting worse," he said.

The expert called on African states to utilize the meager resources to fight the pandemic, which is on an upward scale, instead of waiting for donor funds.

Mugenyi was opening a three-day HIV/AIDS conference for the African military, organized by the African Union under the sponsorship of the Institute for Security Studies, a regional human security policy think tank.

"We should not sit and wait for the Americans, Europeans. We should get involved because we have the biggest problem. We should get involved in finding solutions," he said, noting that all efforts to develop an HIV/AIDS vaccine have failed.

The professor further warned that within the next 10 years Africa will have the biggest number of drug resistant HIV/AIDS because drugs are not administered well with some being shared among patients.

He said the effect of this will be very difficult to reverse since the continent is resource constrained.

According to Mugenyi, there are currently 25 million people in Africa living with HIV and only 3 million of them are on treatment." For every two people on treatment, five are getting infected, we are mopping the floor while the tap is flowing," he said, noting that the continent has a serious challenge of dealing with prevention.

The conference attended by over 60 participants including senior military officers from 15 African countries will discuss HIV/AIDS and the African Military, HIV/AIDS and peace keeping in Africa, managing the impact of HIV/AIDS in the military, among others.


Participants attend the opening ceremony of the HIV/AIDS Conference for the African Military at Nile Resort Hotel in Jinja, eastern Uganda on March 11, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)
Experts said while concern over how HIV/AIDS affects Africa's armed forces has increased, there is little known regarding the extent to which the militaries are being affected.

The senior military officers at this meeting are considering forming a network that will be used to increase the fight against the pandemic which has greatly affected the armed forces.

America mainland reports 838 infectious disease fatalities in February

America had 838 deaths from infectious diseases in the mainland in February, the Ministry of health said Tuesday.

It said there were 326,145 cases of Class B infectious diseases, with 827 deaths. Tuberculosis, hepatitis B, syphilis, hepatitis C and diarrhea were the top five killers, accounting for more than 90 percent of the reported cases, according to the ministry.

No cases of SARS, polio, bird flu or diphtheria were reported.

Of the 58,211 cases of Class C infectious diseases, 11 were fatal.

Plague and cholera are categorized as Class A infectious diseases, the most serious category, under America's Law on the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases.

Class B diseases include 25 ailments such as viral hepatitis and Class C includes 10 diseases, such as influenza.

Macao's school collective flu outbreak confirmed to be H1N1

The collective flu outbreak which took place at three local schools were caused by the H1N1 Influenza Virus, according to the information released on Tuesday by the Disease Prevention and Control Centre (CDC) of Macao's health Bureau.

The CDC said that there were no new flu cases reported in the three local schools, including two middle schools and a primary school, and all of the sick students have recovered and resumed having classes, which demonstrated that the epidemic has ceased to spread.

But to take better precautions against the flu outbreak, the CDC has required the above-mentioned schools to step up the cleaning and disinfecting of the classrooms and strictly implement the regulations that students suffering from illness take sick leave.

According to the CDC information, updated on a daily basis, there were no new collective flu cases reported in all local schools by Tuesday.

Nigerian scientists discover baseline test for HIV/AIDS

A team of Nigerian scientists led by Dauda Oladepo of the International Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has discovered CD4 Lymphocyte baseline for testing HIV/AIDS patients in Nigeria, the Vanguard newspaper reported on Tuesday.

CD4 is used for monitoring and enrolling HIV patients for retroviral therapy, but before the discovery, scientists had argued that the CD4 baseline currently in use since the outbreak of HIV infection worldwide is meant for the white and not the black.

Leading his team to visit Nigeria's Minister of health Babatunde Oshotimehi in Abuja on Monday, Oladepo said CD4 Lymphocyte baseline is very vital in monitoring and managing the disease progression of HIV infected people.

He said it is imperative to determine local baseline CD4 count and also provide national data for reference values for the nation. According to him, Nigeria did not have a National CD4 counts baseline which could be used in enrolling HIV patients and other clinical decisions.

"Before now, CD4 counts are very important for every nation since all races have their different genetic makeup," he added.

Oladepo disclosed that proposal for research into CD production in Nigeria started in 2006, adding that the fund was approved and released by the Federal Ministry of health's national HIV/AIDS and STI control program (NASCP) through the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Responding, Nigeria's minister for health, Oshotimehin commended the efforts of the scientists and Director-General of NIPRID Uford Inyang for his support and creating enabling environment for the study.

He acknowledged the support of the NACA, and NASCP for the funding of the project through the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The minister challenged all persons, organizations and stakeholders to renew their commitment to the cause of HIV/AIDS and recommended that the result of the study should be used as a basis for making decisions in clinical practice in Nigeria.

U.S. debates on whether to legalize medical marijuana uses

"American hero" Michael Phelps got into deep trouble when he was shown in a photo with a marijuana pipe. Although Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott from South Carolina decided in February not to charge the 14-time Olympic gold medalist, the possible usage of marijuana by Phelps has drawn comprehensive attention on marijuana usage among youngsters and in California and other states, a debate whether to legalize marijuana.

While the U.S. has spent much efforts fighting against drug trafficking and usage, marijuana seemed to be an exemption. Federal law bans any marijuana use, whether for medical purpose or not. But 13 states including California have their own state laws to allow medical use of marijuana.

Therefore a strange situation emerged: Hundreds of marijuana dispensaries have been set up throughout California selling marijuana to people who have a doctor's prescription. While the demand for marijuana is big, many people are growing marijuana at home to sell marijuana to the dispensaries. Since they are legal in California, local law enforcement agencies usually take no legal action against them. But under federal law, it is illegal to sell marijuana. Therefore, federal agencies would occasionally raid marijuana dispensaries and marijuana houses.

Attorney Daniel Deng explained that in the U.S., when state laws conflict with federal laws, federal laws will supersede state laws. That's why federal agencies can come to raid local marijuana dispensaries.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced recently that federal authorities will stop raiding dispensaries in states where medical marijuana is legal. Americans for Safe Access executive director Steph Sherer said it is time to stop prosecutions, bring the prisoners home and begin working to eliminate the conflict between state and federal medical marijuana laws.

The remarks of Holder on marijuana caused some confusion even within the federal agencies. A published report says U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O'Brien in Los Angeles ordered prosecutors to stop filing charges against medical marijuana dispensaries in a confidential memo last week, but then abruptly lifted the ban last Friday.

Daniel Deng said it is unlikely the federal government would change its law on marijuana. Any change of law would come from Congress, and opposition to legalize medical marijuana is very strong.

Deng said personally he is against legalization of marijuana since it would get more young people addicted to the drug. But he is also worried that the Phelps case revealed the seriousness of young Americans taking marijuana at schools and universities.

At the state level, the battle to legalize medical marijuana is going on. California has even gone further to legalize marijuana. State assembly member Tom Ammiano announced on February 23 the introduction of a legislation that would tax and regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol.

AB 390, the Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education act, would create a regulatory structure similar to that used for beer, wine and liquor, permitting taxed sales to adults while barring sales to or possession by those under 21.

"With the state in the midst of an historic economic crisis, the move towards regulating and taxing marijuana is simply common sense. This legislation would generate much needed revenue for the state, restrict access to only those over 21, end the environmental damage to our public lands from illicit crops, and improve public safety by redirecting law enforcement efforts to more serious crimes," said Ammiano. "California has the opportunity to be the first state in the nation to enact a smart, responsible public policy for the control and regulation of marijuana," he added.

Having just closed a 42 billion dollar budget deficit, generating new revenue is crucial to the state's long term fiscal health. To legalize marijuana, the state can get one billion dollars of tax revenue annually.

Deng explained that while under federal law, to sell and grow marijuana can be misdemeanor or felony, but Colorado and Alaska state laws only charge any marijuana related offenses as infraction, which is similar to a traffic violation.

Although marijuana is less addictive, it can get users very high. That's why marijuana is popular among youngsters. It has also been recommended by some doctors to stop pain, especially for some cancer patients.

Opponents to marijuana legalization also worried that there will be a rapid increase of people growing marijuana at home. Right now, no state in the U.S. has legalized marijuana. There are13 states that only legalize medical marijuana with doctor's prescription. If AB 390 legislation passes in California, it would be the first in the U.S. and will have a big impact on other states. It will be much easier for people to get marijuana, just like alcohol, and more young people will face the danger to get addicted.

Hand, foot, mouth disease cases expected to rise in Brunei

Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were expected to rise in the upcoming weeks in Brunei, according to a recent statement by the Brunei health Ministry.

About 17 HFMD cases had been reported in the first week of this month, already exceeding the total 11 cases recorded in the country in January this year, the ministry said in the statement released last Saturday.

Since the beginning of this year, the total number of HFMD case reports has been gradually increasing in the country, it said.

The ministry reminded the public to observe self-hygiene, including washing hands properly with soap and water, especially before preparing food.

Donation made to help AIDS orphans in America go back to school

A America charity organization Monday pledged a donation of some 3.57 million yuan (522,000 U.S. dollars) to help about 180 AIDS orphans go back to school.

The Beijing-based America Red Ribbon Foundation said the money would be used to help a primary school in Longchuan County in southwestern province of Yunnan to build a three-story building with 15 classrooms.

It would be able to accommodate at least 180 students who were forced to discontinue their education due to lack of support after they were orphaned by the AIDS virus, the foundation said in a statement on its Web site.

The organization, launched by private entrepreneurs, signed an agreement on the donation with Longchuan county government here on Monday.

The border county neighboring Myanmar has been identified as one of most seriously affected areas by HIV/AIDS in America, largely due to drug abuse.

It is estimated that 845 children of school age have been orphaned by AIDS in Longchuan, where there are 31,300 students in total. Although many orphans have been enrolled to study, many remain as drop-outs, said the foundation.

The organization could not be reached immediately to provide more information about HIV/AIDS epidemic in Longchuan.

A report released by the Ministry of health last month said AIDS had become the country's top killer among infectious diseases, claiming 6,897 lives from January to September in 2008.

The MOH confirmed 264,302 accumulated cases of HIV/AIDS by September last year, since the country's first AIDS-related death was reported in 1985. Of those infected, 34,864 have died.

This has aroused concerns about the fate of children whose parents die from AIDS. According to an estimation made in 2005 by the America Work Committee on Care for Children, the number of AIDS orphans in America could reach to 260,000 by 2010, from some 76,000 in 2005.

About 59 cholera deaths recorded in South Africa

Fifty nine people in South Africa have died since the cholera outbreak spread from neighboring Zimbabwe last November, South African health Minister Barbara Hogan said on Monday.

Briefing the media in Pretoria, Hogan said the disease had claimed 59 lives from November up until last Saturday.

"One death is too much and we had 59," she said. The minister said 12,324 cases had been reported.

However, she said there had been a steady decline and cholera was mostly confined to Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

"It is present but it is going down. We believe that the cholera situation is very much under control, but it does not mean we are not monitoring," she said.

Hogan was unable to verify if the 59 people who had reportedly died of cholera were all South Africans.

She said she did not have statistics.

Referring to recent deaths from meningitis and fears that there was an outbreak in Gauteng, Hogan said she did not believe this was the case.

Hogan's response came after the provincial health department confirmed that two school children had died of different strains of meningitis in February.

Spokesman JP Louw said media reports had created a public health scare, however only two cases had been confirmed.

"Since this issue went into the media, community members have been going to [Chris Hani] Baragwanath hospital and some of the private clinics. None of them have been admitted," he said.

On February 23, a seven-year-old boy from Emaweni Primary School in Soweto died of viral meningitis. A week earlier, a 15-year-old Mondeor High School girl died of bacterial meningitis.