Search

The article offers information on the twenty criteria on having effective interventions on health resources in developing countries such as Uganda and Tanzania in Africa. It mentions how scalability regarding interventions affects the priorities of health resources. It also cites the importance of cultural norms in preventing the occurrence of diseases. Moreover, it discusses how bed nets and other health procedures such as condoms and hand washing adds on the simplicity which affects the fragility of health systems.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Randomized, Controlled Intervention Trial of Male Circumcision for Reduction of HIV Infection Risk," in a 2005 issue.

Focuses on the integration of family planning and HIV prevention efforts in developing countries. Principles of integration; Status of health systems in the developing world; Keys to successful HIV prevention programs.

Focuses on a community-based distribution of family planning in Pakistan. Level of unmet need for family planning in developing countries; Need to determine whether there is a significant level of dormant demand for actual contraceptive services waited to be satisfied; Factors credited for the increase in the use of contraceptives.

Despite a state law enacted 1972 which allowed minors to obtain contraceptive services without parental consent, births to very young women in Georgia (age 14 and less) have risen in recent years. Beginning in 1974, however, this trend has reversed. Increased access to induced abortion following the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision appears to have been responsible for the decline. Supporting this assertion are: 1) the temporal relationship between increased access to abortion and the decline in births, 2) the geographic evidence that the decline in births occurred first in Atlanta where abortion utilization is the highest and then followed in areas with somewhat more limited utilization , and 3) a similar observation that the decline occurred earlier and more markedly among young white teenagers whose abortion utilization is higher. Although abortion appears to have had to most visible impact on births, most people would probably agree that efforts toward providing contraception to these young women remain worth the challenge. The ratio of young teenagers accepting contraceptives to young teenagers getting pregnant is suggested as a useful intermediate indicator of the success of family planting program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. To evaluate the recent decision of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice to increase the recommended age for initial measles vaccination from 12 to 15 months, we carried out a case control study of vaccine failure in a recent measles epidemic. Compared to children vaccinated at ages 15 months or older, we found an increased risk of vaccine failure among those vaccinated at 12 to 14 months (relative risk = 19.2, 95% confidence interval = 4.6 to 80.1). In order to sort out the influence of age at vaccination from elapsed time since vaccination, we subjected the data to discriminant analysis. Age at vaccination subsumed all of the effect of duration of time since vaccination. Thus, we find no evidence of waning immunity over time. Pediatrics 62: 961-964, 1978, measles, vaccine, efficacy, vaccination, age, duration, failure, immunity, immunization, epidemic, epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Acyclovir and Transmission of HIV-1 From Persons Infected With HIV-1 and HSV-2," by Celum and colleagues, published in the February 4, 2010 issue.

The author examines two complex generalised HIV epidemics that cover those who have multiple sexual partners and the large number of already infected individuals. He offers a further explanation of the generalised HIV epidemics, which reveal an important role for both components, as well as a basis for a unifying approach. He recommends several issues that might be prioritized to prevent HIV epidemics. The author also cites several structural approaches to HIV epidemic prevention.

The author reflects on the link between having multiple sexual partners and the epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). He reveals that having multiple sexual partners is the major cause of the generalized epidemic of HIV in southern and Eastern Africa. He notes that understanding why people have multiple sexual partnerships will be relevant to change behavior and sexual practices. The author argues that multilevel approaches are needed to promote behavioral change toward multiple sexual partnerships.

The article discusses the benefits of testing combined with counseling in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. The article explains that in sub-Saharan Africa where multiple and frequent partners is the norm, HIV is epidemic. The article also provides limitations to prevention such as an inability to test for acute infections, the difficulty in changing long-term behaviours, and only twenty percent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa having been tested for HIV.

Abstract: Background: In Africa, use of the intrauterine device (IUD) is avoided because of perceived risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) associated with sexually transmitted infections (STI). However, one recent model suggests that the risk of PID attributable to the IUD is very low, only 0.15% or less than 1 in 600. Study Design: Using rates from a 2004 study of cervical STI prevalence in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, and Mali; we calculate PID risk attributable to the IUD in West Africa. Results: Based on 4.4% combined prevalence of chlamydial and gonococcal infections, we estimate the risk is 0.075%, or less than 1 in 1,300. Conclusions: In West Africa, PID risk from IUDs is extremely low. This should be better communicated to family planning providers in the region who may under-provide the IUD based on erroneous perceptions of PID risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article presents ten myths about the spread of HIV around the world that are harming preventive efforts. The first myth is that HIV spreads like wildfire which it does not. Other myths look at condoms, treatment and technological advances as excuses not to practice safe sex. The author says that one priority to stop the spread of the disease, must be education on the risk of having multiple sexual partners.

This article presents an editorial on AIDS prevention. The author writes that he has a particular affinity to condom use because of its effectiveness in preventing disease transmission when used properly. The author also discusses abstinence and notes that adolescents, who are usually the target of such education are not the main transmitters of the disease, but rather people in their 20s and 30s have the highest instances of transmission. The author writes that other behaviors that must be targeted include the practice of multiple partners. The author notes that some people view condoms as a way to continue in risky sexual behavior, and that some long-term couples are unwilling to use condoms.

This article describes a report that HIV-1 prevalence is declining in young adults in India. Data shows that HIV incidence has peaked overall in Africa and HIV prevalence has declined in many African settings and elsewhere. Incidence is hard to measure, but prevalence in young people can provide a good indicator of new cases. The declines in prevalence and incidence appear to be related to behavioural changes and knowledge whether acquired through programmes or through common knowledge. Progress should be measured by incidence data rather than prevalence because of the lag time between the two.

Calls on the international health community to support efforts to make contraception available to women on antiretroviral drugs. Initiative in Africa for providing antiretroviral therapy to HIV patients; Challenges including overcoming AIDS-related stigma; Indication that women are more likely to be infected with HIV than men are; The need for effective family planning which can lead to social and economic benefits; Concern about harming the fetus in utero with antriretrovirals and about maternal-to-child transmission; Classes of antiretroviral drugs; The issues of mitochondrial toxicity and low birthweight in babies of HIV-positive women; Advantages from linking family planning and antiretroviral-drug services.

Examines partner reduction as a crucial factor for balanced "ABC" approach to HIV prevention. Epidemiological importance of partner reduction; "ABCs" of sexual behavior change; Role of partner reduction in HIV prevention; Implications for behavior change programs.

Examines the character and views of providers of family planning and reproductive health services.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "A Public Health Approach To Global Management of Hypertension," by Sonia Y. Angell, K. M. De Cock, and T. R. Frieden in the February 28, 2015 issue.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Universal health coverage post-2015: putting people first" in the December 13, 2014 issue.

The author explores the HIV/AIDS policy implications of research findings that heterosexual transmission of HIV can be prevented with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). The challenges of implementing an ARV control program are outlined, including the testing of infected and at-risk populations, adherence of subjects to the drug regimen, and the potential development of viral drug resistance. He concludes that ARVs can complement other HIV interventions, but HIV vaccine research is still a priority.

Letter to the editor and replies are presented about the articles "Stillbirths: what difference can we make and at what cost," by Zulfiqar A. Bhutta and colleagues in the April 30, 2011 issue and "Stillbirths: how can health systems deliver for mothers and babies," by Robert Pattinson and colleagues in the May 7, 2011 issue.

The author opines regarding masturbation and its role in preventing exposure to HIV infections. Statistical findings on masturbation by men and women are reported. The author believes that the health community should not neglect masturbation as a safe method of preventing AIDS and unwanted pregnancies.

Two letters to the editor are presented in response to the article "A Tale of Two-Component Generalised HIV Epidemics," by James Shelton published in the March 20, 2010 issue, including a comment and the author's reply.

A response by James D. Shelton to a letter to the editor about his article "Why multiple sexual partnerships?" in the August 1, 2009 issue is presented.

A response by James D. Shelton to letter to the editors about his article on HIV prevention in the December 1, 2008 issue is presented.

Comments on the AIDS epidemic and the transmission of HIV. Finding of the Tanzania 2003-04 HIV/AIDS indicator survey that wealth, not poverty, correlates to HIV prevalence; Factors contributing to the positive relation between wealth and HIV risk, including the role of long-term concurrent or overlapping sexual partnerships that form networks in heterosexual epidemics; Indication from surveys in Tanzania and Kenya that the wealth-HIV link is stronger for women; Implication for HIV programs that promote fidelity as a social norm.

Argues that the medical phrase 'First, do no harm' is an impossibility. How medical procedures entail the possibility of risk and error which can not be bypassed; Impact of the assumption that errors should not occur on the learning process; Discussion of the difference between errors of commission and omission; Suggestion that the phrase ignores the role of the patient in decision making.

Discusses some of the barriers to access to family planning. The six types of medical barriers; `Contraceptive Technology'; Oral contraceptives (OC); Stringent eligibility criteria; Main cause of medical obstacles; Methods of reducing needless medical barriers; More.

The author offers insights about health achievement in Bangladesh, covering topics like health coverage approach and problems amenable to further public health approaches.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Human Resources for Health Program in Rwanda -- A New Partnership," by A. Binagwaho et al. in the November 21, 2014 issue.

The article discusses how Universal Health Coverage (UHC) can best serve its motto to provide needed health services to all without financial hardship. The author suggests five approaches which could help UHC to best serve developing countries. The author tells that promote healthy behaviours, enhance overall health literacy and prioritizing clinical services of utmost importance like immunization, family planning and antenatal care.

A letter to the editor in response to the article "HIV development assistance and adult mortality in Africa," by E. Bendavid, C.B. Holmes, J. Bhattacharya, G. Miller in previous issue of the journal and response made by the authors with reference to the letter are also presented.

A letter to the editor is presented discussing several articles on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and reproductive health with major flaws and respective comments.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about the need for donors and international aid agencies to consider population-wide services by Monica Das Gupta and Lawrence Gaston in the April 18, 2009 issue.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Spousal Violence And Potentially Preventable Single And Recurrent Spontaneous Fetal Loss in an African Setting" by A. P. Alio, P. N. Nana and H. M. Salihu in the January 24, 2009 issue.

The article presents a letter to the editor discussing the article "Universal voluntary HIV testing with immediate antiretroviral therapy as a strategy for elimination of HIV transmission: a mathematical model," by RM Granich, CF Gilks, C. Dye, KM De Cock, and BG Williams published in the journal on January 3, 2009.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "New Heterosexually Transmitted Infections in Married Or Cohabitating Couple In Urban Zambia And Rwanda: An Analysis Of Survey And Clinical Data," by K.L. Dunkle, R. Stephenson, E. Karita, et al. in a previous issue.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Diaphragm and lubricant gel for prevention of HIV acquisition in southern African women: a randomised controlled trial," by N.S. Padian, A. van der Straten and G. Ramjee.

Presents a letter to the editor in response to the article "Effect of participatory intervention with women's groups on birth outcomes in Nepal: cluster-randomised controlled trial," by D.S. Manandhar, D. Osrin, B.P. Shrestha, et al., in the September 11, 2004 issue.

Assesses provision of condoms in African countries, which are used in the prevention of HIV. Methods; Results; Conclusion that more condoms are needed to provide all African countries with a level equal to that of the six highest providing countries.

Use of the intrauterine device (IUD) is avoided because of perceived risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) associated with sexually transmitted infections (STI). Calculation of the risk of clinical pelvic inflammatory disease showed that the estimated risk was low (0.15%), even with a high STI prevalence. This estimated risk argues for making IUDs more available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]