Antiviral triple therapy, usually reserved for patients with highly progressed HIV/AIDS, can help stem the transmission of the virus from pregnant women to their babies, according to a study published in The Lancet. All of the women who participated in the study had HIV, but none had progressed to the point where triple therapy would normally be prescribed. Use of the more aggressive therapy resulted in a 43% drop in infection rates.
Gates calls for renewed efforts to end polio
American philanthropist Bill Gates was slated today to challenge world leaders to do all they can in 2011 to eradicate polio “once and for all” in light of recent outbreaks in Nigeria, Tajikistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Gates Foundation is expected to increase by $102 million its annual contribution of $200 million toward the treatment and prevention of the disease, which, in addition to Nigeria, is only actively transmitted in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.
UN’s maternal, child efforts to promote change with accountability
A $40 billion United Nations-led effort to improve maternal and child health will result in drastic changes for millions in the developing world as long as financial accountability and monitoring is properly in place, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says. Harper is co-chairing a commission with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete to create an accountability mechanism to track donations and spending.
Pakistani flood survivors are malnourished, without shelter
Children in a flood-stricken province of Pakistan are suffering levels of malnutrition akin to those found among famine-stricken regions of Africa, according to the UN Children’s Fund. Nationwide, a shortfall in global financial and other aid has meant that hundreds of thousands of flood survivors must try to survive the winter without even emergency shelter.
Indian carrier to educate subscribers on reproductive issues
India’s Tata DoCoMo has introduced a mobile health service designed to inform wireless users about sexual and reproductive issues through information approved by the Family Planning Association of India.
Launch of New UN Women Effort
Former Chilean President and Executive Director of the new UN Women agency Michelle Bachelet heads to Davos this week in a bid to jump-start a $500 million funding drive to support UN efforts on behalf of women. UN Women officially launches in February and will focus on efforts to promote gender equality.
UN, mindful of national budgets, seeks generous 2011 aid
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked member countries to be as generous as possible this year to help the organization reach some 50 million people in need of emergency assistance, despite budget constraints and record levels of aid in 2010 in response to the Haiti earthquake and Pakistani floods. The world body is seeking $7.4 billion in emergency aid in 28 nations.
UN investigation uncovers additional rapes in the DRC
Dozens more women and girls than originally thought were raped by Democratic Republic of Congo forces during a New Year’s Day assault, according to a United Nations investigation. Congolese officials arrested several commanding officers last week in connection with the assault.
Pakistan studies importance of female health workers
The presence of women trained to work as health care providers in rural areas with impoverished women reduces infant deaths more than 20%, according to a study from Pakistani researchers published in The Lancet. Workers participating in the study provided pregnant women with face-to-face consultations on maternal and infant health and pass out stocks of basic supplies such as soap and razors.