Estimated worldwide HIV infections: 45 082 774 at 8.26am, Thursday January 17 2002
SAMRC awarded R270-million: The South African Medical Research Council and a number of foreign research organisations have been awarded R270-million to develop a vaginal microbicide for the prevention of HIV transmission to women. Dr Gita Ramjee, the acting director of the council’s HIV prevention and vaccine research unit, says the microbicide – probably in a gel, a foam sponge or a pessary – would be capable of blocking HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Focus on quality care: The Department of Health announced this week that it will use its volunteer programme to improve the quality of care it provides. Sibani Mngadi, spokesperson for the minister of health, said another area of major focus will be to look at the role of community structures in the health system – their involvement in the running and maintenance of hospitals and clinics. The African National Congress has scheduled April for a volunteer focus on health.
Soldier sues army: A soldier has taken the Indian army to court for a false positive result from an HIV test. The soldier, PS Vinod, was tested for HIV when he was selected to be part of a United Nations peace mission in Lebanon.