Treating the World; Abbott’s global AIDS programme

More people than ever are receiving HIV drugs in the developing world. Although World Health Organisation targets to treat 3 million people with HIV meds by 2005 were not realised until late last year, burgeoning HIV treatment programmes are now stretching existing healthcare systems to the limit. It’s clear that one cannot exist without the other. Focus is now turning globally to ensuring healthcare systems can cope with the rapid expansion in treatment and care saving the lives of countless individuals with HIV around the world. It’s just possible that AIDS treatment programmes will not just save the lives of people with HIV but the lasting legacy will be a greatly improved global
health system.

Abbott’s African Info Exchange

Dr Kareem Aderogba shares his experience of volunteering in Nigeria

For more than twenty years US pharmaceutical giant Abbott has developed novel HIV medications and monitoring tests that have played a significant role in changing millions of lives around the world.

No Need to Hide

Caribbean people make up one of the largest growing groups of people testing positive for HIV in the UK. Statistics also show that the number of people living with HIV in the Caribbean region is also rising. Denial is not working, the situation needs to be addressed by the politicians and the media. Small signs of hope are starting in Jamaica with government adverts promoting condoms, but there is a long way to go.

Calm after the tide

As the HIV epidemic continues to evolve, Black communities around the world remain disproportionately affected by HIV. There are almost 40 million people living with HIV worldwide and the majority of them (28 million) live in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Caribbean is the second most affected.

Positive role models

Last week Nelson Mandela’s statue in Parliament Square was unveiled in the presence of the great man himself. In the months and years to come, I wonder how many people will notice the little ribbon adorning the lapel of that trademark Mandela shirt.