During early infection, especially during the first few weeks, people are exceptionally infectious.

Powers concluded that early infection plays an important role in the HIV epidemic in Lilongwe, Malawi. “Our results suggest that it is time to determine the best ways to identify early index cases and the optimal prevention strategies to initiate during early HIV,” she said.

To read the full article CLICK HERE

To read the full BMS statement CLICK HERE

To read the full article CLICK HERE

“Getting effective needle syringe programs into our Aboriginal communities is even more challenging than in mainstream communities as many of the our leading community elders have not moved beyond a “Just Say No” approach to drugs, which is clearly not working among many of our younger community members” stated Colin Ross.

Ross said his organisation and the AFAO National HIV/AIDS Project had lead the way in changing Indigenous communities’ willingness to tackle safe sex over the last 20 years, and now it was necessary to open community elders’ minds on issues of clean needle availability and drug use or risk a repeat of the Canadian experience.

To read the full article CLICK HERE

On the attached pdf document you will find information about election forums in Hobart and Launceston, an anti-hate pledge signing at Salamanca Market, and a rally for marriage equality in Hobart that TGLRG are helping to organise together with other groups and activists.

To download a pdf of the TGLRG election events held state wide CLICK HERE

Approximately one-third of HIV-positive people are co-infected with chronic hepatitis C, which is also linked to low bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures. Bone loss is a growing concern as this population ages. The study investigators pointed out that, while women are more likely to sustain fragility fractures, men are more likely to die from fracture-related complications.

To read the full article CLICK HERE

 In half the regions, they'll start treatment immediately for those who test positive. In the other half, they'll wait until the patients' immune systems deteriorate to a certain level.

The experiment is designed to see whether starting treatment straight away can reduce or eliminate transmission of HIV, which infects 2.7 million people and kills 2 million every year.

To read the full article CLICK HERE

The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) trial showed that the gel "curbed the risk of infection by the HIV virus by 39 percent overall, but by 54 percent among those women who used it most consistently,"

 "The gel also reduced the risk of contracting genital herpes by 51 percent, a factor which could slow the spread of HIV even further, given that people with genital herpes have double the risk of getting HIV," according to the study

The study "is the first time an HIV-prevention method controlled by women, who bear the brunt of the epidemic in Africa, has been shown to work.

To read the full article from The Body CLICK HERE

The Survey of 556 couples found that 45 percent said they were monogamous and slightly more said they were in open relationships. Other studies have come up with similar numbers, noted study leader author Colleen C. Hoff, a sexuality researcher.

However, the finding that a sizeable minority of partnered gay men are confused as to whether their bond is monogamous or not is a new finding, she said. "If one is having sex with someone outside the relationship, and the other doesn't know it, it could be an opportunity for risk [of HIV infection] for both partners, " said Hoff, director of San Francisco State University's Centre for Research on Gender and Sexuality.

To read full article CLICK HERE

This conference celebrates the human rights of us all!

Dates: 16 - 18 March 2011, Theme: Strength In Diversity: Connect, Collaborate, Inspire                                                              Venue: Wellington Town Hall, Wakefield Street, Wellington, New Zealand.

VISION: For people, whatever their sexual orientation, sex or gender identity, to:

• live in inclusive societies with equal access to the resources and services that will ensure the physical, pyschological and spiritual wellbeing of themselves and their families;
• fully participate in the economic, social cultural and policitical development of their society;
• enjoy equal protection under the law from discrimination and violence.

PURPOSE

Connect - People across the AsiaPacific region connect to share ideas, information, strategies and programmes to affirm the dignity, equality and security of all LGBTI people.

Collaborate - Build partnerships and networks for advocacy and social action across the AsiaPacific region, learning from human rights successes and responding to violations against people because of their sexual orientation, sex or gender identity.

Inspire - Provide a forum for diverse sexual orientations, sex and gender identities to be celebrated, in order to inspire, affirm and motivate LGBTI people to be who they are in their communities.

For more information about the conference or to register CLICK HERE for the registration package.