UNITED STATES: Lee Moves to Provide Condoms for Prisoners
Christopher Heredia
San Francisco Chronicle (09.17.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
On Saturday, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) promoted a bill that would give federal inmates access to condoms. It is
necessary to "break the silence" about sex in prisons, said Lee, because 90 percent of inmates are released eventually and resume relationships
with spouses and partners.
"When an inmate gets infected, we're all affected," Lee said in an interview after the Merritt College forum she
hosted on HIV/AIDS in the Africa-American community. According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, the rate of AIDS cases among prisoners is three
times that of the general population. Race also plays a part: black inmates are 3.5 times more likely than whites and 2.5 times more likely
than Latino inmates to die from AIDS-related illnesses.
Lee's bill would permit community groups to offer HIV and STD education, testing, and treatment to inmates, in
addition to distributing condoms.
The California Legislature is currently considering a similar bill by Assembly member Paul Koretz (D-West
Hollywood) that would allow condom distribution in state institutions. That measure awaits Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's review. In most states,
condoms in prisons are considered contraband.
At the forum, Lee addressed the disproportionate toll of HIV/AIDS and other STDs upon the African-American
community. The National Center for Health Statistics reports AIDS is the leading cause of death for black females ages 25-34 and for black men
ages 35-44. African Americans must have frank, nonjudgmental conversations about the disease and risky behaviors, speakers said.
"The reality is 25 years into this epidemic we are our greatest enemy," said Bishop Yvette Flunder of San
Francisco's City of Refuge United Church of Christ. "We need to struggle against fear. For African Americans, HIV/AIDS prevention is a for-us,
by-us principle. If we are to conquer this disease, it is going to be a for-us, by-us task."
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
INDIA: Indians Urge Repeal of Gay Sex Ban
Amy Yee
Financial Times (London) (09.18.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
In October, the Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear a case seeking to overturn, on grounds that it violates
human rights and hampers HIV/AIDS prevention, India's 1861 colonial-era law criminalizing consensual same-sex acts between adults. Over the
weekend, more than 150 Indian luminaries signed an open letter publicly supporting the law's repeal.
The law "has been used by homophobic officials to suppress the work of legitimate HIV prevention groups," stated
the letter, whose signatories included author Vikram Seth, former UN Undersecretary-General Nitin Desai, Nobel economist Amartya Sen, and other
officials, academics, artists, and civil advocates. The lead signatory was Siddarth Dube, a senior UNAIDS advisor.
"There is devastating denial and inaction on the part of the government," said Dube. "There is complete denial
that there is homosexuality in India."
The Mumbai-based gay rights group Naz Foundation is bringing the suit, claiming the law is unconstitutional and
interferes with HIV/AIDS prevention.
HIV/AIDS among high-risk groups, including gay men, is an important issue for India, whose adult prevalence rate
is 0.9 percent. But even that low prevalence translates to 5.6 million people infected, according to a July UNAIDS report, and represents the
world's highest HIV caseload. In addition, 90 percent of HIV-positive Indians do not know they are infected. UNAIDS estimates the disease could
cut 1 percent per annum off India's economic growth over the next decade.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Health Minister: Up to 30 Percent Have HIV Infection in Remote Papua New Guinea
Ray Lilley
Associated Press (09.18.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Papua New Guinea has one the highest rates of HIV in Asia, 1-3 percent nationally, and some areas have HIV rates
of up to 30 percent, Health Minister Peter Barter told the World Health Organization's annual Asia-Pacific conference meeting in New Zealand on
Monday.
"We've had up to 30 percent results HIV-positive" from hospital pathology reports in the western and southern
parts of Enga, said Barter. "It was a shock to me" such hot-spots existed, he acknowledged on the conference sidelines.
At Enga's Porgera gold mine, a partnership of PNG and the Canadian firm Placer Dome, "We have recorded 12 percent
of our work force is HIV-positive, and in other areas of Papua New Guinea it goes as high as 15 percent," said Barter. "That is a confirmed
figure."
In June, UNAIDS reported PNG had an adult HIV infection rate of 1.8 percent and lacked the domestic political
motivation to address its epidemic.
Barter conceded PNG officials have been slow to cope with HIV but that the nation now has a strategic HIV plan.
"Previously, we didn't really have a plan. Now, at least we have a roadmap," he said. "We have to do something very fast." Coordination, not
lack of money, is part of the problem, said Barter.
Richard Nesbit, WHO's acting director for the Western Pacific, said, "The HIV epidemic continues to take a great
toll on our region, with nearly 600 new cases and 200 deaths every day."
MEDICAL NEWS
UNITED KINGDOM: First Sexual Partnerships: Age Differences and Their Significance; Empirical Evidence from the
2000 British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles ('Natsal 2000')
Catherine H. Mercer, PhD; Kaye Wellings, PhD; Wendy Macdowall, MSc; Andrew J. Copas, PhD; Sally McManus, MSc; Bob Erens, MA; Kevin A.
Fenton, PhD; Anne M. Johnson, MD
Journal of Adolescent Health Vol. 39; No. 1: P. 87-95 (07..06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
The purpose of the current study was to describe variations in age differences (ADs) between partners at first
heterosexual intercourse and to examine associations between AD, sociodemographic characteristics, and circumstances of first heterosexual
intercourse by gender.
The researchers used a probability survey of 3,277 men and 4,734 women ages 25-44 in the British population who
reported ever having heterosexual intercourse to obtain an unbiased sample of ADs at first intercourse. They conducted face-to-face interviews
to collect sociodemographic data and information on first intercourse. Gender-specific cumulative distributions of ADs categorized respondents
reporting relatively younger first partners (below fifth percentile) and those reporting relatively older first partners (above 95th
percentile).
The investigators found that relatively older first partners were six years older than men and 10 years older
than women. Relatively younger first partners were three years younger than men and one year younger than women. Men and women with relatively
older first partners were more likely to have just met their partner (odds ratios adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics [AOR] 1.8, 95
percent confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.7, and 3.1, 95 percent CI 2.1-4.6 respectively); had a more willing first partner (AOR 2.1, 95 percent
CI 1.2-3.8, and 1.6, 95 percent CI 1.2-2.2, respectively); not used condoms at first sex (AOR 1.9, 95 percent CI 1.2-3.0, and 1.5, 95 percent
CI 1.1-2.0, respectively); and reported a non-autonomous reason for first sex (AOR 1.6, 95 percent CI 1.1-2.4, women only). Men with relatively
younger first partners were more likely to regret the timing of the first occasion. (AOR 2.1, 95 percent CI 1.0-4.5).
"First partnerships involving relatively older or younger partners are associated with adverse circumstances of
first intercourse," the authors concluded. "Condoms and other reliable contraception are less likely to be used, and age differences may
reflect unequal power relations. Promoting effective communication and negotiation skills may be particularly important for those with
relatively older or younger first partners."
LOCAL AND COMMUNITY NEWS
OKLAHOMA: Sick Health Care Worker May Have Exposed Hundreds to Tuberculosis
Tim Talley
Associated Press (09.18.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Oklahoma City-County Health Department officials are urging more people who may have come in contact with a TB-
infected employee of Integris Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City to seek testing. Testing of 600 people so far, including all hospital
employees, has identified 10 TB infections, said Mary Spinner, administrator of the TB program for OCCHD. Another 1,650 patients, 350 staff and
250 members of the general public have been notified by letter of their potential exposure and asked to get TB skin tests to determine if they
are infected, said OCCHD Medical Director Dr. Gene Claflin.
The hospital employee was diagnosed with TB on Aug. 14 but reported experiencing symptoms of the disease for six
months prior, said officials. The employee has not worked at Integris since being diagnosed.
"There have been multiple people exposed to this individual," said Dr. David Chansolme, medical director of
epidemiology and employee health at the hospital. "We have identified a number of people who have had potential exposures."
Spinner said she expects the number of infections to rise as more people are tested. Since OCCD notification
letters began going out, relatives and friends of those who received them have inquired as to whether they, too, should be tested, Spinner
said, but testing is only needed by those who came into contact with the infected worker.
OKLAHOMA: Washington, Tulsa Counties: Syphilis Outbreak Seen
Nicole Nascenzi
Tulsa World (09.16.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
A Washington County syphilis outbreak has spread to Tulsa County, public health authorities said recently. So far
this year, Washington County has reported 13 syphilis cases to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, compared to just one case during the
previous five years, said Mark Turner, SDH's program manager for HIV/STD surveillance and analysis.
To stop the outbreak, SDH is working with local patients to notify their sex partners of potential syphilis
exposure, said Turner.
Several Tulsa County syphilis diagnoses were connected with cases in Washington County, said Janice Sheehan,
manager of the Tulsa City-County Health Department's Communicable Disease Control Division.
The first Washington County diagnoses were in May. All the infections were heterosexually transmitted among a mix
of black and white patients, according to SDH data. Most of the patients are poor, ages 21-60, and some traded sex for money or drugs. Those
patients reported a total 59 sex partners.
The department is seeking to locate and notify sex partners that they need to be screened for syphilis and
possibly treated for the STD. The number of sex partners, whether patients can identify sex partners, and whether infected partners seek
treatment, will all determine the length and extent of the outbreak. Partners' names and the notification process are strictly confidential.
In Washington County, treatment is available regardless of a patient's ability to pay, said Brenda Davis, public
health nurse for the county Health Department, located at 3838 State St., Bartlesville. Sheehan said no one will be turned away from the Tulsa
City-County Health Department's STD clinic, 4616 E. 15th St., Tulsa. For more information, residents of Washington County should telephone 918-
335-3005; Tulsans should call 918-595-4104.
IOWA: Des Moines Church Offers HIV Test with Sermon
Tony Leys
Des Moines Register (09.18.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
During Sunday's service at the largely African-American Maple Street Baptist Church, the Rev. Keith Ratliff Sr.
delivered a half-hour sermon about how life's imperfections are helping spread HIV/AIDS, especially in the black community. "I'm not out to
hurt anyone's feelings," he said. "But, honey, in today's world, you don't really know who your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend has
been with." Ratliff's sermon included frank references to drugs and sex, semen and blood.
Iowa has a relatively low HIV rate, but the disease is disproportionately affecting blacks in the state. Though
they comprise just 2 percent of the state's population, African Americans account for 19 percent of HIV cases.
Ratliff urged congregants to avoid judging people who have HIV/AIDS. People should not consider it their business
to find out how a person became infected, he instructed, but it is one's business to help them.
While the minister preached, a nurse from the Polk County Health Department was waiting in the church basement
with HIV tests. During the sermon, a few people visited the nurse downstairs to sign up for the test. After filling out paperwork, they waited
to be tested. She counseled with each of them privately, asking specific questions about sexual histories and drug use. She then swabbed the
inside of their mouths and told them when to expect results. After the service, several dozen church members came to be tested.
Several weeks ago, Ratliff, who heads the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP chapter, took an HIV test during a meeting of the
civil rights group and urged all 350 attendees to follow suit.
INDIANA: Hepatitis Clinics Cost $150,000
Michael Schroeder
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (09.19.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
The eight hepatitis A immunization clinics conducted recently after a local restaurant worker was diagnosed with
the disease cost more than $150,000, county Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahan told the health board Monday night.
The immune globulin shots, which were provided by the Indiana State Department of Health, cost $106,590.
Facilities rental and other associated expenses cost Allen County $22,395.
The clinics were held after a server at the Pizza Hut at 5735 Coventry Lane was diagnosed with hepatitis A. The
restaurant immediately underwent a health inspection, passed, and remains open for business. Mindy Waldron, administrator for the Fort Wayne-
Allen County Department of Health, said the company was in no way at fault in the incident. However, because Pizza Hut offered to pay for the
clinics, both bills have been submitted to the company. Overtime hours for health department personnel amounting to about $25,000 will be
absorbed by the department, McMahan said, as this falls under its mission.
During the response, 384 medical and nonmedical personnel staffed the clinics, which provided shots to 3,858
people. The department's reaction to this incident, as well as its other work, earned it a commendation from state Health Commissioner Judith
Monroe.
NEWS BRIEFS
CHINA: China to Survey Hepatitis B Infection
Xinhua News Agency (09.15.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
China's Ministry of Health is rolling out a year-long national survey to determine hepatitis B prevalence in
order to update surveillance data and prevention guidelines. The survey runs from this month through September 2007. Blood serum samples will
be obtained from 79,000 people ages one to 59. The Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control will also take part in the effort,
said the ministry, which on Aug. 30 launched a campaign to educate the public about the disease.
Toronto Star (09.18.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Awareness generated by last month's 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto is credited with a 50 percent
jump in participation in the city's 18th annual Walk for Life AIDS fundraiser on Sunday. More than 6,000 people took part, and the event raised
$432,601 Canadian ($383,435 US), almost 10 percent above the goal set by the AIDS Committee of Toronto. Online fundraising generated $224,625
Canadian ($199,096 US), far surpassing the target of $150,000 Canadian ($132,940 US).
OHIO: Anti-AIDS Efforts Reach Full Stride in Annual Fundraiser
Bill Bush
Columbus Dispatch (09.17.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Hundreds of people took part in Sunday's Dr. Robert J. Fass Memorial Central Ohio AIDSWalk in Columbus. Past
events have typically raised between $40,000 and $60,000, said Aaron Riley, executive director of the Columbus AIDS Task Force, but this year
online donations totaled $80,000 before the walk stepped off. Ten nonprofit agencies share in the funds raised.
WYOMING: Hepatitis C Support Group Forms
Gazette News Services
Billings Gazette (09.14.06) - Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Greg Welch, hepatitis specialist with the Wyoming Department of Health, estimates that hepatitis C infections
have been increasing in the state at a rate of 8-10 percent a year. "It's a very prevalent disease, and about the time people find out about
it, it's years after the fact," he said. "Most people who are infected don't have any idea." In response, local health officials are launching
a support group for Laramie County so patients can share information about treatment, which can cost thousands of dollars a month, and side
effects, which can be severe. Karen Marcy, a registered nurse and community program specialist for the Cheyenne-Laramie County Health
Department, said the group will next meet on Oct. 5. For more information, telephone 307-633-4079.
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This information is designed to support, not replace, the
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