Studies show that HIV-positive women have a higher risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. Since 2011, EGPAF has provided the women of Tanzania with cervical cancer care and treatment screenings. Keep reading
This July, experts from the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) traveled to Zimbabwe as a part of a team to develop an operational plan for national implementation of Option B+, a World Health Organization (WHO) recommended approach within its new 2013 ARV guidelines to provide lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women. The new guidelines are expected to improve prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services and increase the likelihood that infants born to HIV-positive mothers will be born and remain HIV-negative. In addition, lifelong ART has the potential to improve the health and livelihood of HIV-positive mothers and reduce the spread of infection to uninfected partners. Keep reading
Last month, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) teamed up with the Lesotho Ministry of Health (MOH) to launch two mobile health care clinics that will provide HIV/AIDS and other health care services to residents in Lesotho’s rural communities. On July 11, EGPAF’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Brad Kiley joined representatives from the Lesotho MOH and other high-level government officials at a ceremony to celebrate the new mobile units and how they will improve access to health care services to people throughout the country. The clinics are made possible thanks to generous support from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Keep reading
For the last 30 years, medical research has transformed HIV/AIDS from one of the most lethal worldwide pandemics to a preventable and manageable disease for many, allowing those infected to lead full and healthy lives. But a paradox also emerged – as access to care and treatment improved and infection rates have declined, stigma and discrimination against those infected with HIV has increased dramatically. Keep reading
On Thursday, leading researchers, including EGPAF Vice President for Research Dr. Laura Guay and global health experts, met to share with an audience of Senate staffers and nongovernmental organizations the latest information on the science behind eliminating HIV. Organized by EGPAF, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and the Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR), "Where are we in ending the AIDS Epidemic?: An Update on the Science" provided a thorough overview of the current state of the AIDS pandemic, from pediatric HIV to male circumcision to vulnerable populations most affected by the virus. Keep reading
Last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched new, consolidated HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention guidelines, which include recommendations for lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women (referred to in previous guidelines as Option B+) in order to reduce mother-to-child transmission rates. Learn more about how the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) helped support the country in its effort to adopt Option B+ earlier this year-ahead of the official WHO guidelines launch. Keep reading
Around the world and in our own backyard, women are fighting for the rights of women and girls and for an AIDS-free generation. One of these women is Serra Sippel, president of the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), a Washington, D.C.-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) whose mission is to “promote the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of women and girls globally by shaping the development and implementation of U.S policies.” Keep reading
For many reasons, a number of Basotho people still find it difficult to access health services offered at traditional health facilities. Additionally, non-communicable diseases are often not a major focus of the national health system. Following discussions with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and USAID, EGPAF initiated Family Health Days (FHDs) to bring HIV prevention, care, and treatment services to remote areas, as well as to identify and appropriately manage non-communicable diseases and provide integrated primary health care services at the community level. Keep reading
According to data from the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS), 90 percent of pregnant women currently receive antenatal care (ANC). While this is a commendable statistic, it should be noted that this figure is down from 94 percent in 2005-2006 – and only 19 percent of these women schedule time for ANC during the first three months of pregnancy. Keep reading
