The Pop Reporter®
Volume 5, Number 34
22 August 2005
If you have an event or resource (report, article, etc.) you would like to be considered for inclusion in The Pop Reporter, send your information to Robert Jacoby at rjacoby@jhuccp.org.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Creating options in family planning for the private sector in Latin America
(Abstract; Central America and the Caribbean | South America)
Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública. 2005 Jul;18(1):37-44.
Sharma S | Gribble JN | Menotti EP
This paper argues that taking steps to actively involve and expand the private sector's market share is a critical strategy for achieving a more equitable distribution of available resources, addressing unmet need, and creating a more sustainable future for family planning commodities and services. It also discusses in detail the experiences of two countries, Paraguay and Peru. Paraguay's family planning market illustrates a vibrant private sector, but with limited access to family planning commodities and services for those who cannot afford private sector prices.
Community-based distribution and contraception usage in Iran
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Middle East)
Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. 2005 Jul;31(3):194-197.
Jahanfar S | Ghodsi M | Shahpoorian F | Jamshidi R
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of community-based distribution (CBD) on contraceptive usage in Iran. Research showed that CBD facilitates better knowledge, proper choice, and correct and continuous usage of contraception. This method should, therefore, be adopted for family planning services in remote areas of Iran.
Hearing native voices: Contraceptive use in Matemwe Village, East Africa
(Abstract; Sub-Saharan Africa)
African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2005 Apr;9(1):32-41.
Keele JJ | Forste R | Flake DF
The aim of this study was to identify cultural barriers to modern contraceptive use in Matemwe village, Zanzibar. Despite free and easy access to contraceptives, only 2% of Matemwe women participated in the village's family planning program. Several factors were found to influence contraceptive use, including strong Muslim beliefs, male dominance over females (especially in polygynous relationships), and limited exposure to modern ideas via education and travel.
Communication, ideation and contraceptive use in Burkina Faso: An application of the propensity score matching method
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. 2005 Jul;31(3):207-212.
Babalola S | Vonrasek C
The study aim was to assess the effects of a multi-component communication campaign that promoted contraceptive use in Burkina Faso. Compared with no exposure, high campaign exposure is associated with an adjusted increase of 21.8 percentage points in the proportion of women currently using modern contraceptive methods. Similarly, low exposure is associated with a 7.3 percentage point increase over no exposure. The campaign is also associated with increased knowledge about contraceptives and more favorable attitudes towards family planning.
Prevalence of Condom Use Errors Among STD Clinic Patients
(Abstract; North America)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
American Journal of Health Behavior. 29(4):324-330.
Grimley DM | Annang L | Houser S
Related News Article: Condom errors increase gonorrhea risk among men
Many visitors to a sexual health clinic report incorrect usage of condoms, which appears to lead to a statistically significant increase risk of gonorrhea among men, according to the results of a new study. These results suggest it's not enough to tell people to use condoms - they also need to learn how to use them correctly, the authors note.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Pope faces condom protest on visit to Germany
(News Article; Global)
18 Aug 2005
The Times Online (UK)
The new Pope embarked on the toughest test of his papacy to date when he arrived in his native German to greet a crowd of more than 400,000 young Catholics gathered to celebrate World Youth Day.
Condom in demand
(News Article; Asia)
21 Aug 2005
The Economic Times
The government's emphasis on population control and the scare of HIV/AIDS marked growth in condom production, which increased by 23.7% in May 2005 compared to the corresponding period last year, according to a report released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy.
Family planning as allowed in Islam
(Feature Article; Asia)
20 Aug 2005
New Strait Times
The spacing out of pregnancies through the use of contraceptives is permissible in Islam, according to a Muslim gynaecologist. It’s all about responsible parenthood and strategic planning.
Chinese family planning officials join in fight against AIDS
(News Article; Asia)
16 Aug 2005
People's Daily Online
Over 140 family planning officials from seven provinces in China attended a two-day training seminar, learning how to combine their population work experience with the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Haryana campaign against sexually transmitted diseases
(News Article; Asia)
21 Aug 2005
newKarala.com
The Haryana government has decided to launch a campaign next month to sensitise the people in the state towards STDs. Under the 2-week long Family Health Awareness campaign to be launched on September 26, camps would be held in all rural areas and urban slums where free treatment of STDs would be provided to both men and women.
Barr Receives Approvable Letter for Duramed's SEASONIQUE(TM) Extended-Cycle Oral Contraceptive
(Press Release; Global)
18 Aug 2005
Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. confirmed that the US FDA has issued an Approvable letter for Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s New Drug Application (NDA) for SEASONIQUE(TM) (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol tablets 0.15 mg/0.03 mg and ethinyl estradiol tablets 0.01 mg) extended-cycle oral contraceptive. To achieve final approval, the FDA has requested that the company provide additional data to support SEASONIQUE's unique regimen of 84 days of combination therapy, followed by 7 days of unopposed estrogen.
Media demand data on population, reproductive health
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
14 Aug 2005
Daily Champion
Agencies involved in production of data on population and reproductive health have been urged to make them available to the media promptly on request.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
HIV/AIDS policy and policy evolution in China
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2005 Jul;16(7):459-464.
Xue B
Based on an extensive document and literature review, this article depicts China's HIV/AIDS epidemic and policy and illustrates the main factors contributing to its policy evolution.
Ending bias in domestic assault law
(Commentary; North America)
25 Jul 2005
Young C
Boston Globe columnist Cathy Young writes: "The Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. The legislation, which funds programs aiding victims of sexual assault and family violence, is the kind of measure no one wants to oppose for fear of appearing insensitive or even antiwoman. But maybe now, 11 years after the passage of the original measure, is a good time to reevaluate some of its premises and policies."
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
Feasibility of voluntary counselling and testing services for HIV among pregnant women presenting in labour in Pune, India
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2005 Aug;16(8):553-555.
Bharucha KE | Sastry J | Shrotri A | Sutar S | Joshi A | Bhore AV | Phadke MA | Bollinger RC | Shankar AV
Factors affecting the eligibility and acceptability of voluntary counselling and rapid HIV testing (VCT) were examined among pregnant women presenting in labor in Pune, India. Of the 1674 women arriving in the delivery room (DR) with no evidence of previous HIV testing, through this DR screening program, reserachers identified four women with HIV who could now benefit from treatment with anti-retroviral therapy. Given the high rates of HIV testing in the antenatal clinic at this site and the challenges inherent to conducting DR screening, alternatives such as post-partum testing should be considered to help reduce maternal to infant transmission in this population.
A catastrophe in the 21st century: The public health situation in South Africa following HIV/AIDS
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Journal of The Royal Society for the Promotion of Health. 2005 Jul;125(4):168.
Walker ARP | Walker BF | Wadee AA
This article reviews the devestatitng impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on South Africa's public health system.
The use of a monitoring tool to assess counselling and HIV testing in the public health sector in Malawi
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Tropical Doctor. 2005 Apr;35(2):72-75.
Chimzizi RB | Harris AD | Manda E | Khonyongwa A | Killiam WP | Salaniponi FM
A VCT monitoring tool was developed through a consultative process and used to assess counselling and HIV testing services in 16 government and mission hospitals in Malawi, which had started expanded HIV-TB activities in July 2003. The main findings were: 9644 patients and clients were HIV tested between July and September 2003; HIV testing protocols were not standardized and differed between hospitals; there was little in the way of external quality assurance; and there were deficiencies in the counselling process.
Cost of AIDS care in Mexico: What are its main individual predictors?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Archives of Medical Research . 2005 Sept-Oct;36(5):560-566.
Aracena B | Gutiérrez JP | Bertozzi SM | Gertler P
This study explored the factors contributing to high HIV/AIDS costs in Mexico. Education and increasing age were found to be significantly and positively associated with cost. Socioeconomic status and demographic characteristics explain an important proportion of variation in care costs for AIDS, despite AIDS being such a heterogeneous disease.
HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean Basin
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
AIDS Care. 2005 Jun;17(Suppl 1):9-25.
Inciardi JA | Syvertsen JL | Surratt HL
This article shows that the geographic, political, cultural, and linguistic diversity of the Caribbean underscores the complexity of understanding broader regional patterns of HIV infection and developing and implementing targeted and appropriate responses.
Trends of HIV-1 Seroincidence Among HIV-1 Sentinel Surveillance Groups in Cambodia, 1999-2002
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2005 Aug 15;39(5):587-592.
Saphonn V | Parekh BS | DobbsT | Mean C | Bun LH | Ly SP | Heng S | Detels R
This study reports trends in HIV-1 incidence in Cambodia among different target groups in the HIV-1 Sentinel Surveillance Program in 1999, 2000, and 2002. Trends indicate that HIV-1 incidence among commercial sex workers, indirect commercial sex workers, and police has declined between 1999 and 2002; however, the incidence has not declined in the antenatal clinics group.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
The Global Fund terminates grants to Myanmar
(Press Release; Global)
19 Aug 2005
The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Given new restrictions recently imposed by the government of Myanmar, the Global Fund has concluded that its grants to the country cannot be managed in a way that ensures effective program implementation. As a result the Global Fund terminated its grant agreements to Myanmar.
Uzbekistan: New support for those living with HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Asia)
16 Aug 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
'Ishonch va Hayot' meaning 'Hope and Live,' is the first Uzbek NGO created to support and protect the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Jamaican ad campaign urges end to HIV/AIDS stigma
(News Article; Central America and the Caribbean)
19 Aug 2005
Associated Press
Jamaica has started an advertising campaign to stop discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS, a problem that human rights activists warn is undermining efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
RPT-Indian women bear brunt of AIDS epidemic--experts
(News Article; Asia)
22 Aug 2005
Reuters
Nearly half of people living with HIV/AIDS in India are women, and the number is expected to rise further, health experts said, because of trafficking of women across South Asia for prostitution.
Ghana: AIDS treatment on rise, but stigma still around
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
17 Aug 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
With anti-AIDS drugs becoming widely available in Ghana, thousands of HIV-positive people are living longer, healthier lives but health workers say they continue to hide their status, frightened of rejection by friends, family and colleagues.
"Educating the masses to curb sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS"
(News Article; Asia)
22 Aug 2005
New Straits Times
The Health Ministry will give greater importance to curbing the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Swazi girls end chastity ritual despite AIDS threat
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
22 Aug 2005
Reuters
Thousands of Swazi virgins on Monday took off the traditional tassels they have worn to signify chastity, ending a five-year ritual reintroduced in 2001 to fight the country's AIDS crisis.
Religious groups help spread AIDS awareness, safe sex message
(News Article; Asia)
20 Aug 2005
Channel NewsAsia
Abstinence and faithfulness are two key messages religious leaders will be addressing with greater intensity in the coming months, after discussions with the Health Ministry.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Emergency obstetric care in developing countries: impact of guidelines implementation in a community hospital in Senegal
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2005 Sept;112(9):1264-1269.
Dumont A | Gaye A | Mahé P | Bouvier-Colle MH
This study evaluated, with volunteer professionals in a resource-poor setting, an approach of audit and feedback to promote local implementation of emergency obstetric guidelines. While staff daily supervision may have improved maternal outcome before the intervention period, audit and feedback produced marked effects on emergency obstetric care, particularly for complications requiring highly trained management.
Routines in facility-based maternity care: evidence from the Arab World
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North Africa | Middle East)
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2005 Sept;112(9):1270-1276.
Choices and Challenges in Changing Childbirth Research Network
This article documents facility-based practices for normal labor and delivery in Egypt, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Syria and categorizes common findings according to evidence-based obstetrics. Facility practices for normal labor were largely not in accordance with the WHO evidence-based classification of practices for normal birth. The findings are worrying given the increasing proportion of facility-based births in the region and the improved but relatively high maternal and neonatal mortality ratios in these countries.
Preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV: Successes and challenges
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2005 Sept;112(9):1196-1203.
McIntyre J
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV continues to be a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality in resource-poor settings. Intrapartum and postpartum nevirapine-based regimens have been introduced in many settings. This article reviews the strategies currently employed to combat transmission rates.
Violence against pregnant women: prevalence and characteristics. A population-based study in Nicaragua
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2005 Sept;112(9):1243-1248.
Valladares E | Peña R | Persson LA | Högberg U
This article estimated the prevalence and characteristics of partner abuse during pregnancy and investigated associated social factors in León, Nicaragua. Results show violence against pregnant women in Nicaragua is common and often repeated. Although these women have poor access to social resources and high levels of emotional distress, they are rarely assisted by health services.
A simple way to increase service use: triggers of women's uptake of postpartum services
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Middle East)
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2005 Sept;112(9):1315-1321.
Kabakian-Khasholian T | Campbell OMR
This study examined the socio-demographic and service-related determinants of utilization of postpartum services. Researchers found that giving women appointments for postpartum visits, or written or verbal information on maternal health, can increase their use of health services.
A randomised controlled trial of empowerment training for Chinese abused pregnant women in Hong Kong
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 2005 Sept;112(9):1249-1256.
Tiwari A | Leung WC | Leung TW | Humphreys J | Parker B | Ho PC
This article evaluates the effectiveness of an empowerment intervention in reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) and improving health status. An empowerment intervention specially designed for Chinese abused pregnant women was effective in reducing IPV and improving the health status of the women.
Incidence of Postpartum Infection after Vaginal Delivery in Viet Nam
(Research Article; Asia)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2005 Jun;23(2):121-130.
Ngoc NTN | Sloan NL | Thach TS
This prospective study identified infection after vaginal delivery by clinical and laboratory examinations prior to discharge from hospital and again at six weeks postpartum in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. In total, 978 consecutive, eligible consenting women were followed up at 42±7 (range 2-45) days postpartum (not associated with incidence). Ninety-eight percent took 'prophylactic' antibiotics. The most conservative estimate of the incidence of postpartum infection was 1.7%. The incidence of serious infection was 0.5%, but increased to 4.6% when verbal autopsy and symptomatic definitions
were used.
Breast milk HIV-1 suppression and decreased transmission: a randomized trial comparing HIVNET 012 nevirapine versus short-course zidovudine
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS. 2005 Sept 2;19(13):1415-1422.
Chung MH | Kiarie JN | Richardson BA | Lehman DA | Overbaugh J | John-Stewart GC
This study compared the effect of perinatal regimens of short-course nevirapine (HIVNET 012) and zidovudine regimen on breast milk viral shedding and perinatal transmission during the first 6 weeks postpartum. Compared to a peripartum zidovudine regimen, nevirapine was significantly more likely to decrease HIV-1 RNA in breast milk during the first week and through the third week postpartum following single-dose administration, and corresponded with decreased transmission risk at 6 weeks. Sustained breast milk HIV-1 suppression may contribute to the ability of nevirapine to decrease perinatal transmission of HIV-1.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
Korea Has Still High Caesarean Birth Rate
(News Article; Asia)
19 Aug 2005
The Korea Times
South Korea has the highest rate of deliveries by Caesarean section among all members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with nearly four pregnant women out of 10 opting for the surgery, government data showed.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Association between the intact foreskin and inferior standards of male genital hygiene behaviour: a cross-sectional study
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2005 Aug;16(8):556-559.
O'Farrell N | Quigley M | Fox P
This study was undertaken to determine whether non-circumcised men have inferior standards of genital hygiene behavior, as measured by reported washing of the whole penis, compared with circumcised men. Not always washing the whole penis, including retracting the foreskin in non-circumcised men every time they washed, was more common in non-circumcised (26%) than circumcised men. Circumcised men were more likely than non-circumcised men to wash the genital area more than once a day. Studies investigating the relationship between male circumcision status and other outcomes, for example HIV infection, should include assessment of genital hygiene.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Large condoms for S African men
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
2005 Aug 16.
BBC News
A range of extra-large condoms has been launched in South Africa to cater for "well-endowed" men.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Age-specific contributions to changes in the period and cohort life expectancy
(Research Article; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Demographic Research. 19 Aug 2005;13:63-82.
Canudas-Romo V | Schoen R
This paper explores the differences between life expectancies at a given time (the gap) and the time required for period life expectancy to reach the current level of cohort life expectancy (the lag). Additionally, to understand the disparity between the two life expectancies, the authors identify and compare age-specific contributions to change in life expectancy.
POPULATION NEWS
Russian population continues to dwindle
(News Article; Asia)
17 Aug 2005
United Press International
Russia's rising death rate is leading the country to a multi-million-person population decline over the next 3 years.
Zimbabwe's birth rate halves in past 25 years: report
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
22 Aug 2005
Deutsche Presse Agentur
Zimbabwe's birth rates have nearly halved since independence in 1980, from 7 children per family to 3.6 in 2002, the official Herald newspaper reported.
Statistics show dwindling number of youngsters
(News Article; Europe)
16 Aug 2005
Slovenia Business Week
The number of young people in Slovenia has been falling steadily for the past 20 years. According to population projections made by the National Statistics Office, the share of people aged between 15 and 29 will fall below 20% by 2008.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases in Cuban women
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
Clinical Microbiology & Infection. 2005 Sept;11(9):764-767.
Rodríguez ME | Llop A | Capó V | Kouri V | Resik S | Rojas L | Soto Y | Mune M| Rodríguez I | Hengge UR
A cross-sectional study was performed in 60 Cuban women of child-bearing age who were seropositive for HIV and 60 controls. Human papillomavirus was identified most frequently. Syphilis and hepatitis B and C viruses were detected exclusively in HIV-seropositive women. STDs appeared to pose a substantial health problem, especially for HIV-positive women.
Violence against substance-abusing South African sex workers: intersection with culture and HIV risk
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS Care. 2005 Jun;17(Suppl 1):55-64.
Wechsberg WM | Luseno WK | Lam WK
This paper describes the characteristics of black South African women who engage in sex work in Pretoria and examines their intersecting experiences of high-risk sexual behavior, substance abuse, and victimization. The majority of sample women reported experiencing some victimization at the hand of men, either clients or boyfriends, with many reporting childhood abuse histories; young women also report great fear of future victimization. Findings also suggest that as a result of their decreased likelihood of using protection, women who reported any sexual or physical victimization are at increased risk for HIV and other STIs.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
The plight of rape victims endures
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
19 Aug 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Nearly five years after Congolese rebels introduced rape as a psychological weapon in the Central African Republic, individual victims and the nation as a whole are still dealing with the fallout.
'Government committed to women empowerment'
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
18 Aug 2005
The Herald (Harare)
ZImbabwe's government is fully committed to empower women for a complete turnaround of the economy through land and the revitalization of various programs that had been abandoned, Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri has said.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Sexual risks and concerns about AIDS among adolescents in Anguilla
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
AIDS Care. 2005 Jun;17(Suppl 1):36-44.
Kurtz SP | Douglas KG | Lugo Y
This paper reports findings regarding the sexual risks and concerns about AIDS among 1,225 enrolled school students in Anguilla. Being sexually active was predicted by male gender, recent substance use, recent depression, and a history of physical and sexual abuse. Only 22% of sexually active youth under 12 years of age reported using condoms at last intercourse, compared to 71% of those 13 and over.
Quality of parent–child relationship and adolescent HIV risk behaviour in St. Maarten
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Central America and the Caribbean)
AIDS Care. 2005 Jun;17(1):45 - 54.
McBride DC | Freier MC | Hopkins GL | Babikian T | Richardson L | Helm H | Boward MD | Hopp Marshak H | Sector Health Care Affairs
This analysis described the extent of youth risk behavior in St. Maarten and explored the relationship between quality of parental-child relationship and adolescent HIV risk behaviors. Analysis showed a relatively high rate of risk behavior in this school population. Multi-variate analysis showed that a ‘great’ relationship with both parents, as perceived by the student, was significantly associated with lower rates of tobacco and alcohol use as well as lower rates of sexual activity.
Effectiveness of Abstinence-only Intervention in Middle School Teens
(Abstract; North America)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
American Journal of Health Behavior. 2005;29(5):423-434.
Borawski EA | Trapl ES | Lovegreen LD | Colabianchi N | Block T
This study examined the effectiveness of abstinence-until-marriage curriculum on knowledge, beliefs, efficacy, intentions, and behavior. The authors used a nonrandomized control trial involving 2,069 middle school students with a 5-month follow-up. They found that abstinence-until-marriage interventions can influence knowledge, beliefs, and intentions, and among sexually experienced students, may reduce the prevalence of casual sex.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
Despite decline in fertility, no drop in teen pregnancies
(News Article; South America)
19 Aug 2005
Inter Press Service News Agency
The vast majority of teenage mothers in Chile are poor, unmarried and live with their parents or their partners' parents, according to a study published this month in the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Review. The new study reveals that there has been no decrease in adolescent maternity rates in this country of 15.3 million people, despite the fall in fertility rates in other age groups.
In Afghanistan, UN agency to sponsor workshop on early marriage
(News Article; Asia)
18 Aug 2005
UN News Centre
Citing a strong link between early marriage and maternal mortality, the United Nations Population Fund is joining forces with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs to organize a two-day workshop in Kabul for religious leaders to explore the issue of early marriage from an Islamic viewpoint.
Calendar of Events
September 5, 2005 - September 9, 2005Gender Equality
This course examines the latest developments with regard to gender equality and considers the implications thereof for the women of Africa. It aims to generate informed debate and hone advocacy and research skills in order to enhance the promotion of gender equality at all levels.
Event Location: Pretoria, South Africa

September 6, 2005 - September 9, 2005
AIDS Vaccine 2005 International Conference
The Conference will provide an update of the most recent basic, clinical and socio-behavioural research related to the development of HIV vaccines. Sessions will be highly interactive including several panel sessions to favour the exchange of knowledge between experts in the field.
Event Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

September 7, 2005 - September 10, 2005
Reproductive Health 2005
The Association of Reproductive Health Professional's clinical conference brings together a multidisciplinary group of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, researchers, educators, and many other reproductive health professionals for continuing medical education on the latest research, treatments, and technologies in the field.
Event Location: Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

September 21, 2005 - September 23, 2005
13th Annual Public Health Distance Learning Summit
Summit goals are to provide a forum through which public health DLCs and others interested in public health and distance learning can share best practices, new models, and lessons learned; energize the network of PHTN/DLC peers and partners; and network with public health distance learning peers - regionally, nationally, and globally.
Event Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

September 21, 2005 - September 25, 2005
The 10th International Women and Health Meeting
The International Women and Health Meeting (IWHM) has its roots in the global women's movement and includes a wide range of organisations, networks, and grassroots women's groups. The 10th IWHM will mark nearly two and a half decades of the global feminist solidarity on issues that impinge on the health and well being of women.The 2005 Meeting is a significant one as it comes at a moment in history when several national and international forces adversely impact women's health. The current context of global economic restructuring and liberalization of markets, increasing militarization of countries and regions, growing fundamentalisms of various hues, resurgence of population policies, adoption and practice of developmental models and paradigms that are playing havoc with the environment, call for urgent action by civil society bodies, including women's groups all over the world.
Event Location: New Delhi, India

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