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Volume 5, Number 37
12 September 2005
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FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Meeting millennium development goals: using national health accounts to understand reproductive health financing 
(Policy Brief; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Bethesda, MD, Abt Associates, June 2005.
This concept paper describes the possible adaptation of National Health Accounts to the reproductive health context.
Are reproductive health NGOs in Uganda able to engage in the health SWAp?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
The International Journal of Health Planning and Management. 2005 Aug 4;20(3):227-238.
Mugisha F | Birungi H | Askew I
This paper explores the ability for reproductive health (RH) non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Uganda to survive in the context of SWAp and decentralization. The authors argue that, contrary to the perceptions that this context may increase NGO's financial vulnerability, a SWAp and a decentralized system may provide an opportunity that should be embraced by NGOs to enhance their sustainability and effectiveness by reducing their current dependency on donor funding. The paper discusses the systemic weaknesses of many NGOs that currently make them vulnerable, and observes that unless these weaknesses are addressed, such NGOs will lose their space in the SWAp and decentralization arena.
Comparison of ethinylestradiol pharmacokinetics in three hormonal contraceptive formulations: the vaginal ring, the transdermal patch and an oral contraceptive
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2005 Sept;72(3):168-174.
van den Heuvel MW | van Bragt AJ | Alnabawy AK | Kaptein MC
This open-label, randomized study compared the pharmacokinetics of ethinylestradiol (EE) from the contraceptive vaginal ring NuvaRing (15 μg EE/day), the transdermal patch (20 μg EE/day) and a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing 30 μg EE. Exposure to EE in the NuvaRing group was 3.4 times lower than in the patch group and 2.1 times lower than in the pill group. Serum EE levels of subjects showed much lower variation with NuvaRing than with the patch or the COC. Thus, exposure to EE was significantly lower with NuvaRing than with the patch and pill methods, demonstrating that NuvaRing is a low-estrogen-dose contraceptive method that also results in low estrogen exposure.
Impact of organizational change on the delivery of reproductive services: A review of the literature
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
The International Journal of Health Planning and Management. 2005 Aug 4;20(3):209-225.
Ensor T | Ronoh J
In recent years a series of organizational changes have been introduced into many systems, and these substantially alter the way in which the system operates and impacts on reproductive health care provision. The main changes reviewed in this paper are: (i) decentralization, (ii) privatization and (iii) integration and sector wide approaches. Each of these changes is seen to have important implications for reproductive health. In each case it is clear that the nature of the impact depends crucially on the way it is implemented.
Effect of Norplant contraceptive on the bones of Nigerian women as assessed by quantitative ultrasound and serum markers of bone turnover
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Contraception. 2005 Sept;72(3):212-216.
VanderJagt DJ | Sagay AS | Imade GE | Farmer SE | Glew RH
This study compared the bone quality of Nigerian women between 25 and 50 years of age who had Norplant implants for 1 to 4 years to that of women who were not using any form of hormonal contraceptive. Although levonorgestrel contraceptive decreased overall bone turnover, it had no deleterious effect on the bone quality of women using Norplant implants for up to 4 years.
Randomized assignment to copper IUD or depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate: feasibility of enrollment, continuation and disease ascertainment
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Contraception. 2005 Sept;72(3):187-191.
Feldblum PJ | Caraway J | Bahamondes L | El-Shafei M | Quan Ha D | Morales E | Wevill S | Condon S
Researchers conducted a feasibility study to enroll and follow family planning acceptors who were randomly assigned to use an intrauterine device (IUD) or injectable depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). 0.5% of women had three discomfort signs of PID during follow-up. The prevalence of gonorrhea at each woman's final follow-up visit was 0.5%, and the prevalence of chlamydia at final visit was 5.4%. Sixty-eight percent of women either completed 12 months of observation with their assigned method or were still using their method at the end of the study.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
"MDGs cannot be achieved if questions of RH are not squarely addressed"
(Interview; Asia)
9 Sept 2005
Nepalnews.com
Ms. Junko Sazaki, a UNFPA representative, is interviewed on various issues related to reproductive health in the context of the millenium development goals.
Sexual disease clinics 'failing'
(News Article; Europe)
8 Sept 2005
BBC
Sexual disease clinics are failing to tackle the UK's rising cases of sex infections, warn doctors. Current inadequate capacity is creating a vicious cycle where failure to treat infections promptly allows them to spread further, they say.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
EC pill available over-the-counter
(News Article; Asia)
9 Sept 2005
The Times of India
Related Press Release: Across the counter sale of emergency contraception pills approved
The Union government in India today allowed the sale of the 'emergency contraceptive' pill over the counter.
ECOP gives free condom to workers
(Press Release; Asia)
9 Sept 2005
Philippine Information Agency
The Employees Confederaton of the Philippines has started giving free condoms and contraceptives to employees of their member companies.
Feminists call for abolition of marriage
(News Article; Europe)
9 Sept 2005
The Local
As Sweden's Feminist Initiative (FI) meets in Örebro on Friday for its annual general meeting, one of the group's more radical proposals has been revealed: the abolition of marriage. FI founder and board member, Tiina Rosenberg, told the paper that the group wants to create "a modern concept which does not favour and promote couples and heterosexual norms". "The history of marriage is not about love and living together, it's about ownership," she added.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
An in-depth analysis of HIV prevalence in Ghana: Further analysis of demographic and health surveys data
(Report; Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
ORC Macro, Calverton, Maryland, USA, April 2005.
Akwara PA | Fosu GB | Govindasamy P | Alayón S | Hyslop A
This report presents findings of an examination of the HIV prevalence information and of a statistical analysis (bivariate and multivariate) of the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data, specifically linking key sociodemographic characteristics, HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes, HIV risk behaviors, and HIV serostatus.
ART adherence, demographic variables and CD4 outcome among HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy in Chennai, India
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
AIDS Care. 2005 Oct;17(7):853-862.
Safren SA | Kumarasamy N | James R | Raminani S | Solomon S | Mayer KH
This is an analysis of available chart data recorded by HIV counselors and physicians on patient adherence and CD4 count in 304 patients with HIV who were prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Chennai, India. Adherence was not associated with any demographic variable; however, it was associated with current CD4 and with change in CD4 since initiation of ART. Although most patients in this cohort reported regular adherence to ART, a subset admitted to less than regular adherence to ART, and those who admitted to less than regular adherence had worse CD4 outcomes.
HIV-1 diversity and prevalence differ between urban and rural areas in the Mbeya region of Tanzania
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS. 2005 Sept 23;19(14):1517-1524.
Arroyo MA | Hoelscher M | Sateren W | Samky E | Maboko L | Hoffmann O | Kijak G | Robb M | Birx DL | McCutchan FE
This study characterized HIV-1 strains in a potential vaccine trial cohort (CODE) in the Mbeya region of southwest Tanzania. Overall the urban epidemic was more genetically complex, with higher prevalence and more recombinants and dual infections. Vaccine trials in Mbeya region can assess a complex HIV-1 population dynamic and determine vaccine efficacy in relationship to the genetic diversity of HIV-1 strains that challenge vaccines.
Cost-effective allocation of government funds to prevent HIV infection
(Research Article; North America)
Health Affairs. 2005 Jul-Aug;24(4):915-926.
Cohen DA | Wu SY | Farley TA
Relative to the magnitude of the epidemic, government funds available for HIV prevention are scarce. To optimize use of funds, researchers applied a mathematical model of the cost of HIV prevention interventions using national data on HIV risk-group size and HIV prevalence.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
Southern Africa: HIV/AIDS eroding region's development, says UN report
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
7 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
HIV/AIDS has accounted for huge reversals in human development in Southern Africa, which could impact on the region meeting some of the UN's poverty-slashing Millennium Development Goals, according to a new report.
Cultivated land disappears in AIDS-ravaged Africa
(News Article; North Africa | Sub-Saharan Africa)
8 Sept 2005
Reuters
HIV/AIDS has decimated Africa's farming communities so badly that the amount of cultivated land in some countries has declined by nearly 70%.
Wealthy and educated women are the most vulnerable to HIV infection in Cameroon
(Press Release; Sub-Saharan Africa)
2 Sept 2005
Demographic and Health Surveys
Seven percent of women in Cameroon are infected with HIV, compared with 4% among men, according to the latest Demographic and Health Survey, conducted from February to August of 2004, the third DHS of its kind in this country. HIV-infected women are more likely to be educated than not: 8.2% of women with a secondary school education or higher are infected, compared with 3.4% of women with no education; as for the men, the results are respectively 4.3% and 2.7%.
Sudan: Trying to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS
(Feature Article; North Africa)
6 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
According to UNAIDS, Sudan has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.6% among persons aged 15 to 46. Despite this relatively low prevalence, however, leaders of organizations battling HIV/AIDS in Sudan are worried that the rate could increase.
HIV/AIDS infection rate declines in Zimbabwe
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
10 Sept 2005
People's Daily Online
Zimbabwe's rate of HIV/AIDS infection is declining and now stands at 21%, down from 24% last year, according to the Health and Child Welfare Minister.
Russian orthodox church fighting HIV epidemic
(News Article; Asia)
7 Sept 2005
RIA Novosti
The Russian Orthodox Church is emphasizing the need for its participation in fighting the HIV epidemic in Russia.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Nutrition of young children and mothers in Ghana
(Report; Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
ORC Macro, Calverton, Maryland, USA, March 2005.
Data presented in this chartbook are from the 2003 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, a nationally representative survey of 6,251 households, conducted by Ghana Statistical Service in collaboration with Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the Ghana Health Service.
Trends and racial differences in infant mortality in South Africa
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Social Science & Medicine . 2005 Aug 30;
Burgard SA | Treiman DJ
This study explores the determinants of the overall trend in infant mortality and racial disparities in infants’ survival chances in South Africa. Persistent inequalities in the personal and household resources of South Africa's four main racial groups substantially account for racial differences in infant survival rates in both periods.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
Maternal mortality on the rise in Zimbabwe
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
9 Sept 2005
People's Daily Online
Related News Article: Zimbabwe outlines plans to reduce child mortality
Zimbabwe's maternal mortality has risen sharply in the past 10 years from an estimated 283 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1984-1994 to 695 deaths in 1995-1999, largely due to the rapid spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, a government report said recently.
Rate of premature birth hits new high in U.S.
(News Article; North America)
9 Sept 2005
WebMD Medical News
The U.S. premature-birth rate has hit a record high, the latest CDC figures show. The new figures cover the year 2003. They show that premature babies now make up 12.3% of all births -- a 30% increase since detailed record keeping began in 1981.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Acceptance and rejection of vasectomy in rural males
(Abstract; Central America and the Caribbean)
Revista medica del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. 2005 May-Jun;43(3):205-214.
Garcia Moreno J | Solano Sainos LM
Researchers investigated the characteristics or the profile of the sexual and reproductive behavior of males in Mexico. The profile of males who accepted vasectomy showed that there exists an unsatisfied demand for contraceptive protection and the desire of not having additional children; also, it was found that the decision to accept vasectomy is determined to a greater extent for reasons different from that of information on the contraceptive method. The important proportion of males who were non-users of contraceptive methods who accepted vasectomy cited contraception as the most consistent reason.
High HIV, hepatitis C and sexual risks among drug-using men who have sex with men in northern Thailand
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
AIDS. 2005 Sept 23;19(14):1535-1540.
Beyrer C | Sripaipan T | Tovanabutra S | Jittiwutikarn J | Suriyanon V | Vongchak T | Srirak N | Kawichai S | Razak MH | Celentano DD
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Thailand, who often do so with transgendered men known as Katoey, do not perceive themselves to be engaging in sex between men, and are consequently requiring culturally appropriate targeted prevention. The study also found that substance-using MSM are at high risk of both HIV and hepatitis C infection.
MEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Vasectomy film to 'dispel myths'
(News Article; Global)
11 Sept 2005
BBC
Men thinking about having a vasectomy are being given the opportunity to watch an operation to help allay any fears they might have. The charity Marie Stopes International has put a close-up and real-time video of an operation on the internet.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Population Challenges and Development Goals
(Report; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
New York, United Nations, 2005.
Related Press Release: Achieving population goals will ease path to fulfilling millennium declaration
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
The halving of fertility rates in developing countries, and a dip in the birth rate of even the least developed ones, provides a "window of opportunity" to reaching international development goals, according to a United Nations report released today in anticipation of the coming World Summit in New York.
POPULATION NEWS
Russia faces demographic disaster
(Feature Article; Asia)
12 Sept 2005
Moscow News
While demographers sounded the alarm, warning the ruling authorities about an imminent demographic crisis, the Politburo’s educational and cultural level was insufficient to understand the country’s demographic problems. It was not until the crisis entered an acute phase — a net population drop — that the authorities had to finally listen to the experts. By now many politicians have heard something about a demographic revolution, or a demographic transition.
Japan: What has happened to all the babies?
(Commentary; Global)
5 Sept 2005
Canadaeast.com
This opinion writer draws the following conclusion from reported low fertility rates around the globe: "if you don't want your country's population to fluctuate like a yo-yo on a 50-year string, pay attention to women's status inside and outside the family."
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Prevalence survey on condom use and infection of urogenital mycoplasmas in female sex workers in China
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Contraception. 2005 Sept;72(3):217-220.
Pingmin W | Yuepu P | Jiwen Z
This study evaluated the prevalence of condom use and the effects of condom use on urogenital mycoplasma infection in female sex workers in Jinjiang, China. Genital mycoplasma infection was common and occurred more frequently among sex workers, and infection occurred less often when condoms were used.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Pakistan: Women more confident in reporting sexual violence
(Feature Article; Asia)
6 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
The tale of Sonia Naz, the latest case of alleged gang-rape to be widely publicised in Pakistan, has left even the most hardened observer badly shaken. But the very fact that the incident has come to light is indicative of a growing willingness among many women in this devout Islamic country to report such crimes.
Sudan: Gender-based violence prevalent in Darfur, says UN report
(News Article; North Africa)
Integrated Regional Information Networks. 6 Sept 2005
Women and girls continue to experience sexual violence in the strife-torn western Sudanese region of Darfur and more needs to be done to prevent such crimes, a joint report by the UN Population Fund and the UN Children's Fund said.
Wife-battering not serious in Sabah: Yahya
(News Article; Asia)
12 Sept 2005
Daily Express
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said domestic violence involving husband beating up wife is not serious in Sabah. He said based on his experience in the police force, the number of such cases was less than 100 a year.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Young people's sexual health in South Africa: HIV prevalence and sexual behaviors from a nationally representative household survey
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS. 2005 Sept 23;19(14):1525-1534.
Pettifor AE | Rees HV | Kleinschmidt I | Steffenson AE | Macphail C | Hlongwa-Madikizela L | Vermaak K | Padian NS
This study determined the prevalence of HIV infection, HIV risk factors, and exposure to national HIV prevention programs, and identified factors associated with HIV infection among South African youth, aged 15 to 24 years. It confirms the high HIV prevalence among young people in South Africa and, in particular, young women's disproportionate risk.
Contradictory sexual norms and expectations for young people in rural Northern Tanzania
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
Social Science & Medicine . 2005 Sept 1;
Wight D | Plummer ML | Mshana G | Wamoyi J | Shigongo ZS | Ross DA
This paper outlines the main features of sexual culture in rural northern Tanzania and highlights both permissive and restrictive norms and expectations for young people. Young people appear to manage the contradictions in these norms by concealing their sexual relationships. This almost certainly contributes to their short duration and the high levels of partner change, since relationships are not reinforced through social recognition and there is little scope to develop intimacy through non-sexual contacts.
Youth InfoNet No. 17
(Compilation; Global)
Family Health International, August 2005.
This issue of the electronic newsletter from Family Health International contains summaries and links to 19 program resources, including reports on establishing cyber cafes to improve youth reproductive health, a manual for HIV counseling and testing for youth, a youth participation guide, and more. Summaries of 20 research articles include findings from China, Cote d'Ivoire, El Salvador, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Peru, Thailand, Zambia and other countries grouped by contraception, education, gender, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and sexual risks.
Evaluation of a peer support group therapy for HIV-infected adolescents
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
AIDS. 2005 Sept 23;19(14):1501-1508.
Funck-Brentano I | Dalban C | Veber F | Quartier P | Hefez S | Costagliola D | Blanche S
This study assessed the effects of peer support group therapy on HIV-infected adolescents. Results suggests that a peer support group intervention is associated with an improvement in adolescents' emotional well being, and that this can have a positive influence on medical outcomes.
Extended cycle hormonal contraception in adolescents
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2005 Oct;17(5):461-465.
Sucato GS | Gerschultz KL
This review summarizes recent findings related to the use of extended cycles and highlights their relevance to adolescents. Recent findings demonstrate high levels of interest in extended cycling among adolescents and providers, and continue to add to the growing body of literature supporting the safety and improved contraceptive efficacy of extended regimens.
Sexual activity among adolescents in romantic relationships with friends, acquaintances, or strangers
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North America)
Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. 2005 Sept;159(9):849-853.
Kaestle CE | Halpern CT
This study explores the influence of pre-existing social ties between romantic partners (ie, knowing the partner as a friend or acquaintance before a relationship was considered "romantic" by the adolescent) on sexual risk behaviors among adolescents. Findings indicate that the existence and nature of an adolescent’s prior relationship with a future romantic partner have significant implications for an adolescent couple’s later sexual decisions, but patterns differ for male and female adolescents.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
South Africa: Virginity testing - absence of a small tissue becomes big issue
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
8 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Network
Related News Article: Shock follows virginity testing ban
A traditional gathering of Zulu maidens takes place in the wake of controversy surrounding the soon-to-be-outlawed testing of virgins: the Children's Bill was approved by parliament in July 2005 and, if passed by the National Council of Provinces, the legislation will impose an outright ban on the custom.
Kyrgyzstan: Camp empowers youth to change their communities
(Feature Article; Asia)
9 Sept 2005
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Teenagers involved with local NGOs and civic groups in Kyrgyzstan have been attending a unique summer camp in recent weeks, aimed at raising awareness about drug addiction and the dangers of HIV/AIDS.
Condom use remains unpopular among youth
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
10 Sept 2005
GhanaWeb
Figures released by the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana show that about 80% of females and 65% of males aged between 15 ad 24 years in Ghana do not use condoms.
Monrovia's schoolgirls sell sex to pay for school
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
8 Sept 2005
VOA News
A study by a children's charity group has found that a disturbing number of young girls in Liberia's capital are selling sex to pay school fees. Rampant unemployment and costly school tuition make it difficult for the young to go back to school after years of civil war.
City still squeamish about contraception
(News Article; Asia)
8 Sept 2005
Express News Service
The topic of contraception still remains a wee bit off limits for Mumbai’s liberal youth. If the furtive looks, nervous giggles and cautious curiosity at the GlaxoSmithkline counter at Vivaha 2005 at Taj Lands End, Bandra, are any indicator, the city’s awareness level of the topic look embarrassingly short of expectations.
SPECIAL REPORTS/PROFILES/RESOURCES
Human Development Report 2005 - International cooperation at a crossroads: Aid, trade and security in an unequal world
(Report; Global)
United Nations Development Programme, Sept 2005.
United Nations
This year’s Human Development Report takes stock of human development, including progress towards the MDGs. Looking beyond statistics, it highlights the human costs of missed targets and broken promises. Extreme inequality between countries and within countries is identified as one of the main barriers to human development—and as a powerful brake on accelerated progress towards the MDGs.
Checklist for screening clients who want to initiate use of the copper IUD
(Tool; Global)
Family Health International, May 2005
Family Health International, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development, has developed a simple checklist to help providers determine quickly and with confidence whether a client may use an IUD. Based on WHO's Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, the checklist consists of a series of questions designed to identify any medical conditions or behaviors that would either prevent safe IUD use or require further screening.
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