The Pop Reporter®
– Events – Archives – Subscribe – Modify Profile – Headline Sharing Program – The Pop Reporter en Español (Spanish)
Volume 6, Number 22
5 June 2006
Pop Reporter Tip: Get your Pop Reporter your way! To change the way your issue is delivered to you, click the "Modify Profile" link on The Pop Reporter Web pages. In your subscription profile you may elect to receive The Pop Reporter in one of four ways: plain text e-mail, web link notification in an e-mail, .html e-mail, or .pdf file attachment.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH
Clients of sex workers in different regions of the world: hard to count
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun;82(Suppl 3):iii26-iii33.
Carael M | Slaymaker E | Lyerla R | Sarkar S
This study estimated the proportion of the male population that reports having paid for sex in different regions of the world. The median percentage of men who exchanged sex for money in the last 12 months in all regions was around 9% to 10%, with estimates from 13% to 15% in Central African region, 10% to 11% in Eastern and southern Africa, and 5% to 7% in Asia and Latin America.
Texting - a revolution in sexual health communication
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
International Journal of STD and AIDS. 2006 Jun;17(6):375-377.
Dhar J | Leggat C | Bonas S
To improve patient and staff satisfaction, new technologies to facilitate communication with patients were explored and then implemented in April 2003 in the UK. A summary of the data analyzed for the period April 2003-June 2004 is presented, including survey of the users and non-users of this facility.
One stop shop versus collaborative integration: what is the best way of delivering sexual health services?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global | Europe)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun; 82(3):202-206.
French RS | Coope CM | Graham A | Gerressu M | Salisbury C | Stephenson JM
This study examined various models of integrated and/or one stop shop sexual health services (including general practice, mainstream specialist services, and designated young people's services) and explored their relative strengths and weaknesses.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEWS
Witnessing intimate partner violence as children does not increase risk of victimization as adults
(News Article; Global)
31 May 2006
eMaxHealth
Children who witness domestic or other interpersonal violence are no more likely to become adult victims of violence than those who do not witness abuse, results of a new study suggest.
UNFPA funds reproductive health and population programme
(News Article; Asia)
2 Jun 2006
Viet Nam News Agency
The United Nations Population Fund will provide US$28 million to help Viet Nam implement the 2006-10 National Programme Action Plan on reproductive health and population issues.
Sexual and reproductive health key to achieving millennium development goals
(Report; Global)
30 May 2006
PR Newswire
Related Report: Public choices, private decisions: sexual and reproductive health and the millennium development goals 
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Addressing sexual and reproductive health is key to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, reveals a new report released by the UN Millennium Project at the Global Health Council's 33rd Annual International Conference on Global Health. Public Choices, Private Decisions: Sexual and Reproductive Health and the Millennium Development Goals confirms that combating HIV/AIDS, promoting gender equality, improving maternal and child health, and fighting poverty are all greatly helped by improving the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services in developing nations.
Controversial rhythm method study revealed
(News Article; Global)
25 May 2006
United Press International
Related Abstract; subscription needed for full text: The rhythm method and embryonic death
A British study suggests the Roman Catholic Church-approved "rhythm method" may kill more embryos than other methods of contraception.
Focus: Going solo
(Feature Article; Global | Europe)
4 Jun 2006
The Sunday Times
More and more middle-class women in the UK and the US are making a positive decision to tackle parenthood alone.
Pakistani PM seeks clerics help in population control
(News Article; Asia)
30 May 2006
Islamic Republic News Agency
Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz urged religious scholars recently to educate people about the importance of small families in light of the Islamic teachings to ensure socio-economic development.
FAMILY PLANNING/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW AND POLICY
Feminists deny truth on domestic violence
(Commentary; Global)
30 May 2006
Fox News
Wendy McElroy, research fellow for The Independent Institute, argues that certain politically active sectors have twisted the social problem of domestic violence for their own ends. Their tactics have included bomb threats and death threats against the authors of research findings that indicated that the rate at which men were victimized by domestic violence was similar to the rate for women.
Kenyan law on sex abuse draws protests
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
2 Jun 2006
Guardian Unlimited
A new law aimed at curbing increasing sex abuse in Kenya drew protest for failing to criminalize marital rape while penalizing false rape reports.
Homosexuality and HIV/AIDS in Uganda
(Commentary; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
Pambazuka News. 18 May 2006
Mukasa V
Uganda, praised for its fight against HIV/AIDS, also makes homosexuality illegal. How, asks Victor Mukasa, chairperson of a human rights organisation called Sexual Minorities Uganda, can any HIV/AIDS policy be successful if it excludes a sector of the population from its programs?
North China province closes 201 clinics guilty of gender selection
(News Article; Global | Asia)
1 June 2006
Xinhua
North China's Hebei Province has closed 201 medical clinics that were found to have been involved in gender selection since 2004, an official has said.
Women challenge India's Islamic law
(Feature Article; Global | Asia)
3 Jun 2006
The Washington Times
In India's Islamic family law codes, a man can divorce his wife via e-mail, or from another city without her knowledge. By simply saying "talaq" (the Arabic word for divorce) three times, he can end his marriage in seconds and kick his wife out the same day. Being so simple, divorce can happen accidentally, as in Aftab Ansari's case. After a nasty marital fight, Mr. Ansari unknowingly muttered the word three times in his sleep. A waking nightmare followed.
HIV/AIDS RESEARCH
Estimating the number of people at risk for and living with HIV in China in 2005: methods and results
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun;82(Suppl 3):iii87-iii91.
Lu F | Wang N | Wu Z | Sun X | Rehnstrom J | Poundstone K | Yu W | Pisani E
This study used internationally recommended methods to make new estimates of the number of people exposed to HIV in China, the number living with HIV, and the number of new HIV infections and deaths in 2005. It was estimated that 650,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in China, of whom 70,000 were newly infected in 2005. Between 20,000 and 30,000 people are estimated to have died of HIV in 2005. The new estimate compares with an estimate of 840,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in 2003.
Feasibility of an insurance program for HIV/AIDS financing in Uganda
(Report; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Bethesda, MD, The Partners for Health Reformplus Project, Abt Associates, 2006.
Gaumer G | Liu X | Kyomuhangi LB | Scribner S
This paper presents the results of a U.S. Agency for International Development-funded project in Uganda to develop a new financing mechanism for HIV/AIDS services for government workers. The paper describes the financing concept and related governance, the model developed for premium calculation, the provider payment design, a survey of government workers done in 2005, and the issues relating to the feasibility of developing an integrated insurance model for HIV/AIDS care in Uganda including issues related to governance, copayments, and relationship to ongoing social health insurance activities.
National population based HIV prevalence surveys in sub-Saharan Africa: results and implications for HIV and AIDS estimates
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun;82(Suppl 3):iii64-iii70.
Garcia-Calleja JM | Gouws E | Ghys PD
This study assessed the utility of population-based surveys that include HIV measurements as sources of data on national AIDS trends. Researchers found that population-based surveys can provide useful information on HIV prevalence levels and distribution and that this information is being used to improve national HIV and AIDS estimates.
HIV/AIDS
(Report; Global | North America)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Bethesda, MD, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2006.
This report, published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reviews the impact of drug abuse on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States.
Misconceptions about HIV transmission, stigma and willingness to take sexual risks in southwestern China
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global | Asia)
International Journal of STD and AIDS. 2006 Jun;17(6):406-409.
Derlega VJ | Yang X | Luo H
Based on data from a population-based survey conducted in 2003 in a province in southwestern China, researchers provide data on knowledge about HIV transmission, HIV stigmatizing attitudes, and willingness to take HIV-related risks. There were widespread misconceptions, especially among females, about how HIV is transmitted and negative feelings toward someone with HIV. There was considerable willingness to take more sexual risks (not using a condom; nondisclosure of HIV seropositive status) with a secondary than with a primary sexual partner.
The challenges of involving traditional healers in HIV/AIDS care
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
International Journal of STD & AIDS. 2006 Jun;17(6):360-363.
Mills E | Singh S | Wilson K | Peters E | Onia R | Kanfer I
This article reviews evidence of the importance of involving traditional healers in the management of the HIV/AIDS epidemic - both for their potential benefits, although poorly researched and understood, and to reduce the impact that some traditional healing interventions may play on the spread of HIV/AIDS and unsafe treatment of infected patients.
Short term estimates of adult HIV incidence by mode of transmission: Kenya and Thailand as examples
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global | Asia | Sub-Saharan Africa)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun;82(Suppl 3):iii51-iii55.
Gouws E | White PJ | Stover J | Brown T
A model is described to calculate the expected incidence of HIV infections in the adult population by mode of exposure using the current distribution of prevalent infections and the patterns of risk within different populations in Kenya and Thailand. New infections in Kenya were mainly transmitted through heterosexual contact (90%), while a small but significant number were related to injecting drug use (4.8%) and men who have sex with men (4.5%). In Thailand, the epidemic has spread over time to the sexual partners of vulnerable groups and in 2005 the majority of new infections occurred among the low risk heterosexual population (43%). Men having sex with men accounted for 21% and sex work (including sex workers, clients, and partners of clients) for 18% of new infections. Medical interventions did not contribute significantly to new infections in either Kenya or Thailand.
Health care to HIV/AIDS patients in Brazil
(Research Article; South America)
Revista de Saúde Pública. 2006 Apr;40(suppl):70-79.
Portela MC | Lotrowska M
This study assessed care provided to those living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil and the Brazilian Unified Health System capacity of delivering interventions to cope with the epidemic and discusses the sustainability of the Brazilian initiative of providing universal free access to antiretrovirals (ARVs). The study results indicate good performance of the Brazilian ARV Access Program but access to treatment of opportunistic infections was unsatisfactory.
The 2005 Workbook: an improved tool for estimating HIV prevalence in countries with low level and concentrated epidemics
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun;82(Suppl 3):iii41-iii44.
Lyerla R | Gouws E | Garcia-Calleja JM | Zaniewski E
This paper describes improvements and updates to an established approach to making epidemiological estimates of HIV prevalence in countries with low level and concentrated epidemics.
Is antiretroviral therapy associated with symptom prevalence and burden?
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Europe)
International Journal of STD and AIDS. 2006 Jun;17(6):400-405.
Harding R | Molloy T | Easterbrook P | Frame K | Higginson IJ
This study assessed the prevalence of symptoms, their burden, and the association with use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in a population of gay men living in the UK. In multivariate analysis, use of HAART was independently associated with number of physical symptoms, and physical distress score; both increasing with HAART use when controlling for age, year of diagnosis, and CD4 and viral load. The high symptom prevalence, particularly psychological symptoms, is comparable with end-stage malignant and non-malignant diseases.
HIV/AIDS NEWS
Uganda: criminal probe recommended in AIDS fund scam
(News Article; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
2 Jun 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
A judicial probe into the mismanagement of grants to Uganda from the Geneva-based Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has recommended that former health ministers and other managers of the funds be investigated for possible criminal prosecution.
US accused of diluting global AIDS targets
(News Article; Global)
31 May 2006
MSNBC
AIDS advocates recently accused the US of watering down an international declaration debated at a special United Nations' general assembly on AIDS by removing treatment targets and references to prevention measures that offend religious groups.
Multi-pronged approach curbs risky sex in the HIV+
(News Article; Global)
29 May 2006
Reuters
Related Abstract; subscription needed for full text: Sexual risk reduction for persons living with HIV: research synthesis of randomized controlled trials, 1993 to 2004.
Programs intended to help individuals infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, to reduce their sexual risk work best if they include training on skills like how to use a condom, as well as motivational training designed to boost social support or otherwise improve overall quality of life, a review of studies suggests.
Former MP resigned over AIDS denialism
(News Article; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
19 May 2006
Health-e
Activist Pregs Govender admitted that AIDS denialism within government had been one of two factors that pushed her to resign as an ANC Member of Parliament in 2002. The other factor was government's decision to spend billions of rands on arms. "I disagreed with the questioning of whether HIV causes AIDS," Govender told a full house at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently, when she delivered the Harold Wolpe lecture.
AIDS coalition accuses SA of 'bad faith'
(News Article; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
2 Jun 2006
Mail and Guardian
South Africa has been accused of aligning itself with Egypt and Gabon in undermining a continent-wide agreement committing African nations to firm targets to counter the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Tackling AIDS pandemic requires guarding rights of women, UN meeting told
(News Article; Global)
1 Jun 2006
UN News Centre
As participants at a major United Nations conference in New York recently reviewed the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS in women compared to men, the head of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said the only way to reverse the feminization of the pandemic is to make sure that women have greater control of their bodies and their lives, as well as of public policies and budgets.
Namibia: curbing HIV/AIDS along a transport corridor
(Feature Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
30 May 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Heavy traffic crossing the border has contributed to spreading HIV/AIDS. Ngoma, 40km east of the Caprivian capital, Katima Mulilo, is one of two border posts on the Trans-Caprivi highway linking landlocked Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe - where HIV infection rates are among the world's highest - with the deepwater port of Walvis Bay in Namibia.
Kyrgyzstan: World Bank and government pledge to battle HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Global | Asia)
30 May 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
The World Bank’s regional project to control HIV/AIDS in Central Asia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement to fight the epidemic in the Central Asian country.
A plague of inequality
(Commentary; Global)
19 May 2006
Mail and Guardian
This article comments on the unequal burden of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the poor and vulnerable.
Thailand: increased HIV/AIDS awareness needed - UNAIDS
(News Article; Asia)
31 May 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
An overwhelming majority - 85% - of Thai youth do not consider HIV an issue they need to be personally concerned with, after nearly a decade without any mass public awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, according to a UN official.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH RESEARCH
Trends in maternal-infant transmission of AIDS after antiretroviral therapy in Brazil
(Research Article; South America)
Revista de Saúde Pública. 2006 Apr;40(suppl):18-22.
Brito AM | Sousa JL | Luna CF | Dourado I
This study analyzed time trends in maternal-infant transmission of AIDS among Brazilian children. Researchers found a significant increasing trend for cases born prior to the year in which anti-retroviral therapy was introduced, with an increase rate of about 12% per year. Rates from different states ranged from 5.9% to 31%. The analysis of expected and observed cases for each of the country's five regions showed a reduction in the number of cases among children born from 1997 onwards, with a progressive year-to-year reduction. The number of notified cases among children born in 2001 was less than 10% the number of expected cases.
Quality of obstetric care observed in 14 hospitals in Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Rwanda
(Report; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Washington, DC, USAID, 2006.
Burkhalter B | Edson W | Harvey S | Boucar M | Djibrina S
Trained clinical observers used a structured checklist at referral and district/regional hospitals in four developing countries to monitor care provided to 245 women during labor, delivery, and postpartum and their newborns during postpartum in Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Rwanda.
Comparison of two methods for determining provider attendance during normal labor and delivery: results from Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Rwanda
(Report; Global)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Washington, DC, USAID, 2006.
Burkhalter B | Jennings L
The Quality Assurance Project (QAP) compared two data collection methods used to determine the number and type of providers who attended 245 obstetric cases in hospitals in Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Rwanda. Each case was viewed as having four phases (labor, intrapartum, postpartum-mother, and postpartumnewborn) resulting in 980 possible phases, referred to as "phase-cases." In all, 801 phase-cases were observed and assessed using both data collection methods. This report discusses the number of providers recorded by each method and addresses the problem generated by the fact that the two methods resulted in identical lists of providers in only 46% of the 245 obstetric cases.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NEWS
Spate of twins linked to hormones in milk
(News Article; Global | North America)
1 Jun 2006
The Sydney Morning Herald
American women who eat dairy products appear to be five times as likely to give birth to fraternal twins as those who do not, new research shows.
Mangochi maternal mortality slows down
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
26 May 2006
The Daily Times
A traditional leader in Mangochi says maternal mortality rates in T/A Nankumba’s area have gone down following family planning campaign by reproductive healthcare NGO, Banja La Mtsogolo.
WHO calls Yemen to recruit more midwives
(News Article; Middle East)
30 May 2006
News Yemen
The representative of UN World Health Organization in Yemen Hashim al-Zain called ministries of public health and civil service to employ more well-trained midwives to benefit from efforts being put forth to protect mothers and children.
MEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Estimating the number of men who have sex with men in low and middle income countries
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun;82(Suppl 3):iii3-iii9.
Caceres C | Konda K | Pecheny M | Chatterjee A | Lyerla R
Researchers collected and analyzed published and unpublished surveillance and research data on the prevalence of same sex sexual activity among male adults (including male-to-female transgenders and sex workers) in low and middle income countries. Data available on the prevalence of male same sex sexual activity across regions are scarce (non-existent in some areas), with validity and comparability problems. In South and South East Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, a lifetime prevalence of 6% to 20% was estimated, with smaller figures in East Asia.
Acceptability of male circumcision for prevention of HIV infection in Malawi
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Sub-Saharan Africa)
AIDS and Behavior. Online access May 31, 2006.
Ngalande RC | Levy J | Kapondo CP | Bailey RC
This study assesses the acceptability of male circumcision (MC) in four districts in Malawi, a country with high HIV-1 prevalence and low prevalence of MC. Acceptability was lower in the north where the practice was little known, higher in younger participants, and higher in central and southern districts where MC is practiced by a minority Muslim group (Yao). Barriers to circumcision included fear of infection and bleeding, cost, and pain. Facilitators included hygiene, reduced risk of STI, religion, medical conditions, and enhanced sexual pleasure.
POPULATION RESEARCH
Projecting the demographic impact of AIDS and the number of people in need of treatment: updates to the Spectrum projection package
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun;82(Suppl 3):iii45-iii50.
Stover J | Walker N | Grassly C | Marston M
In the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) approach to HIV and AIDS estimates, estimates of adult prevalence produced by the Estimation and Projection Package (EPP) or the Workbook are transferred to Spectrum to estimate the consequences of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including the number of people living with HIV by age and sex, new infections, AIDS deaths, AIDS orphans, treatment needs, and the impact of treatment on survival. The UNAIDS Reference Group on Estimates, Models and Projections recommends updates to the methodology and assumptions based on the latest research findings and international policy and programme guidelines. The latest update to Spectrum has been used in the 2005 round of global estimates.
POPULATION NEWS
Japan fertility rate hits record low 1.25 in 2005
(News Article; Asia)
1 Jun 2006
Reuters
Japan's fertility rate -- the average number of children a woman bears in her lifetime -- fell to an all-time low of 1.25 in 2005, the latest sign of the threat to the world's second-biggest economy from an aging, shrinking population.
Australia celebrates baby boom
(News Article; Oceania)
3 Jun 2006
BBC
New births in Australia have reached the highest level since 1992. The figures show a connection between the birth rate and the introduction of government benefits. The baby bonus, which goes to $4,000 in July, was started in 2004 but foreshadowed earlier and the baby boom can be tracked to that time.
WOMEN'S HEALTH RESEARCH
Intimate partner violence: prevalence, types, and chronicity in adult women
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text)
American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2006 Jun;30(6):447-457.
Thompson RS | Bonomi AE | Anderson M | Reid RJ | Dimer JA | Carrell D | Rivara FP
Related News Article: Domestic violence takes heavy toll on women
This study examined the relationships between intimate partner violence (IPV) types and the chronicity and severity of abuse in a US population. IPV rates were higher for younger women, women with lower income and less education, single mothers, and those who had been abused as a child.
The burden and determinants of reproductive tract infections in India: a population based study of women in Goa, India
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun;82(3):243-249.
Patel V | Weiss HA | Mabey D | West B | D'Souza S | Patil V | Nevrekar P | Gupte S | Kirkwood BR
This study described the prevalence and risk factors of reproductive tract infections (RTI) in a population-based sample of women aged 18-45 years in Gao, India. Most of the population burden of RTIs is attributed to endogenous infections. Socioeconomic deprivation and gender disadvantage are associated with raised risk for bacterial vaginosis, while the risk factors for STIs indicated that disadvantaged women were likely to be infected by their husbands.
Estimates of the number of female sex workers in different regions of the world
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Global)
Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2006 Jun;82(Suppl 3):iii18-iii25.
Vandepitte J | Lyerla R | Dallabetta G | Crabbe F | Alary M | Buve A
This study collected estimated numbers of female sex workers (FSW) and present proportions of FSW in the female population (FSW prevalence) in different regions of the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, the FSW prevalence in the capitals ranged between 0.7% and 4.3% and in other urban areas between 0.4% and 4.3%. Population surveys from this same region yielded even higher proportions of women involved in transactional sex. The national FSW prevalence in Asia ranged between 0.2% and 2.6%; in the ex-Russian Federation between 0.1% and 1.5%; in East Europe between 0.4% and 1.4%; in West Europe between 0.1% and 1.4%; and in Latin America between 0.2% and 7.4%. Estimates from rural areas were only available from one country.
Effect of a provider-based educational outreach ('detailing') to stimulate IUCD use in Kenya : final report
(Field Report; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Research Triangle Park, NC, Family Health International, 2006.
Wesson J | Olawo A | Bukusi V
This operations research study tested the effectiveness of an outreach intervention to clinic-based family planning providers and community-based distribution agents, in promoting use of the intrauterine contraceptive device in Kenya.
Seroprevalence of HSV-1 and 2 among sex workers attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Singapore
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; Asia)
International Journal of STD and AIDS. 2006 Jun;17(6):395-399.
Theng TS | Sen PR | Tan HH | Wong ML | Chan KW
Researchers studied the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and 2 in sex workers attending an STI clinic in Singapore and examined their knowledge and attitudes towards HSV infection. Adjusting for age, marital status, and condom use, HSV-2 prevalence increased significantly with duration of years of practice of sex work. Most of the respondents (86%) were aware that HSV could be spread through sex without a condom, and about two-thirds of them were aware that HSV could be spread in the absence of symptoms.
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS
Jordan: report cites female acceptance of domestic abuse
(News Article; Middle East)
1 Jun 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Women's rights activists said recently that they were "horrified but not surprised" to learn that a majority of single women in the kingdom approved of physical punishment by husbands for disciplinary reasons.
Female mutilation is 'birth risk'
(News Article; Global)
2 June 2006
BBC
Related Press Release: New study shows female genital mutilation exposes women and babies to significant risk at childbirth
Female circumcision, performed on as many as 3 million girls each year, complicates childbirth later in life and causes higher mortality among their babies, according to the World Health Organization. In a new report, the United Nations agency said women who had undergone the practice, also known as female genital mutilation, were up to 70% more vulnerable to potentially fatal hemorrhage after delivery than those who had not. Its study, involving some 28,000 women at obstetric centers in six African countries where the practice is common, said babies born to circumcised women were as much as 55% more likely to die during or immediately after childbirth.
YOUTH HEALTH RESEARCH
Trends in adolescent contraceptive use, unprotected and poorly protected sex, 1991–2003
(Abstract; subscription needed for full text; North America)
Journal of Adolescent Health. 2006 Jun;38(6):734-739.
Anderson JE | Santelli JS | Morrow B
This study estimated trends in the US in use and nonuse of effective protection among adolescents 1991-2003, and assessed factors associated with poorly protected sex in 2003. Throughout 1991-2003, about one third of students reported that they had been sexually active in the previous 3 months. Condom use increased significantly throughout 1991-2003, from 46.2% in 1991 to 63% in 2003, and the percentage reporting use of either withdrawal or no method steadily declined, from 32.6% to 18.8%. In 2003, use of withdrawal or no method was greater among females, Hispanics, those who had been pregnant or had caused a pregnancy, and those who reported feeling sad or hopeless or had considered suicide.
Violence against girls in Africa: a retrospective survey in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda
(Report; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Adis Ababa, Ethiopia, The African Child Policy Forum , 2006.
Stavropoulos J
Three research teams looked at the situation of violence against girls in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. Each research team selected a group of 500 young women in the capital cities of their respective countries. The women represented various social classes with diverging backgrounds and pertaining to different societal groups. The young women were all between the ages of 18 and 24 years old and the surveys questioned them about their lives until they were 18 years old. They found that young girls are overwhelmingly physically, psychologically, and sexually being abused in all three countries.
Born to high risk: violence against girls in Africa
(Report; Global | Sub-Saharan Africa)
(You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document)
Adis Ababa, Ethiopia, The African Child Policy Forum , 2006.
Mugawe D | Powell A
Related News Article: East Africa: new reports show extreme, massive violence against girls
This report echoes the voices of African girls who have experienced violence - voices that often remain unheard. In doing so, it aims to enable them to reach policy-makers who can effect change on their behalf. Their voices are reinforced by the quantitative information from the surveys commissioned by The African Child Policy Forum to identify the magnitude of the problem of violence against
girls.
YOUTH HEALTH NEWS
Liberia: FPAL launches youth movement in Kakata
(News Article; Sub-Saharan Africa)
30 May 2006
The Analyst
The family planning Association of Liberia (FPAL) over the weekend officially launched the Youth Action Movement of the Association in Kakata, Margibi County. The Executive Director of the Association, Ms. Miatta K. Kiawu, speaking on the theme, "Working For Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights and Choice" said. FPAL recognizes the need to ensure that young people are involved in a youth friendly organization, as well as the need to address the growing trend of the sexual and reproductive health challenges among adolescent.
Muslim sex education: just say no
(News Article; Global | Oceania)
29 May 2006
The Sydney Morning Herald
Islamic schools in Australia have adopted a sex education policy aimed at overturning the influence of Western sexual values on their students. Under the policy, non-Muslim teachers would be banned from teaching sexual health classes. Students would be taught that pre-marital sex and homosexuality were anti-Islamic and therefore prohibited. Otherwise, Muslim teenagers were in danger of forming their attitudes to sex from un-Islamic sources such as newspapers, magazines, television and the internet, the policy said.
Yemen: teenagers trained to help halt spread of HIV/AIDS
(News Article; Middle East)
28 May 2006
Integrated Regional Information Networks
Yemini students learned skills to enable them to raise awareness on preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people at a workshop that concluded recently.
Rise in Turkish girls' suicides worries activists
(News Article; Global | Europe)
26 May 2006
Reuters
Rising suicides among women in the mainly Kurdish southeast part of Turkey has prompted the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Yakin Erturk, to visit the region, where rights activists say families are forcing young women into suicide because the government has clamped down on so-called "honor killings".
BOOKS/BOOK REVIEWS
A handbook for advocacy in the African human rights system: Advancing reproductive and sexual health. Second edition.
(Book; Global)
Chapel Hill, NC, IPAS, 2006.
The updated version of this handbook was created to familiarize advocates with the regional human rights system and its treaty body, The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, designed to promote and protect sexual and reproductive health.
SPECIAL REPORTS/PROFILES/RESOURCES
Quality Health Partners Project launch its Web site
(Tool; Global)
The Quality Health Partners (QHP) Project is pleased to announce the launch of its Web site. QHP is a 5-year cooperative agreement funded by the Ghana Mission of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The project is managed by EngenderHealth and technical assistance is provided by JHPIEGO, Abt Associates, Initiatives Inc., and Family Health International. QHP works closely with the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, as well as other stakeholders.
Calendar of Events
July 24, 2006 - July 29, 2006Managing Community Based HIV Programs in Asia
This intensive six day course is held in Asia specifically for Asian participants working in international health, in development organizations or in community development and/or health programs. It is also suitable for those wishing to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the context of HIV infection and effective community-based responses to the epidemic in Asia.
Event Location: Bangkok, Thailand
July 24, 2006 - July 29, 2006
Policy Concerns, Planning and Management in HIV/AIDS
This training program is on developing an understanding of policy review and analysis, and planning and management in HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the context of the Asia Pacific Region. Objectives of this program are to examine various dimensions and issues related to HIV/AIDS policies and program implementation, to develop basic skills of operational management of HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in the regional perspective, and to help develop a matrix of country's perspective policy issues and strategic management.
Event Location: Jaipur, India
September 5, 2006 - September 7, 2006
Exchange and Learning Workshop for Field Workers in HIV Prevention Projects for Men having Sex with Men in the Greater Mekong Sub-region
Contact's Name: Jan Wijngaarden / E-Mail: jwdlvw@gmail.com
Event Location: Lao PDR
September 23, 2006 - September 26, 2006
Male Sexual Health and HIV in Asia and the Pacific International Consultation
Event Location: New Delhi, India
October 9, 2006 - October 10, 2006
Linking Reproductive Health and Family Planning with HIV/AIDS Programs in Africa: What Do We Know?
The conference will provide a forum for researchers to share their findings with other health and development researchers, program administrators, policy makers and international donors.
Contact's Name: Heather Bradley / E-Mail: hbradley@jhsph.edu
Event Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
October 27, 2006 - October 28, 2006
Fifth International Symposium on Intrauterine Devices and Systems for Women's Health
The Population Council, in cooperation with UNFPA, will host the Fifth International Symposium on Intrauterine Devices and Systems for Women’s Health in New York City. Thirty-six preeminent international scientists will present data and analyses of new information on a range of biomedical issues relating to IUDs and intrauterine systems. More than 150 participants from around the world are expected to attend, and space is limited.
Event Location: New York City
April 15, 2007 - April 19, 2007
VIII World Congress of the WAS, 1st World Congress for Sexual Health
The conference theme "Achieving Health, Pleasure and Respect" captures the essentials of sexual health. This meeting will introduce to participating clinicians, researchers, educators, activists and policy makers to the manifold, diverse and often controversial perspectives of contemporary sexual heath.
Event Location: Sydney, Australia
"The Pop Reporter" (R) Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs INFO Project. When you click on any link, your Internet browser will access a Web site not connected to "The Pop Reporter." Information accessed through these links and contained in this issue of "The Pop Reporter" does not necessarily state or reflect the views of the INFO Project, Johns Hopkins University, or the US Agency for International Development. All links were verified at the date of mailing. Your computer and/or network configuration regarding Java script, cookies, and other security issues may not allow you to view certain Web sites. Consult your computer technician if you are having problems.
Problems and comments can be addressed to rjacoby@jhuccp.org.
Archives available at http://www.infoforhealth.org/popreporter/.
Subscribe at http://prds.infoforhealth.org/signup.php.
Modify your account at http://prds.infoforhealth.org/modify.php.
Have an item to contribute for consideration in The Pop Reporter? E-mail the URL and description to rjacoby@jhuccp.org. Forward this message to a friend who could benefit from INFO project activities!
Information & Knowledge for Optimal Health (INFO) Project
111 Market Place Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-659-6300 Fax: 410-659-6266 Security & Privacy Policy