France's The Warning on Biomedical Prevention

via The Warning (France)

In France, the controversy between HIV organizations about PrEP appear in the media and social networks, from moral considerations disguised in ethical objections to classic behavioral speculations (as there was on the TasP or PEP) [4].

So, to clarify and defuse the situation, it should be noted some points :

The biomedical prevention is a revolution in terms of sexual and mental health for serodifferent couples (especially those who want to have children) and poz sex workers (under pressure from their customers to have condomless sex), removing the risk and visceral fear of contamination. It is essential for fighting the demonization of people living with HIV/Aids (PLWHA) in our poz-phobic society : they are no longer considered as « viral bombs ».

 The biomedical prevention is a need expressed by all PLWHAs and peoples concerned by HIV [5].

 The biomedical prevention is an additional argument for the battle for universal access to treatment in poor countries and in prisons.

 The biomedical prevention is an important argument against the criminalization of HIV transmission, which beyond our respective countries, is increasing in Africa (since women are the first victims).

 The biomedical prevention must be done within the strict framework of informed consent and needs (therapeutic, psychological, sexual and social) of the concerned person(s). In no circumstances it may force the initiation of treatment to anyone, even if early treatment appears to have benefits, and although some mathematical models abound for the establishment of a general strategy of Test&Treat. Warning has long been positioned on the subject [6].

These reasons alone are sufficient to promote biomedical prevention [7] in a responsible manner and combined [8] to other tools in the fight against AIDS : condoms, HIV testing [9], Counseling, and struggles against serophobia and criminalization of sexual transmission of HIV

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Study confirms international outbreak of sexually transmitted hepatitis C

From CATIE News
Canadian Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be spread in ways similar to HIV, particularly through sharing or receiving the following:

* equipment for substance use
* tattooing needles
* contaminated blood or blood products

HCV infects the liver and can cause inflammation and liver damage. Over a period of many years, liver damage builds up and this organ becomes increasingly dysfunctional. Complications ensue, and in some cases liver cancer occurs. HIV infection appears to accelerate the course of HCV-related disease.

For the past two decades, HCV infection has mostly affected people who share needles to inject street drugs or who have received contaminated blood products, such as clotting factors, before routine testing for HCV was available. Now an international team of researchers has uncovered evidence that HCV has been transmitted sexually, in many cases among HIV positive people. The emergence of a previously unrecognized sexually transmitted germ is troubling and has implications for sexual health and disease prevention programs.

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HIV prevention: What have we learned from community experiences in concentrated epidemics?

Journal of the International AIDS Society [October 1, 2008]

Bruno Spire, Isabelle de Zoysa, Hakima Himmich

Open Access

Abstract
Drawing on lessons learned from community experiences in concentrated epidemics, this paper explores three imperatives in the effort to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV: combat prevention fatigue, diversify HIV testing and combat stigma and discrimination. The paper argues for a non-judgmental harm reduction approach to the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV that takes into account the interpretation of risk by diverse individuals and communities in the era of antiretroviral therapy. This approach requires greater attention to increasing access to opportunities to know one's serostatus, especially among key populations at greater risk. Novel approaches to diversifying HIV testing approaches at community level are needed. Finally, the paper makes a plea for bold measures to combat stigma and discrimination, which continues to represent a formidable barrier for access to services for affected populations and may contribute to HIV-related risk behaviours. A "triple therapy" approach to address stigma and discrimination is discussed, which includes greater acceptance of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), improving relevant laws and policies, and involving prevention users- working with people rather than for people-.

Read the whole article via Open Access.