University of Minnesota discovery offers potential breakthrough in preventing HIV transmission

Researchers in HIV/AIDS prevention and cure have been ga-ga about the discovery made by University of Minnesota yesterday afternoon.

The remedy? Glycerol Monolaurate (GML ). This compound is mostly used to give food such as icecream and gravy a longer shelf life.

Check this incredible research out!

Natural resistance to infection with HIV-1 virus

What prevents a HIV positive mother from infecting her unborn baby? What prevents a highly exposed person from contracting HIV virus? What is the cause of discordance in HIV virus in couples and why are discordances in HIV infection between married couples on the rise?

The generally held perception has been that all individuals are equally susceptible to HIV virus, and once infected remain infected for life. However, there appears to be heterogeneity in susceptibility to HIV-1 virus, which may be occasioned by specific protective immunity possibly related to host genetics or barriers to transmission of HIV-1 virus variable in individuals.

Read more from kI's Health Editor, Robert Were Omange here.

Once Upon A Time... .

Once upon a time, death and dying made sense, you died because you were old, you died because some lunatic ran a red light, you died because a snake bit you, you died because your heart arrested. People died in a myriad of ways and obituaries made for an interesting read...

Dorothy Ghettuba blogs from New Mexico where she is attending this years AIDS conference. Read more. And you can RSS to her blog so that you are notified anytime she makes a new entry!

A world without AIDS: Bangladesh to Zimbabwe

The spread of HIV has meant personal and national health crises in many countries. The disease has strained many poorer countries’ health care budgets and has challenged scientists, medical professionals and those in social services affected by it. But despite the devastation it leaves in its wake, some activists confronting HIV also appreciate the opportunities it provides to rethink, reimagine and revision a host of social, political, and medical engagements.

Read more from Amanda Atwood here.

The dollar, circumcision and AIDS

Readers will no doubt have seen the new American strategy on combating HIV/Aids in Kenya and the wider the region as is reported in the local press (Daily Nation 23/08/2007).

The reason for the change in strategy is said to have been occasioned by the recent studies in Kenya and South Africa that indicate that Male circumcision more than halves the chance of contracting HIV/Aids among males (by up to 60%).

Read more from Elijah Marangu here.

The Face of Shame

L. Akitelek Papakemus on the HIV/AIDS scourge.

Ours is a culture of shame and secrecy. Since 1980 life expectancy in Africa has fallen to an average of 48 years. We have little time for shame and secrecy.
My first encounter with the carnage that is HIV/AIDS was when the neighbours; whose children I had played with and whose chicken I had chased about, died within days of each other. Mother died on Friday. Father died on Sunday.

Read more here.

The Test

Richard Mbuthia writes on his emotional experience on taking an HIV/AIDS test before his wedding.

My head was spinning. My mate was going through the same motions. When our names were called out we jumped up in unison almost leaving our hearts on the seats! The counsellor, with two spring files in her hands, led the way into her office. We followed suit, our steps almost faltering. Once inside the office, she asked us to be seated. With a disarming smile playing on her lips, she told us that she had the results.

Read more here.

My Kenyan Son, Listen to the Wisdom of Years

My son, I am now an old woman,I feel the ancestors beckoning to me,My heart is punctured and frayed,My body: old and frail. In the years I have been around, I've learnt so much 'bout the world, I feel the time is ripe, To share with you my arsenal. In recent months, I've been watching you, Watching you keenly; watching with eyes of steel, My eyes have not slumbered in my watch, My guard has not dropped in my sentry. My son, I am afraid of what I see; I am afraid of what I dream; I am afraid of what I see in your eyes; I am afraid of your zest and vim. My son, I am afraid, The more I think of what you are doing, The more I age past my age, The more people comment on how old I look.

Interesting narration by Richard Mbuthia, as an old woman advises her grandson on social issues.