in this issue...

At a time when HIV is still spreading steadily across the globe, we are also witnessing progress in controlling this deadly disease. Responses to the AIDS epidemic have grown and improved considerably over the last few years. The objective of this E-bulletin is to circulate AIDS-related news, publications, literature and research to affiliated unions and others working in this field. It is a part of our new Global HIV/AIDS project, which is targeting ITF affiliates all over the globe. Get involved! For further information and queries please contact Dr. Syed Asif Altaf, Global HIV/AIDS Project Coordinator, Altaf_Asif@itf.org.uk or the Regional Education Coordinator in your ITF region, ITF Education Department: education@itf.org.uk .

This issue of the E-bulletin has information about the 17th International conference that will be held in Mexico City, from August 3-8, 2008; a report from India, where the Indian National Transport Workers’ Federation is implementing a HIV awareness programme for its member. The issue will also focus on Malaysia’s achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

International AIDS Conference, 2008: Abstract submission and scholarship application

The 17th International AIDS Conference will be held in Mexico City, Mexico from August 3-8, 2008. “Universal Action Now” is the theme of this year’s conference. The conference expects to bring together political and community leaders, scientists, HIV programme managers, trade unionists, media personnel, people living with HIV and other at risk groups from all over the globe for the presentation of important new scientific research and for productive, structured dialogue on the major challenges facing the global response to AIDS. Key issues the AIDS 2008 Programme (sessions and activities) will explore/address include:

• Health systems strengthening, service models, integration with TB, SRH, co-infections, maternal health, long-term care, mental health, palliative care, drug resistance, harm reduction, primary health care, hepatitis C, etc.
• Specific regional issues e.g. stigma; setting regional policy agendas; using what is gained and expanding to other regions (south-south)
• Synergy of treatment and prevention; treatment as a tool for prevention (reducing viral load and infectivity)
• Respect and promotion of human rights and gender equality as a framework for all aspects of the response.

You can submit your abstract online based on your programme experience by visiting www.aids2008.org. The abstract can be submitted in 5 category or tracks. The track category is the general heading under which your abstract will be reviewed and later published in the Conference printed matters if accepted. The tracks are as follows:Track A: Biology and Pathogenesis of HIV Track B: Clinical Research, Treatment and Care Track C: Epidemiology, Prevention and Prevention Research Track D: Social, Behavioural and Economic Science Track E: Policy & Political Science

As the conference organizers are committed to making AIDS 2008 accessible, they are offering financial assistance to community groups, marginalized communities, people living with HIV and AIDS globally. We strongly encourage you to apply for a scholarship. You can also submit your application for scholarship by visiting www.aids2008.org.

Indian National Transport Workers Federation is implementing HIV/AIDS education programme for its members

Commercial road transport occupies a strategic socio-economic position linking supply to demand and is a necessary link between various industrial sectors. As the mode that brings the majority of passengers and goods to their final destination, road transport is indispensable for tourism, trade and well being of any economy. Transport workers are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection due to the nature and condition of their work and long distance truckers are more vulnerable than other groups. A number of studies all around the world have shown higher prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among long distance truckers. A community-based cross-sectional study among long-distance transport workers operating through the Siliguri-Guwahati national highway, West Bengal India showed sero-prevalence rates of 2.3%, 3.7%, and 6.3%, respectively for HIV, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis.

The Indian National Transport Workers’ Federation is implementing a HIV/AIDS education programme for its members all over India. They are organising a number of Training of Trainers (TOT) programmes so that these trainers can go back to their workplace and organise informal meetings and education sessions for their peers and friends. So far they have organised programme in 6 states of the country and plan to organise in other states in the coming months.

Malaysia expected to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDG) on HIV/AIDS, Deputy PM says

HIV/AIDS poses a serious challenge to Malaysia’s human development. In the two decades since the first HIV/AIDS case was reported in Malaysia, the number of new cases has risen exponentially. By the end of 2006, roughly 75,000 Malaysians were reported as infected with HIV. About 75% of HIV/AIDS cases in Malaysia are among injecting drug users.

According to the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, Malaysia is on track to achieve the U.N. Millennium Development Goals on curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS by the end of the decade. Based on the country's plan to expand "harm reduction" programs to 25,000 injection drug users, it is "projected that either by 2009 or 2010" the country should see "positive results" and achieve the MDGs. The government's harm reduction program includes methadone treatment, needle exchange programs and access to antiretroviral treatment in prisons. But the new trend of increasing HIV incidence among women in the country is a issue of concern for the government.