HIV Ireland
NewsDesk Weekly
6 November 2015

 

---

HIV

 
HPSC - Weekly HIV & STI Report - Week 43, 2015
Latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show 12 new cases for week 43-2015, bringing the total to 399 HIV new notifications for 2015 to date.
 
 
Making gay business the frontline in the fight against HIV
The Conversation, 30 October 2015
MSM are at high risk of HIV infection, but stigma and discrimination often stop them from access mainstream prevention services. A new strategy to reach this target group is to create alternative services in bars, clubs and saunas.
 
 
Chemsex should be public health priority due to HIV risk, experts say
UK Independent, 4 November 2015
Health experts working in sexual health and substance abuse in London say the growing popularity of chemsex may be putting users at risk of HIV and STIs as well as serious mental health problems through drug dependence.
 
 
What is chemsex and why does it matter?
BMJ, 4 November 2015
Experts propose the creation of centres of excellence for sexual health and drug services as a cost effective solution.
 
 
A Tale of Two Diagnoses
Poz, 3 November 2015
Gary Steinkohl is one of the two ‘Boston patients’ who were deemed to be cured but went in viral rebound after a while. He has now decided to share his story.
 
 
Long-acting injectable HIV treatment shows promise in early study results
Science Blog, 3 November 2015
The new therapy controls viral load with just a monthly or bimonthly injection and could end the daily treatment greatly improving adherence.
 
 
Do You Need an HIV Happy Hour?
Gay, 27 October 2015
HIV-positive author Paul Thorne explains how people newly diagnosed with HIV and those who have been living with the virus for a while can take negative thinking and self-image and turn them into strength and positivity in their everyday lives.
 
 
Priorities for HIV care: the perspectives of healthcare providers and patients
Aidsmap, 2 November 2015
EACS 2015:
Almost half of HIV patients interviewed in a NAM study reported difficulties interacting with health care providers and over a third said they used the internet to look for information about HIV management. Poor communication between people living with HIV and healthcare professionals can lead to sub-optimal treatment outcomes and should therefore be addressed.
 
 
FDA approves new treatment for HIV
FDA, 5 November 2015
Genvoya is the first one-a-day pill treatment to be approved by the FDA. It is considered safer than other HIV drugs as it is less toxic to kidneys and has less of a negative impact on bone density.
 
 
Watch: New PrEP Campaign Targeted at Men Who Like to 'Party'
OUT, 4 November 2015
The campaign is meant for men who may be at greater risk of contracting HIV due to sexual and recreational drug behaviours.
 
 
Patients of non-specialist HIV physicians often have poor ART outcomes and frequently receive sub-optimal care
Aidsmap, 5 November 2015
A new study suggests that physician experience is associated with the quality of care provided to HIV-positive patients. The study found that the majority of low volume providers practice in primary care settings and are not infectious diseases specialists or identified as HIV specialists.
 
 
France to Lift Ban on Gay Men Donating Blood
New York Times, 4 November 2015
MSM we did not have sex in the preceding 12 months will now be able to donate blood. If future studies show that the new policy has not increased health risks, the deferral period for gay men will gradually be brought in line with the deferral period for heterosexual donors.
 
 
Sir Elton John and US government launch $10 million fund to tackle HIV in LGBT community
Pink News, 4 November 2015
Sir Elton announced the joint partnership, which will provide grants to local groups aiming to improve access to HIV services. The Elton John AIDS Foundation and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS (PEPFAR) will each provide $5 million in funding for the LGBT-focussed scheme, which will also focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
 
 
Many HIV transmissions in sero-discordant couples occurring at CD4 cell counts above ART eligibility threshold
Aidsmap, 3 November 2015
A study shows that many HIV transmissions in sero-discordant couples occur when the HIV-positive partner has a high CD4 count and may therefore be ineligible for ART in settings where guidelines recommend treatment at CD4 counts below 500 or below 350. These findings reinforce the importance of ‘test and treat’ strategy.
 
 
Hormonal contraception safe for women with HIV and may have important health benefits
Aidsmap, 5 November 2015
According to a study carried out in Zambia, HIV-positive women who wish to avoid pregnancy can safely use hormonal implants and injectables without concerns about deleterious health effects and with possible health benefits.
 
 
HIV scientists launch 23 million euro project to develop vaccine
Imperial College, 2 November 2015
The European AIDS Vaccine Initiative is set to start in the next five years funded by the European Commission and will be led by HIV scientists from Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States.
 
 
The Plastic Pouch That Stops HIV
Citylab, 30 October 2015
Researchers have found a better way to deliver antiretroviral medication to babies—via a disposable pouch like a ketchup packet.