Latest news with #HIV-affected
India.com
6 days ago
- Health
- India.com
A New HIV Shield: One Shot Every Six Months – Could This Be The Turning Point The World's Been Waiting For?
New Delhi: A new drug that could change the way the world prevents HIV has just received the green signal from the World Health Organization (WHO). Its name is Lenacapavir. And what makes it different? You only need it twice a year. The announcement came from Kigali, Rwanda, where global health experts gathered for the 13th International AIDS Society Conference on July 14. WHO shared new global guidelines to strengthen HIV prevention, and with it, officially recommended Lenacapavir as a key tool – especially for those who face high risk every day. They include sex workers, healthcare workers and people in close contact with HIV-positive individuals. This long-acting drug is not entirely new. The United States approved it earlier. Back in 2022, it was already being used to treat HIV-affected patients. Now, WHO's decision brings it into focus as a prevention method, specifically for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, 'We still do not have a vaccine for HIV. But this drug, taken only twice a year, is the best new option we have got.' Globally, the HIV burden remains heavy. In 2024 alone, 1.3 million people were infected. Lenacapavir is being hailed as a potential game-changer for global HIV prevention, particularly among communities like sex workers, transgender individuals, people in correctional facilities, men who have sex with men and those who inject drugs, all of whom have been disproportionately affected. Funding for HIV prevention is drying up in many regions. That is why this drug, which works longer and requires fewer doses, feels like a breakthrough. Lenacapavir is a product of U.S. biopharma giant Gilead Sciences. It belongs to a class of medicines called capsid inhibitors, which disrupt multiple steps in the HIV life cycle and help block the virus from replicating. What sets it apart is its long-acting nature. Just two injections a year are enough to offer sustained protection, a significant improvement over daily pills or monthly regimens that are harder to maintain. Compared to daily pills or monthly shots, Lenacapavir offers a simple solution – two injections a year. For those facing daily exposure to risk, this could be the protection they have been waiting for. The need for such interventions has never been more urgent. Over 1.3 million people contracted HIV in 2024 alone, according to WHO data. A large share of these infections occurred in low- and middle-income countries, where preventive care is either unavailable or underfunded. As funding for HIV prevention declines globally, a low-maintenance, highly effective drug like Lenacapavir could help reverse troubling trends. Public health experts say its biannual dosage makes adherence easier, especially for people with limited access to clinics or stigmatised by their communities. While the drug is yet to be rolled out widely, WHO has urged governments and NGOs to accelerate access through partnerships with local health systems. With global focus now shifting toward long-term, low-cost solutions, Lenacapavir offers a ray of hope in a decades-long battle against HIV.
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Birchleigh Ubuntu project delivers winter aid to homeless and struggling families
With winter settling in and the number of homeless people in Kempton Park increasing, Batho Pele Charity Organisation, founded by Birchleigh resident Michelle Roskruge, stepped in to provide meals and winter clothing to those in need. On June 14, the Birchleigh Ubuntu project, supported by the Norkem Park CPF, Birchleigh community members, and the Community Crime Forum, distributed warm clothing and food to vulnerable individuals in Birchleigh and Edleen. Despite setbacks while preparing for the project, the organisation raised funds through a last-minute raffle, collecting enough money through ticket sales to proceed with the outreach. ALSO READ: NPOs slam Gauteng's food parcel cuts for HIV-affected children Their first stop was opposite Wynand Hall in Birchleigh, where people gathered to receive clothing and meals. 'Giving is part of nature,' said Roskruge. 'I saw the great need for food and clothing in orphanages and in our community, and I decided to focus on that, even though running an NPO is not easy. I rely solely on community sponsorship, and Pick n Pay Elgin was the only company sponsor before it closed.' The outreach drew not only homeless individuals but also residents struggling to make ends meet. Community members donated clothing to support the initiative, which went directly to recipients through the Birchleigh Ubuntu project. After Birchleigh, the team moved to the Edleen circle for a second round of distribution. Although quiet at first, volunteers walked around to inform people of the location to ensure everyone who needed help could access the donations. ALSO READ: Mobile libraries to boost literacy at 1 000 South African schools and NPOs One of the beneficiaries, Solomon Mamashela, expressed his gratitude. 'I appreciate what they are doing for us. Life is really tough, and it makes me happy to know there are people still helping us,' he said. 'I hope they continue because many people need this help, not just us.' Despite financial challenges, Batho Pele Charity Organisation continues to serve those in need, relying on community donations to sustain their efforts. The organisation plans to host a spring clothing and food outreach later this year. ALSO READ: Thembisa NPO turns dumping sites into community spaces The Birchleigh community has played a vital role in supporting the project, donating food, clothing and pre-loved items. Local schools such as Mooifontein Primary and Birch Acres Secondary High also contributed generously. Norkem Park CPF Sector 1 chairperson Willem du Plessis praised Roskruge's commitment. 'We have a passion for our community and want to give back as much as possible, not just by ensuring safety but also by showing the most vulnerable that we are here for them,' he said. 'I take my hat off to Michelle; giving so much of yourself to others is not easy but incredibly selfless. A little goes a long way.' Du Plessis also expressed concern about the growing number of homeless people in the area, saying it reflects broader systemic issues such as the lack of affordable housing, mental health support, and economic inequality. 'More needs to be done at local and national levels to provide long-term solutions for homelessness. It's amazing to see everyone standing together, showing the true spirit of Ubuntu.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Assistant commissioner directs strict implementation of residential school admission guidelines
Chikkamagaluru: Tarikere assistant commissioner KJ Kantharaju directed the officials concerned to take strict measures to admit 50% of the students selected by the Karnataka Examination Authority for class 6 in residential schools as per the new guidelines. The assistant commissioner directed the principals of Morarji Desai, Kittur Rani Chennamma, and Dr BR Ambedkar residential schools at a meeting in the city. Kantharaju said 50% of seats can be filled by children from special categories—children with more than 25% disability, children of HIV-affected parents, single-parent or orphaned children, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, children from micro and ultra-micro communities, children of soldiers and ex-servicemen, children displaced by govt schemes, and those who have passed 5th grade in SC/ST ashram residential schools. It was decided in the meeting to grant direct admission to children from the special categories without any examination, as per govt order. For the vacant seats in classes 7 and 8, admissions will be based on reservation, and a selection test will be conducted for this purpose. Residential school principals were instructed to verify and confirm the correct information and advise the sub-divisional officers. The assistant commissioner also directed ensuring student safety, cleanliness, and nutrition in all residential schools. Teachers and cooks in the institutions were warned that any negligence of duty due to political influence would result in disciplinary action. Assistant directors from the department of social welfare and principals from 18 residential schools in Tarikere, Kadur, and Narasimharajapura taluks participated in the meeting.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
A lifelong commitment to crisis care: Dimple Arora gets National Florence Nightingale Award from President
New Delhi: "God has given me the opportunity to help people, and that is what I am doing to the best of my ability and want to continue with it even after my retirement," said Dimple Arora, a senior nursing officer at RML Hospital. Her dedication to healthcare and crisis response was honoured with the prestigious 2025 National Florence Nightingale Award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, recognising her 27 years of selfless service. Born in Punjab's Firozpur, Arora's journey into nursing began after earning her general nursing and midwifery (GNM) diploma. She joined RML Hospital in 1998, but her contributions extended far beyond the hospital's walls, marked by her fearless response to some of India's most devastating disasters. In 2004, she was deployed to Port Blair following the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami. With over 400 lives lost and 3,000 people missing in Campbell Bay and Car Nicobar, Arora provided critical medical aid amid chaos. She administered first aid under extreme conditions, supported psychological trauma care and worked tirelessly to stabilise the injured, offering not just medical assistance but hope to grieving families. Her commitment didn't wane in 2010 when Leh-Ladakh faced a deadly cloudburst, triggering flash floods and mudslides. Amid the rugged terrain and harsh conditions, Arora managed emergency medical camps, treated injuries from debris and flooding, and coordinated with rescue teams to ensure timely care for the victims. In 2008, after the Delhi bomb blasts, she was on special duty, managing emergency responses for the injured, ensuring swift triage, and supporting overburdened medical teams. The following year, during the 2009 swine flu pandemic, she was stationed at the Delhi airport, screening travellers from affected regions while also providing critical care at RML Hospital. Her frontline service continued during Covid-19 pandemic, where she navigated the unprecedented health crisis with resilience and compassion. Arora's passion for healthcare, however, extends beyond crisis response. Holding an MSc in psychology and pursuing an MBA in health management, she champions lifelong learning to adapt to evolving healthcare challenges. Her leadership skills shine in both mentorship roles and providing counselling support for HIV-affected people. Senior nursing officer Ligi Boban, who worked with Arora, praised her exceptional patient management and calmness under pressure. Mahima, another colleague, highlighted Arora's ability to maintain clarity and leadership during emergencies while remaining approachable and supportive. As Arora approaches retirement, her unwavering spirit to serve remains strong. Her journey reflects the profound impact of compassionate, courageous care amid some of the darkest moments in recent history.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
242 schools in Gurgaon get notices over delay in RTE admissions
Gurgaon: Private schools refusing admission to children from the EWS category under the RTE Act will now face strict action. Many schools did not follow RTE guidelines, prompting the education department to issue notices to 242. Meanwhile, the education department extended the admission deadline under RTE for the third time till April 25 and has warned that failure to respond may lead to the cancellation of school recognition. As per RTE guidelines, disadvantaged children—including those from EWS, HIV-affected families, war widows, and differently-abled students—are entitled to free education in private schools. Haryana mandates a 25% reservation in entry-level classes (nursery/class 1), with 8% for SC, 4% for BCA, 2.5% for BCB, and the rest for EWS and special needs students. Of 10,701 private schools, 3,134 have not updated RTE data on the government portal. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon
