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AGHPF News and Info
Volume 10 No 85 October 2009
essage from Management…
It is always my pleasure to write to you and let you know of all the things that are happening at the Foundation.
This time, as I sit to write, I am reminded of the fact that October is breast cancer month and I think of all the survivors out there and those on treatment and my prayers go out to them. I am also reminded of the story of Tsepang Setaka, an HIV patient in Lesotho.
Ms. Setaka was kidnapped and raped repeatedly in October of 2001 on her way home from school. When she succeeded to escape, her sister took her to a doctor who tested her for many things including STIs and pregnancy but not for HIV, she reported to the police about her rape but was accused of lying and nothing was ever done.
In October 2002, Ms. Sekata on her way back home was approached by four boys as she waited for her taxi home. They forced her to go with them but this time she was able to defend her self with the help of villagers. This time, while in the hospital to care for her injuries, she decided to test for HIV. Given that she was in the last year of school, she did not return to get her results since she was afraid that a positive result would interrupt her studies.
Months after her exam she went, alone, to get her results and she was told she was positive. She was later diagnosed with TB and her doctor asked her to test for HIV not knowing she had already tested. Tsepang retested and the test was positive. Her doctor sent her to “Karabong” (which means “an answer”) clinic for her HIV care. This is a Clinton Foundation supported clinic. In October, after seven months of treatment, Tsepang CD4 went from 122 to 292.
“Before,” Tsepang says, “I had bad memories of October and each year it was a month I did not look forward to, but that has changed. Now that I am here with you in October, this is a very happy night.”
Ms. Sekata has gone on to become an expert patient at the Karabong Clinic providing encouragement to other patients who have lost hope and to those who need follow up. With her story, I ask every patient out there to take a lesson from Tsepang’s life.
Do not lose hope! Keep fighting for universal access and a cure.
Kilian Songwe
President/ Regional Director -Africa
AGHPF News and Info
What is H1N1 OR swine flu?
H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
Why is this new H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.
Do pigs carry this virus and can I catch this virus from a pig?
At this time, there is no evidence that swine in the United States are infected with this new virus. However, there are flu viruses that commonly cause outbreaks of illness in pigs. Most of the time, these viruses do not infect people, but influenza viruses can spread back and forth between pigs and people.
Is this new H1N1 virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this new H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of this new influenza A H1N1 virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
How does this new H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought to be happening mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Can I get infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat infection with this new virus?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these new influenza A (H1N1) viruses.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against this new H1N1 virus. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill for 7 days or until your symptoms go away (whichever is longer). Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (75-100°C). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.
How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
It is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens should be washed by using household laundry soap. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
*Note: Much of the information in this document is based on studies and past experience with seasonal (human) influenza. CDC believes the information applies to the new H1N1 (swine) viruses as well, but studies on this virus are ongoing to learn more about its characteristics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm
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GHPF PREPARES TO LAUNCH QUALITY TRAINING PROGRAM
Good management practices should cut across all professions, whether it’s in an office or a research laboratory. The importance of a laboratory to health practioner’s should not be underestimated, the lab is a tool through which clinicians are able to make correct diagnosis of disease and thus enable them choose appropriate regimens and monitor treatment.
Proper management of a laboratory is key to the effective running of laboratory services; poor management affects the quality of services. However, in most developing countries the capacity of laboratories has been declining due to inadequate funding, insufficient qualified laboratory staff and lack of supervisory and functional quality system.
It is against this background that AGHPF has come up with a Laboratory Volunteer Corps Program (LCVP) in its areas of operation. The aim of the program is to develop and mentor medical laboratory technologists capable of managing the dynamic changes and challenges of the 21st century medical laboratories.
NOPE CONFERENCE
The National Organization of Peer Educators (NOPE) held its 3rd conference on peer education this year from 18th to 20th June at the KICC. The theme of the conference was “Stigma: let’s act now”.
AGHPF was there as a sponsor as well as a participant for the conference. AGHPF’s president, Prof. K. Songwe was session chair for the panel on stigma and quality of life. The conference brought together over 1000 delegates representing 28 countries. AGHPF also produced a documentary titled; Living Positively on the life of Georgina Nakitari of Positive Youth Initiative, who gave an account of her life as a young person living with HIV.
As a sponsor, AGHPF contributed AIDS ribbons, wrist bands and participants to the conference as well as the HIV launch for all people living positively and attending the conference.
HEALTH NEWS
Genetic Trait Boosts AIDS Risks in Blacks
July 16 (Health Day News) -- New research suggests that people of African descent are much more likely to have a genetic trait that makes them more susceptible to infection with the HIV virus. Scientist estimate that the trait, which also provides protection against a form of Malaria might account for 11% of the HIV cases in Africa. www.healthnews.com
EMOTIONAL WRITING MAY HELP EASE CANCER PAIN
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Some cancer patients may find that putting their emotions down in writing helps improve their pain and general well-being, a study suggests. Such writing, part of a concept called "narrative" medicine, has been seen as a way to aid communication between seriously ill patients and their doctors. www.reutershealth.com
FEMALE SMOKERS AT SAME RISK AS MALE SMOKERS-
FRIDAY, June 13 (Health Day News) -- Women who smoke are just as likely to get lung cancer as men who smoke, a large U.S. study found. But, women who never smoked appear to be at greater risk of lung cancer than men who never smoked, according to the report from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The researchers found that women who had never smoked, were 1.3 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men who never smoked.
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
For Immediate Release
A Global Healthcare Public Foundation
12209 Bonnet Brim Course
Columbia, MD 21044
March 6, 2006 - More than 20 million citizens of sub-Saharan Africa have HIV/AIDS. Sub-Saharan Africa comprises 10% of the world’s population yet they account for more than 60% of the people living with HIV. In 2004 it was estimated that there were 3.1 million new infections and 2.3 million deaths in the continent.
To call attention to this health crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Foundation presents an “HIV/AIDS Documentary” of a trip across West Africa, on April 2, 2006 at Busboys and Poets 2021 14th St NW Washington D.C. in honor of all the women, children and men working hard to combat this epidemic.
The objective of the documentary is to encourage individuals to get educated about HIV/AIDS in Africa, get involved in advocating for recourses needed to fight the disease and get treated should they be living with or newly infected with HIV.
Background: Last year the Foundation, a 501(C)(3) charitable organization, launched its “R U +” (Are You Positive) Campaign to test orphans, street children and rural people for HIV-1/HIV-2 at no cost in West Africa. This initiative was coordinated in four countries, Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria and Togo by local grassroots organizations and tested over 4,000 people for HIV-1 and HIV-2.
For more information please contact us at 1-800 342 4575 or click here
AGHPF Announces 10,000 free HIV Tests
June 20, 2005 – Columbia, MD - A Global Healthcare Public Foundation announced today that it will conduct 10,000 free HIV Tests during the week of August 29 to September 3, 2005 in the rural areas of four West African Countries.
The Foundation is a grassroots network consisting of more than 43 volunteers’ communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Affiliates bolster awareness of the disease and raise funds to support a variety of community-based outreach projects.
Campaign Overview
The “R U +” Campaign is intended to carry out free testing of at least 10,000 people for HIV -1/2 (Determine test Kit), to bring awareness to the problem of HIV/AIDS in the rural areas while also allowing the Foundation to inform people, educate them and create awareness about the “ABC” of HIV Prevention. Through programs like “R U +” Campaign and other fundraising and awareness events, the Foundation and affiliates raise thousands of dollars each year to help scale up prevention and fight HIV/AIDS. Last year 84 percent of net income (up from 68% in 2003) remained in the local community to fund educational outreach and medication donations and treatment programs for underserved women, orphans and those without access to healthcare services.
This Campaign is slated to accomplish the following:
- Provide Free HIV -1/2 Tests to 10,000 people
- To raise awareness on the plight of HIV/AIDS in the rural areas
- Identify both negative and positive people in the community
- To promote collaboration between testing programs and treatment clinics.
Additional Information
There are many different ways to support the Foundation and the fight to eradicate HIV. You can join us in the search for better prevention and become part of the fight against HIV by making a contribution of $25, $50, $100 or whatever you can afford to support our work at the Foundation. Learn more about donating www.aglobalhf.org . In order to ensure funds are making the greatest impact, the Foundation works with local medical experts and health centers and community leaders to conduct community needs assessments
There are many opportunities to volunteer; the Foundation needs volunteers to travel to the different countries. All volunteers must be MDs, Nurses, or Allied Health professionals or have a back ground in Public Health.
Questions and Additional Information
For more information visit the website; telephone (800) 342 4575 (toll free); or send a message to: info@aglobalhf.org
AGHPF Announces Picture Exhibition and Lecture.
February 24, 2005 – Columbia, Maryland – A Global Healthcare Public Foundation, announced today that it will be exhibiting 250 pictures from it’s over 600 picture collection at the Art Windows on 1110 Vermont Ave. NW Washington DC. These pictures taken in Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria and Togo during the Foundation’s recent humanitarian and charity mission depict the plight of orphans and vulnerable children, women and girls, poverty and HIV/AIDS in these countries.
The Picture exhibit, done in collaboration with the DC Art Center (www.dcartscenter.org/event.html) and Artist John Antone will begin on March 5th 2005 and will run till April 2005. There will be an opening and lecture session on March 22, 2005, from 4:30pm to 6pm at Staryer University, (www.strayer.edu) 1133 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 2005.
Benin: In Benin, we had working session with Dr. Valentine Medegan, Director of the AIDS Control Program for the Rep. of Benin and five clinics and NGOs and journalist. The Foundation announced that it entered into a collaborative agreement with Optima (a local NGO) through which it will carry out its prevention programs and back to school programs for orphans of AIDS and vulnerable children in Benin.
Cameroon: In Cameroon where the Foundation already has a number of programs in progress, The Foundation met with Prof. Anomah Ngu who briefed the Foundation’s President on who much work had been done since his last visit, (01/2004) to the “Espoire Clinic” (www.vanlabs.com) in Yaoundé. Once gain Prof. Ngu and the clinic were beneficiaries of a USD $600 grant and medication donation worth over USD $1000.00. Some other eleven health centers and NGO were recipients of USD $800.00 grant, a full time nurse and medication worth USD $40,000.00. The Foundation entered into contract agreement with a second orphanage to assist its children with medication up to USD $2,400 for a one year period.
Nigeria: The Foundation’s President/Founder, Kilian Songwe, and a team of volunteers traveled to Imo State, Nigeria where in partnership with God First International (a local NGO) they carried out training workshops and trained some ten Train the Trainers in Voluntary, Counseling and Testing skills. Seminar lecture on HIV prevention were also given to high school and university students at various campuses. In all about 4500 students were reached with this campaign. The President then traveled to Port Harcourt, Lagos and Zaria visiting local health centers and clinics understanding how they dealt with issues on HIV prevention, new cases and mother to child transmission prevention. The trip to Nigeria ended at Amadou Bello University (in the north) with a conference with the University’s Vice Chancellor, College Deans and student leaders discussing issues on HIV education an a partnership with the Foundation.
Togo: Our relationship with the Paramount Chief, Tobin I. Semekonawo, and his 23 sub chiefs has given the Foundation great access to the local people who are very receptive to our games and prevention seminars. Both our partners Caciej and Lonlonyo who recently received medication from the Foundation worth USD $10,000.00 and monetary grants of USD $600.00 have scaled up their programs and have seen an increase in the number of people seeking their services especially free testing and counseling, medication and food. Their biggest problem still remains the lack of enough food and medication to give PLWA, orphan and vulnerable children when they come in for their regular visits. However, with both centers doing very well, the Foundation is expanding its services to “Clinic Clemence” a maternity for positive mothers and Gardegi, a local NGO working in the agricultural sector to educate people on issues of HIV/AIDS prevention.
Background: The Foundation focus on reducing healthcare imbalances by partnering with grassroots organizations and clinics to scale up interventions that will alleviate the HIV disease burden by granting Technical & Financial Assistance, Medications & Equipments to rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa affected by HIV/AIDS.
A Global Healthcare Public Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization with the IRS and all donations to the Foundation are tax deductable.
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