via Citizen News Service, by Bobby Ramakant At the recently concluded XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012), not only the decibels went up on ending AIDS but also sane voices were heard demanding a well-costed and thought-through strategy on how to end AIDS. One of the strategies that will complement a comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care and Read More >>

via aidsmap, by Gus Cairns A large, randomised sample of 21-year-old Thai men, presented at the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington recently, has found that by far the largest risk factor for HIV infection is gay identity. Contrary to the oft-quoted saying “it’s not who you are, but what you do,” actual male/male sexual behaviour, while Read More >>

via Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report In the United States, an estimated 48,100 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occurred in 2009 (1). Of these, 27% were in heterosexual men and women who did not inject drugs, and 64% were in men who have sex with men (MSM), including 3% in MSM who inject drugs. In January Read More >>

[Citizen News Service and IRMA are collaborating to amplify rectal microbicide research and advocacy, as well as IRMA-led initiatives, throughout AIDS 2012, and after.] via Citizen News Service, by Jittima Jantanamalaka Despite alarming HIV rates amongst the men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, many countries, community leaders, media and society at large continue Read More >>

[Citizen News Service and IRMA are collaborating to amplify rectal microbicide research and advocacy, as well as IRMA-led initiatives, throughout AIDS 2012.] via Citizens News Service, by Bobby Ramakant It is indeed promising to note the momentum rectal microbicides research and development has attained, more so when there is a global call to end AIDS at the Read More >>

via San Francisco AIDS Foundation What if a lube could help prevent HIV infection during sex? Microbicide researchers and advocates are hoping to answer that question and create a new HIV prevention tool—and a sexy one at that, if rectal microbicides advocate Jim Pickett has his way. A microbicide is a chemical agent (such as a drug) Read More >>

via the Commission on HIV and the Law The end of the global AIDS epidemic is within our reach. This will only be possible if science and action are accompanied by a tangible commitment to respecting human dignity and ending injustice. Law prohibits or permits specific behaviours, and in so doing, it shapes politics, economics and society. Read More >>

via bmj.com, by Anthony Lyons ABSTRACT Objectives To determine whether there is a link between age at first anal intercourse (AFAI) and gay men’s HIV/sexually transmissible infection (STI) vulnerability, including tendencies to engage in higher risk sexual behaviour. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted online involving 845 Australian gay men born between 1944 and 1993. Results Read More >>

On May 10, 2012 the FDA Antiviral Drug Advisory Committee strongly recommended that emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC or Truvada) be approved for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among sexually active adult men and women – particularly gay men and other MSM, serodiscordant heterosexual couples, and other individuals at high risk. It is likely the FDA will follow Read More >>

via Journal of Sex Research, by Alex Carballo-Diégueza, Timothy Frascaa, Curtis Dolezala & Ivan Balana Abstract The Food and Drug Administration may license OraQuick™, a rapid HIV test, for over-the-counter (OTC) sale. This study investigated whether HIV-uninfected, non-monogamous, gay and bisexual men who never or rarely use condoms would use the test with partners as a harm-reduction approach. Read More >>