Publications

SQ-109 falls into the class of drugs known as ethylenediamines. The compound was discovered by Sequella Inc in collaboration with the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH). A solid phase method was developed to synthesize more than 63 000 compounds based on the 1,2-ethylenediamine structure of ethambutol. Using a high-throughput screening assay, compounds were identified that affected genes activated during cell membrane repair by the TB bacilli. Given the potential of SQ109, this report explores the patent landscape and considers possible access issues relating to the drug should it become available on the market.

Sutezolid belongs to the oxazolidinone class of compounds, which function as protein synthesis inhibitors and were first discovered in the mid-1980s. Linezolid was the first compound of the oxazolidinone class to be approved for treatment of TB. It is most commonly used to treat drug-resistant TB. However, linezolid’s use has been limited by toxicity concerns, particularly haematological effects after periods of treatment over 14 days. Given the potential of sutezolid, this report explores the patent landscape and considers possible access issues relating to the drug should it become available on the market.

As national incomes have risen across diverse countries--along with the burden of noncommunicable diseases--demand has intensified for quality, affordable health services. Many countries today are actively seeking to bring about universal health coverage--ensuring quality health services for all at a price that does not create undue financial pressure for individuals seeking care. The effort has stirred expanded interest and guidance from international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the World Bank, and led to new platforms for developing countries to learn from each other. While universal health coverage will provide new funding and opportunities, including for the private sector, there is a need for dynamic, transparent negotiations among all health constituents, to forge enduring, feasible arrangements that ensure quality services reach all populations and make the best use of scarce health resources. 

This report documents the presentations and discussions from the China National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community Dialogue (16–18 August 2013, Beijing), the Asia-China Transgender Community Roundtable (11 November 2013, Beijing), as well as additional desk research.  The Dialogue generated a comprehensive overview of the social, cultural and legal environment where Chinese LGBT people live and LGBT NGOs operate and included in-depth discussions on LGBT rights in China in the areas of: health, education, family, media, community development, employment and the law.

Collecting and reporting high-quality results on the AIDS response are important elements of our agenda for shared responsibility and global solidarity. UNAIDS is determined to support you in this endeavour and has prepared these guidelines toward this end. I invite you to submit your monitoring data, HIV estimates and a narrative report for the year 2013 by 31 March 2014. The results of your next round of reporting will be used to inform several reports in 2014, including the UNAIDS Global Report.

In the current fourth phase of National AIDS Control Programme (NACP-IV), Department of AIDS Control is planning to scale up HIV prevention interventions among hijras/transgender people. The aim of this research synthesis was to summarise the current information on the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the extent and contexts behind sexual risk behaviours among male-to-female (MtF) transgender populations. This synthesis is expected to inform current and future actions to address the HIV/STI-related health needs of MtF transgender populations, and contribute to fine-tuning HIV programme and research agenda.

Gender –based Violence (GBV), which is a gender neutral term by definition, but affecting mostly women, and cutting across all strata of the society, widespread both in the developed and developing world and Maldives is no exception. The land mark study (WHLE Study) conducted in 2004 showed that 1 in 3 women aged 15-49 have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. This includes intimate partner violence, sexual violence by family members, colleagues at work and stress, as well as childhood sexual abuse.  

This report provides evidence of raised expectations translated into figures and a ‘calling-to-account’ of the key players in the national response to AIDS. There is a rising expectation on the Nauru's government, not only to honour the commitment to the Political Declaration on AIDS endorsed in 2011 but also to ensure that the interventions set out to reach the commitments are successful, constructive and accountable. Common objectives such as reaching ‘Universal Access to Prevention, Care and Treatment’ and the Political Declaration of 2011 helped realize that HIV is one of the world’s challenges which is too interconnected and complex for any country to handle. These challenges further consolidate the need for greater collaboration between government and civil society.

The report, entitled ‘Why Do Some Men Use Violence Against Women and How Can We Prevent It? Quantitative Findings from the UN Multi-country Study on Men and Violence in Asia and the Pacific’ was conducted in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea. It explores the prevalence of men’s use of violence against women in the survey sites, and shows what factors make men more or less likely to use violence.

In 2011, the fourth round of the Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS) was led by the Department of Health. The IHBSS would provide crucial strategic information that would influence and provide direction for policies, programs, and services to help address the escalating epidemic of HIV in the Philippines and its consequent burden. The most-at-risk populations (MARPS) were included in the surveillance and in this report - Males who have sex with Males (MSM), Female Sex Workers (FSW), and Injecting Drug Users (IDU).