A Tanzanian prostitute who addressed an International Labor Organization-sponsored conference in Tanzania described the dangers faced by sex workers and demanded the immediate legalization of prostitution. It was the first time in Tanzania that a woman publicly described the experiences of prostitutes, African Eye News Service reports.
Equity in Health
TANZANIA: Prostitutes Press For Legalization Of Trade
TANZANIA: Shipment of 10 million condoms blocked
A shipment of 10 million condoms, imported by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) for free distribution across Tanzania, is currently being held in Dar es Salaam harbour, awaiting clearance after confusion as to whether they have passed quality control requirements.
Tanzania: Social determinants of health mapping report
Tanzania Social Determinants of Health Network (SDH-Net): February 2013
This Mapping Report presents an overview of the social determinants of health (SDH) landscape in Tanzania. It specifically looks at SDH's conceptualisation and role in addressing health inequalities, SHD-related policies, research trends, priorities and capacity needs. The report is based on a desk review of available SDH-related research from 2005 onwards, complemented with in-depth interviews with 34 individuals from a cross-section of institutions. Results showed that conceptualisation of SDH varied, but most interviewees linked it to inequities or inequalities. A number of organisations in the country are working towards achieving health equity, some involved in research and others in disseminating information. Nationally there is no SDH-specific research and/or policy portfolio. While there are no policies, programmes or legislation related to SDH, reducing inequities is central to Tanzania’s Vision 2025 and the National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty. Interviewees suggested strengthening Tanzania’s health system by establishing an SDH consortium to manage and consolidate various aspects of SDH research.
TB and HIV programmes prepared to merge at long last
HIV-associated illnesses are creating a six percent annual increase in the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases across sub-Saharan Africa. According to new joint programme planners, the TB/HIV co-epidemics will only be effectively addressed by integrated interventions for early detection and treatment of both diseases. A new policy document just released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) provides national governments and TB/HIV programme managers with immediate and crucial guidance on how this can be achieved under particular circumstances.
Further details: /newsletter/id/30006
Telephone Hotlines Provide HIV/AIDS Information in Africa
Two African nations struggling to cope with the HIV/AIDS epidemic have launched telephone hotline systems to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information about the disease. Callers in Nigeria and South Africa concerned about such basic questions as how the virus is transmitted, where to get tested, and how effective condoms are in preventing HIV/AIDS now have the answers at their fingertips.
Ten Years On - Have we got what we ordered?
South African Health Review
The promotion of equity in health is one of the basic ideologies underlying South African health policy. Therefore, it is befitting after ten years of democracy to gauge how far the health system has moved towards providing equitable health services to all citizens is concerned. This 2003/04 South African Health Review, the 9th edition, consists of an overview and 24 chapters, each describing a key health concern. Unlike many of the previous Reviews, this year's is data driven. It uses different sources of information to measure and assess the health and well-being of South Africans quantitatively. An overview of the key achievements and challenges is given in the chapter Ten years on have we got what we ordered?
Testimony to Senate on 'Halting the Global Spread of HIV/AIDS
Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director
The AIDS epidemic is different from any other epidemic the world has faced, and as such, requires a response from the global community that is broader and deeper than has ever before been mobilized against a disease. Twenty years since the world first became aware of AIDS three things have become clear: that humanity is facing the most devastating epidemic in human history, the impact of which threatens development and prosperity in major regions of the world; that for all the devastation it has already caused, the AIDS epidemic is still in its early stages; and that we are in a position to bring the epidemic under control.
Testing the market for the female condom in Zambia
The female condom could reduce the spread of HIV by increasing the prevention options available to sexually active adults. Marketing of the female condom at subsidised prices began in Lusaka, Zambia, in 1997. How effective has this been? Do people know about female condoms and are they likely to use them?
The 7th edition of the World Social Forum
World Social Forum
The World Social Forum On Health Policital Agenda was held in Nairobi, Kenya on 21-23 January 2007. The theme for the 7th edition of the World Social Forum is “People’s Struggles, People’s Alternatives”. The 7th edition of the World Social Forum brings the world to Africa as activists, social movements, networks, coalitions and other progressive forces from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe and all corners of the African continent converge in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Addis Ababa Declaration on Global Health Equity: A call to action
World Federation Of Public Health Associations (WFPHA): May 2012
More than 3,000 delegates from approximately 120 countries assembled at the 13th World Congress on Public Health in Addis Ababa from the 23rd to 27th of April 2012. In this statement, delegates re-affirm their commitment to international agreements enshrining health as a human right. They also pledge to promote innovative research to generate evidence on the social determinants of health and health equity, as well as advocate for: evidence-based policy; making health equity an integral part of policy and development; equitable access to high quality health services; and fair trade in all commodities that affect human health. The Federation further intends to strengthen partnerships and networks to take common action on global public health priorities, share experiences and help build capacity.