The African Renaissance is a concept that Africa, African people and African nations can overcome the challenges that they are currently confronting and achieve cultural, scientific, economic and social renewal. Popularised by Thabo Mbeki the former President of South Africa, the concept was first articulated in the 1990s and resonates with hope for a new and refreshed Africa.
What if any, is the role of the Mass Media in the African Renaissance?
The type of information that is produced by the mass media has a significant influence on the way that Africa and Africans can address particular socio-economic, development or environmental issues. Africa’s colonial background which resulted in the concentration of black people in small regions in the country with little access to resources, limited investment in development resulted in the excessive exploitation of natural resources for the benefit of the coloniser. Mass media coverage of such issues must reflect these imbalances for purposes of reconstruction and development in Africa.
The achievement of the African Renaissance requires that Africans develop a comprehensive information creation and dissemination system for all countries on the continent at both the national and sub-national levels. The information should reflect African development ethos, African development values, African development concepts and the fundamental aspect of Ubuntu. Mass media coverage needs to address the origins, the direction and path through which development issues should be addressed. The ability to develop such a system requires commitment from all African countries to work together and to allocate sufficient financial and institutional resources.
URTNA
URTNA is a professional body with more than 48 active member organizations committed to the development of all aspects of broadcasting in Africa. It encourages the exchange of indigenous programming via satellite and videocassette; strives to obtain preferential satellite tariffs to facilitate news and program exchange; represents the African point of view on legal matters such as conventions and agreements; and works with the ITU as an advisor for the PANAFTEL project.
Since 1972, a working group conducted jointly with other international organizations has been studying the contribution of communications satellites to education, culture, and development in Africa. URTNA has conducted a long-term project with governments of member organizations to evaluate rural telecommunications needs in Africa. URTNA also presents seminars, workshops, and conferences on topics such as news, educational broadcasting and television development of communications, satellite communications, and training.
URTNA is composed of the national radio and television organizations of African states that are members of the OAU. Associate members are national radio and/or television organizations from non-African countries.
The URTNA initiative was and still is a step in the right direction in terms of addressing Africa’s information needs. African countries will have to work together and possibly set aside their own national interests to ensure that poor countries spruce up investment in developing incountry Mass Media structures that can play an important role in bringing about reconstruction and development. Only through this approach will Africa be able to use the Mass Media to drive the African agenda for Africans and counter information from the north whose development agenda may not reflect the will and aspirations of the African continent. By so doing, Africans can slowly lift their standards of living to levels that may make the African Renaissance a reality.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Microbicides: What Do They Mean For Women?
What is a “microbicide”?
“Microbicide” (mī-KRO′-bĭ-sīd) just means anything that kills microbes (like bacteria and viruses). In connection with HIV prevention, a microbicide is any substance that can substantially reduce the risk of getting or transmitting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, when it is inserted in the vagina or rectum. No proven microbicides are on the market yet. But several candidate products are in clinical trials and the search to find one that is both safe and effective is ongoing.
What will microbicides look like and how will they work?
Some of the microbicide candidates look just like over-the-counter vaginal products—the gels, foams, films, and suppositories that are already sold for birth control or to treat vaginal infections. The difference is that microbicides are designed to stop HIV, instead of treating infections or preventing pregnancy.
Scientists are also developing some new formulations that can be used without an applicator and that women will be able to leave in place for weeks. A hollow vaginal ring (similar to the NuvaRing® contraceptive device), for example, might release the microbicide slowly for up to a month and provide round-the-clock protection.
Almost all candidate microbicides being tested right now are made with antiretroviral drugs, (ARVs ). These are the same types of drugs people who are HIV-positive use for treatment. They are re-formulated in lower doses as gels, films, etc. so they can be applied as a microbicide.
How effective would a microbicide be?
Male and female condoms are by far the most effective tools for preventing HIV infection when used consistently and correctly. But they often are not. Mathematical modelling has shown that, if a woman uses a 50% effective microbicide at least 50% of the times she has sex, her risk of HIV would be lower overall than if her partner uses a condom only once in a while (for example if he uses it only two out of every ten times they have sex).
The effectiveness of a method is shaped by:
(1) how effective the prevention tool is and
(2) how often people use it.
Less effective methods used regularly protect better than more effective methods used occasionally.
Microbicides will likely be much less effective than condoms (perhaps in the 40% - 60% range) on a “per sex act” basis. But people who do not use condoms every time—especially women whose partners often refuse condoms—could benefit from a microbicide that they could apply, themselves, every time they have sex.
Prevention tools are just one part of what is needed for women to protect themselves from HIV. More work must also be done on the structural issues that make it hard for women to insist on condoms in the first place—like not having the economic opportunities and social autonomy to make their own choices about sex.
When and how will microbicides be available?
When: Developing new drugs is a complicated process. It often takes more than a decade to find one that is both safe and effective. At each step along the way, potential products are dropped because they fail to meet the necessary standards. Only about one out of 100 original candidates make it to the final stages of testing.
The trial results of a candidate microbicide called tenofovir will be announced in 2010. If the trial shows that tenofovir gel is effective, it will likely take another larger trial to confirm the product is effective. The current trial is a phase IIB, and regulators may require a phase III trial to confirm the results. Even after a successful phase III trial, it could take two to three years for the product to be reviewed and licensed in countries where it would be first introduced. Several candidates are already in the testing pipeline but have not yet progressed to full-scale effectiveness trials.
How:
How a microbicide is made available will depend partly on whether it is ARV-based or non-ARV-based. ARV-based microbicides are likely to be more potent against HIV and may be longer-lasting. But they also might cause more side effects, including a particular problem called drug resistance , if they are accidentally used by someone who is HIV-positive already. For this reason, women will have to see a health care provider and get an HIV test before receiving these products. They will only be available by prescription.
Non-ARV-based microbicides may be less effective against HIV than ARV-based products. And they may have to be used closer to the time of sex (likely within a few hours) because they may be harder to put into time-released devices like vaginal rings. But it is likely that non-ARV-based microbicides could be available over-the-counter in shops, without a prescription. Each type of product has advantages and disadvantages.
What could microbicides mean for women?
The possibility of a microbicide offers real hope to women who want to have their own HIV prevention tools, as well as to both women and men who have anal sex and want additional methods of protection.
Many women participating in microbicide trials have said that they would probably tell a male partner if they were using something for HIV prevention—even if the method is not as obvious to him as condoms. But, unlike condoms, microbicide use wouldn’t require a partner’s active cooperation. Talking about microbicides could be a one time conversation and does not have to happen right before sex. After that, the woman could use them on her own without need to “negotiate” or interrupt sexual spontaneity every time.
Here are some other questions women have raised about microbicides:
“If my man knows I am using microbicides to prevent HIV, will he still use condoms?” His refusal to use one could raise her risk, even if she has a microbicide. On the other hand, women in some microbicide trials report that using a lubricating gel along with condoms makes sex more pleasurable for both partners. Some say this actually makes negotiation for condom use easier for them (that is they can say to their partners “I will use the gel if you use the condom”).
“What will people say about me if they find out I’m using a microbicide?” Even if she is at high HIV risk, a woman may choose not to use a microbicide if she fears that doing so will make people will think she is promiscuous. So messages to promote them must steer around this kind of stigma.
“How much will it cost and where will I get it?” In many countries, it will be essential for governments and development agencies to purchase microbicides in bulk and distribute them through public health agencies and social marketers at little or no cost. No matter how well it works, a microbicide that costs much more than a male condom will not be within reach of all women who need it.
What are the advocacy issues?
Collectively, we need to advocate for stronger support for the research and development of both ARV-based and non-ARV-based microbicides. We also need much more data on some important questions, such as how these products will affect pregnancy, breast-feeding, and the lives of women already living with HIV. Most importantly, we need to start addressing the cost and access issues now while research is still underway. Those who will eventually use microbicides must be involved in setting research priorities and helping to find answers to these questions. After all, microbicides are all about putting HIV prevention into women’s hands.
“Microbicide” (mī-KRO′-bĭ-sīd) just means anything that kills microbes (like bacteria and viruses). In connection with HIV prevention, a microbicide is any substance that can substantially reduce the risk of getting or transmitting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, when it is inserted in the vagina or rectum. No proven microbicides are on the market yet. But several candidate products are in clinical trials and the search to find one that is both safe and effective is ongoing.
What will microbicides look like and how will they work?
Some of the microbicide candidates look just like over-the-counter vaginal products—the gels, foams, films, and suppositories that are already sold for birth control or to treat vaginal infections. The difference is that microbicides are designed to stop HIV, instead of treating infections or preventing pregnancy.
Scientists are also developing some new formulations that can be used without an applicator and that women will be able to leave in place for weeks. A hollow vaginal ring (similar to the NuvaRing® contraceptive device), for example, might release the microbicide slowly for up to a month and provide round-the-clock protection.
Almost all candidate microbicides being tested right now are made with antiretroviral drugs, (ARVs ). These are the same types of drugs people who are HIV-positive use for treatment. They are re-formulated in lower doses as gels, films, etc. so they can be applied as a microbicide.
How effective would a microbicide be?
Male and female condoms are by far the most effective tools for preventing HIV infection when used consistently and correctly. But they often are not. Mathematical modelling has shown that, if a woman uses a 50% effective microbicide at least 50% of the times she has sex, her risk of HIV would be lower overall than if her partner uses a condom only once in a while (for example if he uses it only two out of every ten times they have sex).
The effectiveness of a method is shaped by:
(1) how effective the prevention tool is and
(2) how often people use it.
Less effective methods used regularly protect better than more effective methods used occasionally.
Microbicides will likely be much less effective than condoms (perhaps in the 40% - 60% range) on a “per sex act” basis. But people who do not use condoms every time—especially women whose partners often refuse condoms—could benefit from a microbicide that they could apply, themselves, every time they have sex.
Prevention tools are just one part of what is needed for women to protect themselves from HIV. More work must also be done on the structural issues that make it hard for women to insist on condoms in the first place—like not having the economic opportunities and social autonomy to make their own choices about sex.
When and how will microbicides be available?
When: Developing new drugs is a complicated process. It often takes more than a decade to find one that is both safe and effective. At each step along the way, potential products are dropped because they fail to meet the necessary standards. Only about one out of 100 original candidates make it to the final stages of testing.
The trial results of a candidate microbicide called tenofovir will be announced in 2010. If the trial shows that tenofovir gel is effective, it will likely take another larger trial to confirm the product is effective. The current trial is a phase IIB, and regulators may require a phase III trial to confirm the results. Even after a successful phase III trial, it could take two to three years for the product to be reviewed and licensed in countries where it would be first introduced. Several candidates are already in the testing pipeline but have not yet progressed to full-scale effectiveness trials.
How:
How a microbicide is made available will depend partly on whether it is ARV-based or non-ARV-based. ARV-based microbicides are likely to be more potent against HIV and may be longer-lasting. But they also might cause more side effects, including a particular problem called drug resistance , if they are accidentally used by someone who is HIV-positive already. For this reason, women will have to see a health care provider and get an HIV test before receiving these products. They will only be available by prescription.
Non-ARV-based microbicides may be less effective against HIV than ARV-based products. And they may have to be used closer to the time of sex (likely within a few hours) because they may be harder to put into time-released devices like vaginal rings. But it is likely that non-ARV-based microbicides could be available over-the-counter in shops, without a prescription. Each type of product has advantages and disadvantages.
What could microbicides mean for women?
The possibility of a microbicide offers real hope to women who want to have their own HIV prevention tools, as well as to both women and men who have anal sex and want additional methods of protection.
Many women participating in microbicide trials have said that they would probably tell a male partner if they were using something for HIV prevention—even if the method is not as obvious to him as condoms. But, unlike condoms, microbicide use wouldn’t require a partner’s active cooperation. Talking about microbicides could be a one time conversation and does not have to happen right before sex. After that, the woman could use them on her own without need to “negotiate” or interrupt sexual spontaneity every time.
Here are some other questions women have raised about microbicides:
“If my man knows I am using microbicides to prevent HIV, will he still use condoms?” His refusal to use one could raise her risk, even if she has a microbicide. On the other hand, women in some microbicide trials report that using a lubricating gel along with condoms makes sex more pleasurable for both partners. Some say this actually makes negotiation for condom use easier for them (that is they can say to their partners “I will use the gel if you use the condom”).
“What will people say about me if they find out I’m using a microbicide?” Even if she is at high HIV risk, a woman may choose not to use a microbicide if she fears that doing so will make people will think she is promiscuous. So messages to promote them must steer around this kind of stigma.
“How much will it cost and where will I get it?” In many countries, it will be essential for governments and development agencies to purchase microbicides in bulk and distribute them through public health agencies and social marketers at little or no cost. No matter how well it works, a microbicide that costs much more than a male condom will not be within reach of all women who need it.
What are the advocacy issues?
Collectively, we need to advocate for stronger support for the research and development of both ARV-based and non-ARV-based microbicides. We also need much more data on some important questions, such as how these products will affect pregnancy, breast-feeding, and the lives of women already living with HIV. Most importantly, we need to start addressing the cost and access issues now while research is still underway. Those who will eventually use microbicides must be involved in setting research priorities and helping to find answers to these questions. After all, microbicides are all about putting HIV prevention into women’s hands.
M2010: Building Bridges in HIV Prevention
Researchers, policy-makers, community advocates, and other individuals with an interest in the field of HIV / AIDS in general, will this year convege in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,USA for the 2010 International Microbicides Conference (M2010). The conference, whose theme is: Building bridges in HIV Prevention will be held from 22 - 25 May 2010.
M2010 will this year inspire more integrated information-sharing and collaboration with themed symposiums that are replacing previous conference scientific tracks. This new format will be representative of the current state of the field of microbicides as it "bridges" across populations, approaches, and disciplines.
Conference Objectives are:
1. To provide updates on HIV prevention research including, but not limited to,
microbicides;
2. To provide a forum for the discussion of new developments in HIV prevention
research including basic science, clinical, social science, behavioral,
community and advocacy issues; and
3. To present opportunities for knowledge-sharing between HIV prevention
researchers, public health workers, communities, and advocacy organizations.
Plenary sessions will include some of the following:
- Updates on microbicide development
- Community issues in HIV prevention
- Biology of HIV transmission
- The role of social science in HIV prevention & HIV vaccines
- Rolling out an effective prevention strategy
The International Microbicides Conference (M2010)is held once every two years and will this year see approximately 1,500 delegates attend this prestigious event from around the world.
M2010 will this year inspire more integrated information-sharing and collaboration with themed symposiums that are replacing previous conference scientific tracks. This new format will be representative of the current state of the field of microbicides as it "bridges" across populations, approaches, and disciplines.
Conference Objectives are:
1. To provide updates on HIV prevention research including, but not limited to,
microbicides;
2. To provide a forum for the discussion of new developments in HIV prevention
research including basic science, clinical, social science, behavioral,
community and advocacy issues; and
3. To present opportunities for knowledge-sharing between HIV prevention
researchers, public health workers, communities, and advocacy organizations.
Plenary sessions will include some of the following:
- Updates on microbicide development
- Community issues in HIV prevention
- Biology of HIV transmission
- The role of social science in HIV prevention & HIV vaccines
- Rolling out an effective prevention strategy
The International Microbicides Conference (M2010)is held once every two years and will this year see approximately 1,500 delegates attend this prestigious event from around the world.
Media & the HIV/AIDS landscape
"When you are working to combat a disastrous and growing emergency, you should use every tool at your disposal. HIV/AIDS is the worst epidemic humanity has ever faced.… Broadcast media have tremendous reach and influence, particularly with young people, who represent the future and who are the key to any successful fight against HIV/AIDS. We must seek to engage these powerful organisations as full partners in the fight to halt HIV/AIDS through awareness, prevention, and education."
(Kofi Annan, UNAIDS, 2004).
The words of the former UN chief, remind us of the urgency with which operatives in the fight against HIV/AIDS need to mobilise media resources as much as all other resources to tap into the "tremendous reach and influence, particularly with young people."
Traditionally, the role of the media was put into three categories:
1. Educate
2. Inform
3. Entertain
Education
The media is still seen, in many parts of the world as a tool for education. To this extend, early scholars were encouraged to scurry through magazines and newspapers to improve their knowledge as well as their English. This was done with the understanding that those working behind the scenes to provide media products had thoroughly looked at their content before passing it off to their consumers.
Inform
The media played the important role of bringing information to the listening, reading or viewing public. Programmes were produced, columns published, which carried in-depth analyses of issues. Researchers referred to articles and news clips in their findings. This role, has remained, albeit, its abuse by the media.
Entertain
The media has for years religiously pursued the role of entertainment. Movies, film, video technology, the internet, music on radio and television, magazine stories - all have maintained a grip on the entertainment starved public. Over the years, especially in the wake of the AIDS pandemic, scholars have at many a forum discussed the role if any, that the media can play in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The effects of media consumption on people's attitudes and behaviour regarding sex are should be increasing interest to policy makers and program planners. Of much concern is the extent to which frequent consumption of media with high levels of sexual content is made available, against low levels of counter portrayal of responsible sexual conduct.
The questions then could be: "How can the mass media be used to promote responsible sexual behaviour?" Can HIV/AIDS media prevention interventions be done in a social context and a culturally sensitive manner that does not erode the impact and effect of the message in the eyes of culture gate-keepers?
Organisations working to use the media need to come up comprehensive proactive media plans if their messages are to be effective.
(Kofi Annan, UNAIDS, 2004).
The words of the former UN chief, remind us of the urgency with which operatives in the fight against HIV/AIDS need to mobilise media resources as much as all other resources to tap into the "tremendous reach and influence, particularly with young people."
Traditionally, the role of the media was put into three categories:
1. Educate
2. Inform
3. Entertain
Education
The media is still seen, in many parts of the world as a tool for education. To this extend, early scholars were encouraged to scurry through magazines and newspapers to improve their knowledge as well as their English. This was done with the understanding that those working behind the scenes to provide media products had thoroughly looked at their content before passing it off to their consumers.
Inform
The media played the important role of bringing information to the listening, reading or viewing public. Programmes were produced, columns published, which carried in-depth analyses of issues. Researchers referred to articles and news clips in their findings. This role, has remained, albeit, its abuse by the media.
Entertain
The media has for years religiously pursued the role of entertainment. Movies, film, video technology, the internet, music on radio and television, magazine stories - all have maintained a grip on the entertainment starved public. Over the years, especially in the wake of the AIDS pandemic, scholars have at many a forum discussed the role if any, that the media can play in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The effects of media consumption on people's attitudes and behaviour regarding sex are should be increasing interest to policy makers and program planners. Of much concern is the extent to which frequent consumption of media with high levels of sexual content is made available, against low levels of counter portrayal of responsible sexual conduct.
The questions then could be: "How can the mass media be used to promote responsible sexual behaviour?" Can HIV/AIDS media prevention interventions be done in a social context and a culturally sensitive manner that does not erode the impact and effect of the message in the eyes of culture gate-keepers?
Organisations working to use the media need to come up comprehensive proactive media plans if their messages are to be effective.
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