Random and Rational Approaches to HIV Discovery in Africa


Book Description

The drug discovery and development process is an inherently lengthy endevour, with the devlopment of a compund from initial discovery to market approval averaging between 10 and >15 years. It is also widely acknowldeged as a costly endevour although the precise costs, and the methodology to calculate them, have been highly debated. [partial abstract].




Drug Discovery in Africa


Book Description

Drug discovery originating in Africa has the potential to provide significantly improved treatment of endemic diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. This book critically reviews the current status of drug discovery research and development in Africa, for diseases that are a major threat to the health of people living in Africa. Compiled by leading African and international experts, this book presents the science and strategies of modern drug discovery. It explores how the use of natural products and traditional medicines can benefit from conventional drug discovery approaches, and proposes solutions to current technological, infrastructural, human resources, and economic challenges, which are presented when attempting to engage in full-scale drug discovery. Topics addressed are varied; from African medicinal plants to marine bioprospecting, pharmacogenetics and the use of nanotechnology. This book brings together for the first time a collection of strategies and techniques that need to be considered when developing drugs in an African setting. It is an unprecedented and truly international effort, highlighting the remarkable effort made so far in the area of drug discovery research by African scientists, and scientists from other parts of the world working on African health problems.




Preventing and Mitigating AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa


Book Description

The AIDS epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to affect all facets of life throughout the subcontinent. Deaths related to AIDS have driven down the life expectancy rate of residents in Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda with far-reaching implications. This book details the current state of the AIDS epidemic in Africa and what is known about the behaviors that contribute to the transmission of the HIV infection. It lays out what research is needed and what is necessary to design more effective prevention programs.




Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 6)


Book Description

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death globally, particularly among children and young adults. The spread of new pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance pose particular challenges in combating these diseases. Major Infectious Diseases identifies feasible, cost-effective packages of interventions and strategies across delivery platforms to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, adult febrile illness, viral hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases. The volume emphasizes the need to effectively address emerging antimicrobial resistance, strengthen health systems, and increase access to care. The attainable goals are to reduce incidence, develop innovative approaches, and optimize existing tools in resource-constrained settings.




Consolidated Guidelines on the Use of Antiretroviral Drugs for Treating and Preventing HIV Infection


Book Description

These guidelines provide guidance on the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection and the care of people living with HIV. They are structured along the continuum of HIV testing, prevention, treatment and care. This edition updates the 2013 consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs following an extensive review of evidence and consultations in mid-2015, shared at the end of 2015, and now published in full in 2016. It is being published in a changing global context for HIV and for health more broadly.




HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On


Book Description

Much has happened since the first appearance of AIDS in 1981: it has been identified, studied, and occasionally denied. The virus has shifted host populations and spread globally. Medicine, the social sciences, and world governments have joined forces to combat and prevent the disease. And South Africa has emerged as ground zero for the pandemic. The editors of HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On present the South African crisis as a template for addressing the myriad issues surrounding the epidemic worldwide, as the book brings together a widely scattered body of literature, analyzes psychosocial and sexual aspects contributing to HIV transmission and prevention, and delves into complex intersections of race, gender, class, and politics. Including largely overlooked populations and issues (e.g., prisoners, persons with disabilities, stigma), as well as challenges shaping future research and policy, the contributors approach their topics with rare depth, meticulous research, carefully drawn conclusions, and profound compassion. Among the topics covered: The relationship between HIV and poverty, starting from the question, "Which is the determinant and which is the consequence?" Epidemiology of HIV among women and men: concepts of femininity and masculinity, and gender inequities as they affect HIV risk; gender-specific prevention and intervention strategies. The impact of AIDS on infants and young children: risk and protective factors; care of children by HIV-positive mothers; HIV-infected children. Current prevention and treatment projects, including local-level responses, community-based work, and VCT (voluntary counseling and testing) programs. New directions: promoting circumcision, vaccine trials, "positive prevention." South Africa’s history of AIDS denialism. The urgent lessons in this book apply both globally and locally, making HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On uniquely instructive and useful for professionals working in HIV/AIDS and global public health.




South African National HIV Prevalence, HIV Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey, 2005


Book Description

A follow-up to the Nelson Mandela Foundation's 2002 national household survey of HIV/AIDS prevalence in South Africa, this 2005 report seeks to provide further understanding of the HIV pandemic. Using data that tested for HIV incidence rather than just using mortality statistics, this study looks at which socio-demographic groups are most vulnerab≤ whether new policies have been successful in fighting the disease; what exactly is being done by key players, such as the government, churches, and other civil society organizations; and how the spread of HIV can be reduced in South Africa.




The Idea of Development in Africa


Book Description

An engaging history of how the idea of development has shaped Africa's past and present encounters with the West.




Phenotypic Drug Discovery


Book Description

Phenotypic drug discovery has been highlighted in the past decade as an important strategy in the discovery of new medical entities. How many marketed drugs are derived from phenotypic screens? From the most recent examples, what were the factors enabling target identification and validation? This book answers these questions by elaborating on fundamental capabilities required for phenotypic drug discovery and using case studies to illustrate approaches and key success factors. Written and edited by experienced practitioners from both industry and academia, this publication will equip researchers with a thought-provoking guide to the application and future development of contemporary phenotypic drug discovery for clinical success.




Education and HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean


Book Description

"Whilst a cure for HIV/AIDS continues to elude scientists, the number of HIV/AIDS cases continues to increase. Education becomes the key to curtailing the spread of the disease. Education and HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean describes the impact of HIV/AIDS on education in both the global and Caribbean contexts and outlines the lessons to be learnt from the global experience. The aim of the book is not only to highlight the role of education in HIV/AIDS prevention but also to look specifically at the education sector, its role and response, as well as the management of the response. It also intends to ensure that the education sector recognises the crucial role it must play in reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS. The text is complete with illustrations on the socioeconomic, health and gender aspects of the disease, and is a useful resource for anyone wanting to obtain precise information about the impact of the disease in the Caribbean. "