AIDS United’s Post

Michael Tibollo, Sylvia Jones, and Doug Ford our time is almost up. Safe consumption sites save lives. We have known this since the first SCS opened in Europe in 1986. It is one of the reasons your government committed itself to funding 21 Consumption and Treatment Services sites when they first came to power in 2018 (15 were funded prior to the PC Government coming to power at the end of 2018, 2 were funded in your first term, and 0 have been funded since that time). Greater Sudbury's site submitted it's request for funding in August 2021, 9 months prior to you calling the last election. We received our Federal exemption in May of 2022 which was the final hurdle to your government approving Sudbury's application. This was followed by 22 months of silence (and was 16 months before you announced a pause on opening future sites) for what should have only been a cursory review (2-4 weeks) and a quick approval as we had met all your requirements. Now we have 4.5 days before Minoogawbi, La Place, The Spot - Sudbury's safe consumption site will be forced to close and 6 days before Safe Health Site Timmins will have to do the same. Northern Ontario's drug related fatality rates are already 3x higher than the Provincial average. Studies have recently shown that the presence of a safe consumption site can reduce fatalities by up to 67% (and ~60% within a five kilometre radius of the site). SCS and harm reduction policies have been proven to reduce the spread of HIV, Hep C, and other bloodborn illnesses. They have a measurable impact on the number of fatal overdoses. They create a sense of community and safety for PWUD that INCLUDES healthcare professionals & peers. They connect clients to housing and social services, medical and nursing care, they empower individuals by creating a safe environment free of stigma and discrimination. This increased sense of autonomy and trust helps individuals to find a sense of balance in their lives which plays a critical role in PWUD being successful when they are ready to seek out treatment options (ex. voluntarily reducing their consumption; safer supply options; treatment programs; etc.). We have already seen early indications of failure from the Alberta UCP governments, "treatment first" modality. RCMP are reporting a doubling of emergency phone calls and a 25% increase in fatalities since they implemented their policy changes. I understand that harm reduction is not fully understood by many of your supporters but the data does not lie. It saves lives. It reduces the spread of illness. It empowers people to make healthier choices. It is fiscally responsible by reducing the tax burden on the health care system, emergency services, and the criminial justice system (ROI estimates are between 1:5 and 1:8 - No study shows a financial loss for these programs). We need your help and we need it today. Unless, "For the People" really only means, "For our voters and funders". #onpoli #GetItDone #nurse

AIDS. A disease that is so negatively looked upon. A stigma – no matter how much we have progressed, those suffering from it are shunned from communities.   I believe in a more compassionate world, a world where everyone plays a role in making the world a slightly better place with each passing day. This includes supporting causes that make a real difference in people's lives, which is why, and pardon how ‘in your face’ this might be, I’m proud to say that the TEAM LEWIS Foundation empowers me to make a difference. Together, we believe in using our resources to make a positive impact on the world. Creativity thrives when communities thrive, and supporting organizations like the Malaysian Aids Council is a promising commitment in building a better, positive future.   The fight against AIDS is far from over, but together we can make a difference. If you, my fellow connections, would like to support this cause, head on over to https://mac.org.my/v4/ to find out more. Quick shoutout to Reuben Yuvaraj for helping me see the bigger picture and create more value in the world (and maybe a few reality checks in between)!

Over Dead Bodies for a Profit (own report) – According to an inquiry report published last week, contaminated blood plasma products from the Bayer Group in Germany, and others, caused the deaths of around 3,000 people. 30,000 people – mainly hemophiliacs who are dependent on blood clotting products – were infected with HIV or Hepatitis C. The report speaks in terms of avoidable deaths and raises serious accusations of the health system and politicians in authority. On the other hand, it refrains from criticising the pharmceutical industry. That Bayer and other companies had had detailed information about the risks of transmission, is apparent from company internal documents. In addition, for a prolonged period, they had refused to adopt virus inactivation methods to preserve their profits. When the USA and a growing number of European countries were making heat treatment of blood products a condition for certification, the companies exported their old stockpiles to Asia and Latin America. Victims are demanding an official apology. Initiatives critical of the company are demanding that the company assume a share of the compensation payments of around eleven billion euros promised by London.

With the growing concerns for the increasing drug-resistant STIs, the management contribution by community pharmacists is o importance. Dr. Araba Hutton-Nyameaye investigated STIs management by community pharmacists in the Ho Municipality. Read our new publication shedding light on this phenomenon in Ghana: https://lnkd.in/dhm-Cv8K

Important Announcement: The WHO Team- Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, GAP-F have identified oral amphotericin B on their priority list for development in the treatment of leishmaniasis for children (see page 27 of the report for details). NGDI-UBC researchers have developed a novel oral amphotericin B formulation that is cost effective, safe, tropically stable, accessible and with positive human phase 1a/1b safety data (see references 53-55 cited in the report). #beatntds #hopeforleishmaniasis #savinglives #pediatrictherapy #worldchildrensday

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 🩸 Today, I join the world to raise awareness, and promote prevention for the most prevalent and traumatic genetic disorder in Africa. What is Sickle Cell Disease?👇 𝐒𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞(𝐒𝐂𝐃) is a hereditary blood disorder caused by the production of abnormal haemoglobin molecules. This disorder continues to inflict physical, psychological, and financial pain in SCD warriors, caregivers, and family members, and it should be treated as a public health priority by health institutions. 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑𝐏𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐂𝐃 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥: 1) 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭: Genotype testing/genetic counseling, early infant screening, and education can prevent emergence of new cases. 2) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞: Promote healthy living and comprehensive care for those living with SCD. By advocating for regular medical check-ups, proper hydration, and avoiding stressors, we can help manage the disease effectively. 3) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭: Protect the vulnerable by ensuring access to quality healthcare, necessary vaccinations, and routine screenings. It is vital to protect those affected from complications through continuous medical support and community care. 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Nigeria is the most endemic country with the highest disease burden, with 25% of the population carrying the sickle cell trait, and 3% living with the disorder. To all those living with SCD, keep fighting, keep thriving, and know that you are not alone.❤️ #SickleCellAwareness #PublicHealth #WorldSickleCellDay #SCD #PreventPromoteProtect #HealthAwareness #LinkedinGrowth #Research #Careers #EndSickleCell

Syphilis, one of the oldest infections known to humans, has resurged in the U.S. at epidemic rates since 2001, with 2022 marking the highest number of infections in over 70 years. The reasons for its rapid spread compared to other sexually transmitted infections remain unclear. Shortages of the necessary single injection penicillin further complicate treatment, posing a significant threat. The current syphilis epidemic reflects a critical breakdown in health care delivery rather than individual risk behavior changes. The rise in congenital syphilis highlights systemic failures in public health interventions, indicating delays in reaching those in need. Overcoming stigma is crucial to implementing effective policies, allocating resources, and providing care, ultimately advancing public health equity. #publichealth #syphilis #stigma Read more: [Link to the article]

Need for Enhanced Harm Reduction Funding and Policy Reforms In a critical period for public health, effective harm reduction remains crucial, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The latest Harm Reduction International report on harm reduction funding in LMICs again reveals a severe shortfall in funding, with only 6% of the necessary resources provided, despite global commitments to end AIDS by 2030. Community harm reduction organizations have proven to be effective. However, they suffer from underfunding and restrictive laws. These laws hamper operations and stigmatise people who use drugs. Steps Needed: Increase Funding: It is essential for governments and international donors to significantly increase support for community-based harm reduction programs, which are vital for delivering life-saving health services. Policy Reform: Eliminating punitive laws against drug use is crucial. Such laws hinder public health efforts and need to be reformed to support effective harm reduction. Read the full report: [ https://lnkd.in/eCUStYdn ] #HarmReduction #PublicHealth #PolicyReform #GlobalHealth #DrugPolicies #HarmReductionFunding

Explore the expansion of the CTN to include all STBBIs in Canada. Learn about the efforts to develop therapies and prevention strategies. https://ow.ly/lGWZ50SR3IS #STBBIResearch #HIVPrevention #HealthEquity #CommunityScience

Dive into how we're revolutionising support for rare disease patients in South Africa! At Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA), we're not just talking the talk, we're walking the walk! Our Patient Advocacy program stands tall as our largest initiative, advocating for policy changes that directly impact the lives of individuals with rare diseases and congenital disorders. From tackling healthcare costs to ensuring equitable delivery of services, we're fighting for tangible improvements every step of the way. But that's not all. RDSA is there to support individuals throughout their entire journey with rare diseases and congenital disorders. From the initial presentation of symptoms to end-of-life care, we provide a guiding hand and a shoulder to lean on. Our commitment to navigating these complex journeys ensures that no one faces these challenges alone. Engagement is key to our approach. By collaborating with civil society and the rare disease community, we're amplifying our impact and spreading awareness far and wide. Through community engagement activities, we foster greater understanding and support for the plight of those affected by rare diseases and congenital disorders in South Africa. And let's not forget about research. Our targeted projects focus on addressing key, patient-centric issues both locally and globally. By driving forward-thinking research initiatives, we're paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field of rare diseases and congenital disorders. Feeling inspired to make a difference? You can be a part of our movement! Visit our 'Get Involved' page on our website to explore the various ways you can contribute to creating a better tomorrow for individuals impacted by rare diseases. Let's drive meaningful change and build a brighter future for all. Join us: https://lnkd.in/gxFCfFdb #RareDiseaseAdvocacy #CommunityEngagement #ResearchInProgress #GetInvolved