hivaids statistics worldwide
Below is a list of Mozambique’s top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.Bazaruto, Benguerra Islands, Inhambane, Maputo, Praia do TofoFast FactsCurrencyMozambican Metical (MZN)Dialing Code258AirportsMozambique international airports include:• Beira International Airport• Maputo International Airport• Nampula International AirportBirdlifeWith a wide diversity of habitats including highly threatened lowlands and miombo woodlands, and an array of beautiful Southern African bird species which total 740, Mozambique birdlife offers birdwatchers a thrilling experience in a tropical paradise. There are about 15 Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) in Mozambique, spanning from coastal regions to forests, wetlands and mountain areas.ConservationMozambique conservation is vital to prevent further damage to the country’s already threatened wildlife and plant species. One of the most critically endangered species in Mozambique includes the dugong, of which there are only 150 left worldwide, most of them in Mozambique. A number of plants also face extinction if conservation efforts are not improved and enforced by Mozambique authorities.CultureMozambique cultures are influenced by the following:• Music and dance is influenced by the Portuguese roots of the country• Cuisine and food play a key role in social events and festivals• Art is a key part of tribal cultures• Architecture and buildings are heavily influenced by colonial eras• Customs and traditions are a blend of African and Portuguese influencesHealthMozambique health is typical of any African country, with health facilities ranging from average to poor. Malaria is rife in many areas, and other health risks include untreated water, cholera, Rift Valley Fever and plague. Take a first aid kit and vitamins, and follow basic health precautions to ensure that you stay healthy on your Mozambique travels.AIDSMozambique HIV/AIDS is a serious epidemic, with an extremely high rate of 12.5% in adults of 15 years and older. This amounts to an estimated 1,400,000 people living with HIV or AIDS, with a death rate of 81,000 by the end of 2007. About 58% of HIV/AIDS cases occurs in women, while the child AIDS numbers show a shocking 100,000 children of 15 years or younger.VaccinationsMozambique inoculations include:• Diphtheria• Hepatitis A• Malaria• Rabies• Tetanus• Typhoid• Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected area)LanguagesMozambique languages include the following:• Portuguese (official language)• Makua-Longwe• Tsonga• Shona• SwahiliMoneyMozambique money & banking information includes:• US Dollars and South African Rands are widely accepted• Travellers cheques can be exchanged at most banks, major hotels or airports• There are a number of ATMs in major cities, however these are not always safe so be cautious about withdrawing cash• Credit cards are accepted at some major hotels or restaurants but not all• Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 15h30PhraseMozambique local phrases in Portuguese include:• Hello – Hola• Goodbye – Até logo• How much? – Cuanto custa?• Thank-you – Obrigado• How are you? – Como esta?• I am fine – Muito bem obrigadoPlantsWith about 5, 500 species of plant in the country, Mozambique plant life is rich and diverse. Ecosystems range from wetlands and mangroves to lush forests and woodlands, with a wide array of vegetation to be found. Mozambique has a high density of closed canopy forest, including dry forest, scrub forest, Brachystegia forest, riverine forest, groundwater forest, swamp forest, and coastal forest.PeopleMozambique people include the following groups:• Makua-Lomwé 37%• Tsonga 23%• Shona 9%• Other tribal groups 30%• Euro-Africans 0.2%• Europeans 0.06%• Indians 0.08%Safety TipsMozambique safety tips include the following:• The crime rate is generally low, however Maputo and busier cities are becoming increasing targets for tourist pick-pocketing or muggings• Tropical cyclone seasons run from November to April and coastal areas should be avoided ‘ flooding may also occur during these months• Avoid using ATM’s on the streets and keep valuables out of sight and secure• Avoid large crowds or demonstrations which may turn violent• Roads are often in very bad condition so be cautious when drivingReligionMozambique religion groups include the following:• Roman Catholic 21.8%• Muslim 22.8%• Zionist Christian 17.5%• Other 16.8%• None 21.1%TransportMozambique local transport options include:• Car• Bus• Taxi• PlaneTravel BooksMozambique travel books include the following:• Mozambique: The Bradt Travel Guide 4th Edition by Philip Briggs and Mark Whittington• Mozambique Travel Pack by New Holland Publishers• Mozambique Travel Guide by Globetrotter• Kalashnikovs and Zombie Cucumbers: Travels in Mozambique by Nick Middleton• Mozambique 2008 Travel Map by GlobetrotterVisa RequirementsMozambique visa information is as follows:• Most nationals require a visa except for South Africans and certain other African country citizens• Passports must be valid for six months minimum• Return tickets plus proof of income during your stay is required• Visas are generally valid for a maximum of 3 months• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the countryWildlifeMozambique wildlife includes an impressive array of mammals, marine species, reptiles and amphibians. There are about 232 species of mammal, which include the extremely rare and endangered dugong plus dolphins, whales and manatees. Marine life is rich and abundant, with species ranging from whale shark to manta ray, and scuba diving and snorkeling offer a thrilling glimpse into underwater wonderlands with a huge diversity of fish to be seen.What To PackWhat to pack for Mozambique safaris:• Sunglasses, sunhat and high factor sunscreen• Swimming costume and snorkeling set, plus extra beach towels• Loose, lightweight clothing with long sleeves• Camera with spare batteries, extra film or memory cards• Warm jacket for cooler seasons plus comfortable walking shoes and sandalsWhat To BuyWhat to buy for Mozambique safaris:• Mozambique travel book and Portuguese phrase book• Sturdy backpack plus decent moneybag for valuables and travel documents• First aid box filled with basic supplies and equipment• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour• Disposable underwater cameraWhen To GoWhen to go to Mozambique:• The best time to visit Mozambique is from March to September• The coolest months are from May to November• Cyclone season runs from November to April and weather is very bad during these months, with frequent flooding• November to March are the hottest months of the year• During Christmas, Easter and August the country is filled with tourists, often from neighbouring South Africa2010 World CupMozambique 2010 statistics are as follows:• The Mozambique national team are known as the Mambas• Their FIFA World Cup records are fairly dismal, with no qualifications to date• The team have achieved a few Round 1 standings in Africa Cup of Nations games• The team’s head coach is Mozambique’s Martin Nooij• Their biggest win was 6 – 1 against Lesotho in 1980
Increased Use of Treatment Leads to Reduction in New Diagnoses.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), currently known for its therapeutic benefits against HIV, also reduced the spread of the virus among people with a history of injection drug use, according to a population-based study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health. The study was published today in the Lancet.
HAART, a combination of drugs that target HIV at different points in its lifecycle, stops the HIV virus from replicating. Though not a cure, HAART suppresses the virus, stopping disease progression and prolonging survival in people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. In this study, Canadian researchers found that increasing levels of HAART coverage in British Columbia were strongly associated with decreases in viral load in the population and new HIV diagnoses.
Previous research had suggested that increased HAART coverage reduced the spread of HIV in the general population. The findings in this study applied not only to the general population, but also to the subset of individuals with a history of injection drug use.
“This study strengthens the evidence that maximizing HAART coverage within current medical guidelines will help to curb the spread of HIV,” said NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow. “These findings are especially important since new HIV cases have remained stubbornly steady in the United States at a rate of about 56,000 per year for the past 10 years.”
Researchers analyzed information from two databases that provide information on HAART use, looking at viral load, new HIV diagnoses, and HIV and viral load testing information in British Columbia, where residents are provided free access to HIV care. During three distinct time periods, researchers saw that the number of individuals actively receiving HAART had a strong impact on viral load and new diagnoses in the community. As HAART coverage increased sharply, new HIV diagnoses decreased sharply. As HAART coverage stabilized, so did viral load and new HIV diagnoses.
“Our results clearly demonstrate that there is a connection between treatment and prevention not just among the general population, but among injection drug users as well,” said Dr. Julio Montaner, the study’s lead author and director of the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. “Expanding HAART coverage within current medical guidelines will prevent disease progression and decrease new HIV infections.”
Worldwide, there were 2.7 million new HIV infections in 2008. In the United States, more than 1 million people live with diagnosed or undiagnosed HIV/AIDS. Statistics on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the United States can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/surveillance/resources/reports/2008report/index.htm.
The study can be found online at http://www.thelancet.com/. The research was supported by NIDA’s annual Avant-Garde Award to Dr. Montaner. The award was intended to stimulate high-impact research that may lead to groundbreaking opportunities for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in drug abusers. Information on NIDA’s Avant-Garde program can be found at http://www.drugabuse.gov/about/organization/arp/avgp.htm.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world’s research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy and improve practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and information on NIDA research and other activities can be found on the NIDA home page at www.drugabuse.gov.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
Contact: NIDA Press Office, Tel: 301-443-6245
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - The National Institutes of Health (NIH)