HIV/AIDS Prevention: “VANHIVAX and HIV/AIDS”

Our work consisted in understanding the structure of HIV, correctly interpreting the function of its various parts and in finding solutions to various problems raised by these parts. The envelope of HIV is of CD4+ or human origin and the virus must have acquired it in the course of its evolution! The presence of the envelope of human origin on HIV leads to 3 major consequences;-

a) Ineffective antibodies to the virus in the body. If they were indeed effective, they would kill the virus, as well as all the CD4+ - a kind of suicide unacceptable to the body! The virus has thus used its envelope to ‘blackmail' the body's immune system into ineffectiveness, thus guarantee its continued existence in the body. b) CD4+ and other cells are normally impenetrable to all antibodies. In wrapping itself in CD4+ membrane, HIV not only wishes to pass off for a normal CD4+ cell but above all it wants the same security of cells of being impenetrable to all antibodies. c) HIV grows within the CD4+ and because the CD4+ loses its cell wall membrane as envelopes to the thousands of mature viruses that leave it, these helper cells die leading to a fall of the patient's immunity rendering him open to a host of opportunistic infections. (Hepatitis B & C and other viruses also have envelopes of human origin for their prolonged survival in the body).

Based on this understanding, we have produced VANHIVAX from the patient's virus which is effective and given to the patient to provoke a cell mediated immune response which alone penetrates the viral envelope. Patients should, of course, be immune competent with low viral count and high CD4+. Of the many patients treated with VANHIVAX, 18 of them, the tip of the iceberg, have converted to sero-negative and are no longer infective. They were seen early in their infection with an immune competent system. Most AIDS patients who came late with depressed immunity were greatly helped by VANHIVAX but could not achieve sero-negativity. Their immunity must first be raised before a curative vaccination with VANHIVAX can be prescribed. If VANHIVAX is prepared from viruses grown in a region of the world and used in the same manner, it can prevent the spread of HIV infection in that region. With the simultaneous application of the simple technology of VANHIVAX in different parts of the world, this epidemic could soon be brought under control.

By

Professor Victor Anomah Ngu

Former Minister of Public Health, Cameroon / Founder of Clinique de l'Espoir / Member of the International Advisory Board of AAA

HIV/AIDS Prevention: Effectiveness of mobile units for mass HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa

 In Africa where less than 1% of the general adult population is aware of their HIV status, the use of HIV testing mobile units offers relevant public health prospects. In order to increase the HIV testing capabilities of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres, we developed a decentralized strategy based on bringing the needed services closer to the people, through the use of mobile units.

The National Public Health Laboratory “Hygiene Mobile” (LSHM) of Cameroon acquired a 7.5 metre long van comprising separate seats, the front ones for the driver and the medical team, and the back seats for the laboratory facilities. HIV testing is conducted using two rapid tests. Samples with discrepant results are referred to the LSHM for confirmation. Informed consent is obtained from all participants.

Since April 2005 we have tested more than 20, 000 volunteers who received pre-test and post-test counselling with an acceptance rate of 99.7%. The overall HIV prevalence in Cameroon stands at around 6.86 %.(1)

HIV testing, through mobile units likely constitutes a useful tool to promote large scale up HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for people living far from formal HIV testing facilities, and should be integrated into the national HIV control programme.

 By

Prof. Francois-Xavier Mbopi-Keou, DBiol, MPhil, MSc, DLSHTM, PhD

School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

Head, National Public Health Laboratory “Hygiene Mobile ”, Yaounde , Cameroon

(1) Mbopi-Keou FX, Ongolo Zogo P, Angwafo F, Ndumbe PM, Belec L – High Impact of Mobile Units for Mass HIV Testing in Africa, AIDS 2007; 21, 1994-1996

HIV/AIDS Prevention: The Impact of Malaria

 Malaria is caused by the plasmodium parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected female anopheles mosquito. It causes 350 to 500 million cases of malaria yearly, resulting in 1million deaths among whom 80% concerns children aged under five. While malaria programs are focusing on children and pregnant women, a new vulnerable group is immerging; this is made up of people living with HIV (PLWHA).

The defense system of a PLWHA is weak and this explains why malaria is more frequent and severe with cases of treatment failure both resulting in many deaths from malaria.

PLWHA should therefore rigorously apply the preventive measures such as sleeping under insecticide treated bed net every night, applying insect repellants when staying outdoors, etc. Also malaria treatment must start within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.

In cases where the immune system is severely compromised, a doctor may prescribe chemoprophylaxis for a limited duration.

Because people living with HIV/AIDS are vulnerable to malaria, HIV prevention programs must include the fight against malaria in order to save more lives.

Dr. Esther Tallah

Manager, Cameroon Coalition against Malaria

ASK THE DOCTOR: Why does African Action on AIDS emphasize hand washing as prevention for HIV/AIDS!!!

Do you know that what you have on your hands can make you sick? Typhoid fever, diarrhoea and worms contaminate your hands when you visit the toilet. These microbes then enter your mouth when you eat and that can make you sick. There are many illnesses that can be prevented if you wash your hands well before and after visiting the toilet and before eating. Avoid touching parts of your body like your mouth, nostrils, eyes, ears and the genitals with dirty hands can save you from numerous internal and external infections . If you have a serious illness, infections from dirty hands can render your immune system weak, and your body's capacity to fight against infections such as tetanus. It is better for you to avoid serious infections if you are living with HIV/AIDS for that make you live better with AIDS.

Communities and households need to dispose of body waste so that it does not get into a place where other people or animals can come into contact with the excreta. If a man with worms defecates in the yard, the dog can eat the faeces and get some on his nose and paws. The dog will then play with the baby or enters the house and drops some of the faeces on the floor where the children play. The children then get worms and start the cycle over, and over, and over. Latrines are needed in all communities.

For those with running water and flush toilets in their home the problem is solved if you wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating, but you must do the hand washing. For those without a ready supply of water or latrines, keeping germs off your hands and thus out of your mouth is not so simple. But, it can be done and communities must find solutions. The consequences of ignoring the simple process of washing hands and disposing of faeces are early death, anaemia, poor control of chronic disease and weakening of the immune system so that HIV/AIDS which is destroying the community is worse.

African Action on AIDS has launched a campaign for clean water, clean hands and clean latrines in schools and villages since 2005 to stop the cycle of diseases that go from the intestinal tract to the hands and to the mouth. The campaign will be piloted in more than 100 villages part of Microfinace et Developpement (MIFED) network in Cameroon. 

HEALTH BEFORE WEALTH!

Being careful with the 4 Fs below is being careful with the Immune System!

Food! Fingers! Faeces! Flies!

By

Coordinating director Dr. Beth Bowen, Guest columnist Dr. Cathey Falvo, Professor of Public Health Practice and Pediatrics (Retired) and President of Physicians for Social Responsibility/ New York City