Number Of New HIV Cases Research Articles

PO495 Validation of Fitbit-Flex Against Actigraph as a Measure of Sedentary Behaviour In Cardiac Rehabilitation Participants

Identifying populations at high risk of HIV transmission is critical for prioritizing treatment and prevention resources and achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 Targets.HIV transmission rates can be estimated from phylogenetic trees as viral lineage-level diversification rates. To identify HIV-1 transmission foci in British Columbia, Canada, we inferred diversification rates from phylogenetic trees of 36 271 HIV-1 sequences from 9630 anonymized individuals. Diversification rates were combined with sociodemographic and clinical data, then aggregated by patients’ area of residence to predict the distribution of new HIV cases between 2008 and 2018. The predictive power of the model was compared with a phylogenetically uninformed model.Aggregated diversification rate measures were predictive of new HIV cases in the subsequent year after adjusting for prevalent and incident cases in the previous year. For every one-unit increase in the mean of the top five diversification rates, the number of new HIV cases increased by on average 1·38-fold (95% CI, 1·28–1·49). In a blind prediction of 2018 cases, diversification rate improved the model's specificity by 12%, accuracy by 9%, top 20 agreement by 100%, and correlation of predicted and observed values by 162% relative to a model that incorporated epidemiological data alone.By predicting the distribution of future HIV cases, a combined phylogenetic and epidemiological approach identifies hotspots where public health resources are needed most.Canadian Institutes of Health Research, University of British Columbia, Public Health Agency of Canada, Genome Canada, Genome BC, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, and BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.

Epidemiological Characteristics Of Patients With Recent Diagnosis Of HIV In A Referral Center

Background: HIV/AIDS infection is a chronic disease of epidemic behavior and one of the most serious public health problems in the world. In 2014, 36.9 million people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in the world. In Argentina, 129,260 cases of PLWHIV or AIDS were recorded between 1982 and 2015. In Córdoba from 1985 to 2012, 7598 cases and 733 deaths were reported. OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological characteristics of patients with recent diagnosis of HIV in a referral center. Methods & Materials: Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study. Inclusion Criteria: patients older than 18 years, with a recent diagnosis of HIV infection, between January 1 and December 31, 2016. The data were collected from the medical records, serology and flow cytometry laboratory database. Results: Among 2016, 7553 serology samples were performed in our hospital, 414 were positive for HIV, with an average of 34.5 cases per month and 1.1 new cases per day. 78.5% were male. The median age was 35 years (range 18 - 73 years). Baseline viral load (VL) was performed in 83.8% of positive patients with a median of 40,000 copies/ml (range 40- > 10,000,000 copies/ml). CD4 T cell counts were performed in 345 patients (83.3%), presenting an average of 428 cells/ul with a minimum value of 2 and a maximum value of 1756. Coinfection with HBV and HCV was observed in 5 positive for each. Conclusion: A total of 414 new HIV diagnoses were performed, predominantly in young men. At diagnosis, VL was high and CD4 cell counts didńt show immunodepression levels in most patients. The prevalence of coinfection of HIV and HBV or HCV was low. DISCUSSION: Although the literature reports that the number of new HIV cases is decreasing, in our experience we still have a high number of annual diagnoses, so we will continue with detection campaigns as part of the 90-90-90 objective.

Social network methods for HIV case-finding among people who inject drugs in Tajikistan.

IntroductionHIV testing programmes have struggled to reach the most marginalized populations at risk for HIV. Social network methods such as respondent‐driven sampling (RDS) and peer‐based active case‐finding (ACF) may be effective in overcoming barriers to reaching these populations. We compared the client characteristics, proportion testing HIV positive (yield), and number of new cases found through two RDS strategies and an ACF approach to HIV case‐finding among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tajikistan.MethodsRoutine programme data from adult PWID recruited to testing under the HIV Flagship Project in Tajikistan were analysed to compare client demographic and clinical characteristics across the three approaches. We also compared the number of previously untested clients, the number of new HIV cases found, and the yield across the case‐finding strategies, and evaluated predictors of new HIV diagnosis using fixed‐effects logistic regression.ResultsFrom 24 October 2016 to 30 June 2017, Flagship tested 10,300 PWID for HIV, including 2143 under RDS with unrestricted waves (RDS1, yield: 1.5%), 3517 under restricted RDS (RDS2, yield: 2.6%), and 4640 under ACF (yield: 1.5%). Clients recruited under ACF were similar in age (35.8 vs. 36.8) and gender (91% vs. 90% male) to those recruited through RDS, though ACF clients were more likely to report being a first‐time tester (85.1% vs. 68.3%, p < 0.001). After controlling for age, sex, previous testing history and accounting for clustering at the site level, we found that clients tested under both RDS1 (aOR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.90) and RDS2 (aOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.15) had higher odds of testing newly positive for HIV relative to clients recruited through ACF. We did not find significant differences in the odds of new HIV infection between those recruited from RDS1 versus RDS2 (aOR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.67 to 1.86).ConclusionsRDS‐based interventions resulted in higher yields and overall case‐finding, especially when recruitment was restricted. However, ACF identified a higher proportion of first‐time testers. To find at least 90% of PWID living with HIV in Tajikistan, it may be necessary to implement multiple case‐finding approaches concurrently to maximize testing coverage.

Optimal allocation of HIV prevention funds for state health departments.

ObjectiveTo estimate the optimal allocation of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV prevention funds for health departments in 52 jurisdictions, incorporating Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funds, to improve outcomes along the HIV care continuum and prevent infections.MethodsUsing surveillance data from 2010 to 2012 and budgetary data from 2012, we divided the 52 health departments into 5 groups varying by number of persons living with diagnosed HIV (PLWDH), median annual CDC HIV prevention budget, and median annual HRSA expenditures supporting linkage to care, retention in care, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Using an optimization and a Bernoulli process model, we solved for the optimal CDC prevention budget allocation for each health department group. The optimal allocation distributed the funds across prevention interventions and populations at risk for HIV to prevent the greatest number of new HIV cases annually.ResultsBoth the HIV prevention interventions funded by the optimal allocation of CDC HIV prevention funds and the proportions of the budget allocated were similar across health department groups, particularly those representing the large majority of PLWDH. Consistently funded interventions included testing, partner services and linkage to care and interventions for men who have sex with men (MSM). Sensitivity analyses showed that the optimal allocation shifted when there were differences in transmission category proportions and progress along the HIV care continuum.ConclusionThe robustness of the results suggests that most health departments can use these analyses to guide the investment of CDC HIV prevention funds into strategies to prevent the most new cases of HIV.

Factors Associated with Women’s Decision to Become Commercial Sex Workers in Banjarsari, Surakarta, Central Java

Background: In Indonesia, the number of new HIV cases in 2016 was 41.250, and AIDS cases was 7,491. HIV infection predominantly (67.6%) occur heterosexually. In Central Java, the number of Di Indonesia, new HIV cases in 2016 was 4.032, and AIDS cases was 1.402. Surakarta City has the second highest cases of HIV in Central Java after Semarang District with 38 HIV cases and 46 AIDS cases in September 2017. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with women’s decision to become commercial sex workers in Banjarsari. Subjects and Method: This was an analytical observational study with case control design. The study was conducted in Banjarsari, Surakarta, Central Java. A total sample of 200 study subjects consisting of 100 female commercial sex workers and 100 non sex workers. The dependent variable was women’s decision to become commercial sex worker. The independent variables were knowledge of sexually-transmitted disease, family income, pro-commercial sex worker family support, snobbish life style, and access to whore house. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Results: Women’s decision to become commercial sex worker was negatively associated with good knowledge of sexually-transmitted disease (OR= 0.03; 95% CI= 0.01 to 0.18; p<0.001), high family income (OR= 0.01; 95% CI<0.01 to 0.05; p<0.001). Women’s decision to become commercial sex worker was positively associated with strong pro-commercial sex worker family support (OR=8.15; 95% CI= 2.63 to 25.23; p<0.001), snobbish life style (OR= 6.20; 95% CI= 1.81 to 21.24; p= 0.004), and access to whore house (OR= 8.52; 95% CI=2.49 to 29.17; p= 0.001). Conclusion: Women’s decision to become commercial sex worker has negative association with good knowledge of sexually-transmitted disease, high family income. Women’s decision to become commercial sex worker has positive association with strong pro-commercial sex worker family support, life style, and access to whore house. Keyword: Women’s decision, commercial sex worker, knowledge, family income, family support, life style, access to whore house Correspondence: Syefira Ayudia Johar. Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36 A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: syefira48@gmail.com. Mobile: +6282136422448. Journal of Epidemiology and Publich Health (2018), 3(1): 72-82 https://doi.org/10.26911/jepublichealth.2018.03.01.06 Â

Perilaku Tes HIV pada Laki-Laki yang Berhubungan Seks dengan Laki-Laki (LSL) di Provinsi Bali

ABSTRACTMen who have sex with men (MSM) is a high risk population in infected with HIV and AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) . Based on data from the Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance (IBBS) in 2011 found that HIV prevalence among MSM is between 2.4 % to 17 % . Based on data from the Gaya Dewata Foundation , the number of new MSM reached in 2013 amounted to 1,322 people . However , the number of HIV tests among MSM in 2013 only amounted to 874. While the number of new HIV cases among MSM in 2013 amounted to 118 cases , this number increased by two times in 2011, which is amounted to 50 cases. This research is a quantitative study with cross sectional approach. The number of respondents 110 people choosen by purposive sampling technique.Quantitative data collection techniques through interviews with the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis with frequency distribution, using the chi-square bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. The results showed that the variables associated with HIV testing behavior among MSM in Bali Province is the type of place to stay and history of STIs . Multivariate analysis showed that a history of STIs ( p value = 0.005 ) is the variable that has the most significant effect on the behavior of HIV testing in MSM in Bali Province with OR of 3.400. HIV testing in MSM behavior quite well. The majority of respondents had an HIV test within 0-6 months ago. Most respondents did last HIV test in Denpasar. Forms of HIV tests performed by the respondent is entirely voluntary counseling and testing ( VCT ) as well as all respondents knew of his HIV test results.Keywords: MSM, HIV Testing, Bali

HIV in Canada: 2009 to 2014.

Between 1996 and 2008, the number of newly reported HIV cases in Canada fluctuated between approximately 2,100 and 2,700 cases per year. To describe the recent trends in new diagnoses of HIV in Canada between 2009 and 2014 by age group, sex, exposure category, race/ethnicity, and region, as well as the number of perinatally HIV-exposed infants. HIV data were compiled from two databases. The National HIV/AIDS Surveillance System is a passive surveillance system that gathers non-nominal data on a voluntary basis from all the provinces and territories of all cases that meet the national case definition, and includes data on age group, sex, race/ethnicity, country of birth, and exposure categories. The Canadian Perinatal HIV Surveillance Program is a sentinel-based surveillance system; non-nominal data is obtained through a national confidential survey completed by participating physicians. Since 2009 the number of new HIV cases has slowly but steadily declined from 2,391 cases in 2009 to 2,044 in 2014, which is the lowest number of annual HIV cases seen in the last two decades. The largest proportion (32%) of new HIV cases continues to be diagnosed among those 30 to 39 years of age, but the proportion of cases diagnosed among those 50 years of age or over has increased from 15% in 2009 to slightly over 20% in 2014. Approximately 75% of newly diagnosed cases are males and 25% females. In males, the most common exposure category (60%) was men who have sex with men. In females, the most common exposure category (66%) was heterosexual contact followed by injection drug use (27%). Race/ethnicity varied by sex. In males, over 50% were White, 14% were Aboriginal and 13% Black. In females, 35% were Black, 35% were Aboriginal and 22% were White. There were regional variations in HIV rates across Canada. Between 2009 and 2014, the number of perinatally HIV-exposed infants varied between 200 and 249 but the percentage of perinatal treatment increased from 87% in 2009 to 97% in 2014. The annual number of reported HIV cases in Canada has been declining in recent years. The proportion of HIV-positive mothers receiving treatment has increased and the number of confirmed HIV-infected infants has decreased.

HIV-Risk Related Attitudes and Behaviors Among Older Impoverished Women Living in Puerto Rico.

HIV has increasingly impacted older adults regarding sero-prevalence and sero-incidence as long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS are living longer. This study examines the relationship between age and HIV-related attitudes and risk behaviors among female public housing residents in Puerto Rico. Using a self-administered survey instrument, 1,138 female public housing residents were surveyed between April and August 2006. Bivariate results showed that older women (aged 50+ years) were significantly less likely to report HIV testing and to discuss safer sex with their most recent "steady" sex partner than women under the age of 50years. Older women were also more likely to express anxiety associated with condoms and more barriers to using condoms. The older versus younger groups did not significantly differ regarding condom use, which was extremely low across the groups. In the past three and 12months, older women were less likely than younger women to report having (a) multiple sex partners and; (b) oral and anal sex with their most recent steady sex partner; (c) oral sex with their most recent non-steady sex partner and, (d) engaging in sexual activity in the previous three and 12months. Age-specific messages concerning their increased risk of HIV among other interventions would likely curtail the increase in the number of new HIV cases being reported among members of this sub-population.

Time trends in HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance mutation frequency in Poland.

IntroductionIn Poland, the HIV epidemic has shifted recently from being predominantly related to injection drug use (IDU) to being driven by transmissions among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). The number of new HIV cases has increased in the recent years, while no current data on the transmitted drug resistance associated mutations (tDRM) frequency trend over time are available from 2010. In this study, we analyze the temporal trends in the spread of tDRM from 2008 to 2013.Materials and MethodsPartial pol sequences from 833 antiretroviral treatment-naive individuals of European descent (Polish origin) linked to care in 9 of 17 Polish HIV treatment centres were analyzed. Drug resistance interpretation was performed according to WHO surveillance recommendations, subtyping with REGA genotyping 2.0 tool. Time trends were examined for the frequency of t-DRM across subtypes and transmission groups using logistic regression (R statistical platform, v. 3.1.0).ResultsFrequency of tDRM proved stable over time, with mutation frequency change from 11.3% in 2008 to 8.3% in 2013 [OR: 0.91 (95% CI 0.80–1,05), p=0.202] (Figure 1a). Also, no significant differences over time were noted for the subtype B (decrease from 8.4% 2008 to 6.2% in 2013 [OR: 0.94 (95% CI 0.79–1.11), p=0.45] and across non-B variants [change from 22.6% 2008 to 23.1% in 2013, OR: 0.94 (95% CI 0.75–1.19), p=0.62]. When patient groups were stratified according to transmission route, in MSM there was a trend for a NNRTI t-DRM decrease (from 6.8% 2008 to 1% in 2013, OR: 0.61 (95% CI 0.34–1.02), p=0.0655, slope −0.74%/year) (Figure 1b), related to the subtype B infected MSM (decrease from 7% 2008 to 1% in 2013, OR: 0.61 (95% CI 0.34–1.03), p=0.0662, slope −0.75%/year). Overall tDRM frequency decrease was also noted for the heterosexually infected patients [from 17.6% 2008 to 10.3% in 2013, OR: 0.83 (95% CI 0.67–1.02, p=0.077, slope −2.041%/year)] but did not associate with drug class (Figure 1c). In IDUs, the trends in t-DRM frequency were not significant over time (change from 1.9% in 2008 to 0 in 2013 [OR:1.24 (95% CI 0.73–2.26), p=0.4)].ConclusionsThe frequency of t-DRM in Poland is generally stable over time. Decrease in the overall tDRM frequency in heterosexual infected cases and NNRTI resistance in subtype B infected MSM may be related to the higher treatment efficacy of current cART.

Bridging the Gap from Data to Evidence-based HIV Prevention in Uganda

Uganda's current HIV prevalence rate of 7.2% shows an increase in the number of new HIV cases (UNAIDS, 2012), with 80% of new infections accounted for by heterosexual transmission (Uganda AIDS Commission, 2012). Risky behaviors associated with HIV in Uganda include having multiple sexual partners, inability to negotiate safer sex strategies and an increase in systematic commercial sex especially among elite students (Aluzimbi et al., 2012; Muhenda, 2013; Ortega, 2013). However Uganda has continuously ignored the mode of transmission and risky behaviors associated with new HIV cases and instead focus on the biomedical perspectives of HIV prevention (Pisani et al., 2003). Our analysis therefore calls for the need to focus on behavioral and transmission dynamics of HIV based on the available data. This will then form the basis of evidence-based approach to reducing new HIV infections in Uganda.

Comparative Cost Analysis of Clinical Reminder for HIV Testing at the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System

ObjectiveTo estimate the cost and health outcomes associated with a new HIV testing strategy that utilizes routine-based clinical reminders. MethodsWe conducted an economic analysis of 1) traditional pretest/post-test counseling; 2) counseling and a new clinical reminders system; and 3) only clinical reminder in the veterans’ health care system. A payer-perspective decision model was conducted to calculate the 1-year budget impact of three HIV testing strategies. Parameter values were obtained from the literature, including patients’ probability of accepting test, and costs associated with HIV testing procedures. Deidentified patient data, including total population screened and number of new HIV cases, were collected from one clinic in Los Angeles, California, from August 2004 to December 2011. Annual total costs and costs per new case were calculated on the basis of parameter values and patient data. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the critical variable on costs. ResultsThe total cost of the clinical reminder system with pretest counseling was $81,726 over 1 year compared with $109,208 for traditional HIV testing. Under a clinical reminder system with no pretest counseling, the number of HIV tests performed and the number of new diagnoses increased for that year. In addition, cost per new diagnoses was the lowest. ConclusionsThe clinical reminder system can reduce the cost per cases identified and promote better performance of HIV testing compared with traditional HIV testing. The fundamental decision model can be used for hospital facilities outside the Veteran Affairs adopting a similar program for improving the HIV testing rate.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Provider Initiated HIV Testing and Counseling of TB Suspects in Vizianagaram District, South India

BackgroundThough internationally recommended, provider initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC) of persons suspected of tuberculosis (TB) is not a policy in India; HIV seroprevalence among TB suspects has never been reported. The current policy of PITC for diagnosed TB cases may limit opportunities of early HIV diagnosis and treatment. We determined HIV seroprevalence among persons suspected of TB and assessed feasibility and effectiveness of PITC implementation at this earlier stage in the TB diagnostic pathway.MethodsAll adults examined for diagnostic sputum microscopy (TB suspects) in Vizianagaram district (population 2.5 million), in November-December 2010, were offered voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) and assessed for TB diagnosis.ResultsOf 2918 eligible TB suspects, 2465(85%) consented to VCT. Among these, 246(10%) were HIV-positive. Of the 246, 84(34%) were newly diagnosed as HIV (HIV status not known previously). To detect a new case of HIV infection, the number needed to screen (NNS) was 26 among ‘TB suspects’, comparable to that among ‘TB patients’. Among suspects aged 25–54 years, not diagnosed as TB, the NNS was 17.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of HIV among ‘TB suspects’ was as high as that among ‘TB patients’. Implementation of PITC among TB suspects was feasible and effective, detecting a large number of new HIV cases with minimal additional workload on staff of HIV testing centre. HIV testing of TB suspects aged 25–54 years demonstrated higher yield for a given effort, and should be considered by policy makers at least in settings with high HIV prevalence.

A New Unique Recombinant HIV Type 1 Isolated from a Child Born to an HIV-Infected Mother

The new HIV-1 recombinant, with a B(gag) A(pol)A(env) structure, is described. This recombinant virus differs from the classical "Kaliningrad" (AF193276.1) virus with an A(gag) B(pol)B(env) structure. The number of new HIV cases in Belarus has been increasing in the past few years. Within the 12 months of 2010, 1069 new cases of HIV infection were registered. Molecular epidemiological investigations have shown that though HIV-1 subtype A (84.5%) still dominates in HIV/AIDS patients, the quantity of CRFs has also increased to 7.1%. Although cases with the CRF03_AB virus were previously described in patients from Belarus, CRF06_cpx and CRF02_AG are described in Belarus for the first time.

Association of highly active antiretroviral therapy coverage, population viral load, and yearly new HIV diagnoses in British Columbia, Canada: a population-based study

Results of cohort studies and mathematical models have suggested that increased coverage with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) could reduce HIV transmission. We aimed to estimate the association between plasma HIV-1 viral load, HAART coverage, and number of new cases of HIV in the population of a Canadian province. We undertook a population-based study of HAART coverage and HIV transmission in British Columbia, Canada. Data for number of HIV tests done and new HIV diagnoses were obtained from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control. Data for viral load, CD4 cell count, and HAART use were extracted from the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS population-based registries. We modelled trends of new HIV-positive tests and number of individuals on HAART using generalised additive models. Poisson log-linear regression models were used to estimate the association between new HIV diagnoses and viral load, year, and number of individuals on HAART. Between 1996 and 2009, the number of individuals actively receiving HAART increased from 837 to 5413 (547% increase; p=0.002), and the number of new HIV diagnoses fell from 702 to 338 per year (52% decrease; p=0.001). The overall correlation between number of individuals on HAART and number of individuals newly testing positive for HIV per year was -0.89 (p<0.0001). For every 100 additional individuals on HAART, the number of new HIV cases decreased by a factor of 0.97 (95% CI 0.96-0.98), and per 1 log(10) decrease in viral load, the number of new HIV cases decreased by a factor of 0.86 (0.75-0.98). We have shown a strong population-level association between increasing HAART coverage, decreased viral load, and decreased number of new HIV diagnoses per year. Our results support the proposed secondary benefit of HAART used within existing medical guidelines to reduce HIV transmission. Ministry of Health Services and Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, Province of British Columbia; US National Institute on Drug Abuse; US National Institutes of Health; Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

The global epidemiology of HIV/AIDS.

In this paper, the ways in which HIV is transmitted and factors facilitating transmission are described, although we still do not fully understand why the HIV epidemic has spread so heterogeneously across the globe. Estimates of HIV prevalence vary in quality but give some idea of trends in different countries and regions. Of all regions in the world, sub-Saharan Africa is the hardest hit by HIV, containing around 70% of people living with HIV/AIDS. There are, however, recent signs of hope in Africa due to a slight reduction in the number of new HIV cases in the year 2000. Most countries in Asia have not seen explosive epidemics in the general population up to now but patterns of injecting drug use (IDU) and sex work are conducive to the spread of HIV so there is no room for complacency. Unpredictable epidemics among IDU in the former Soviet Union have the potential to spread into the general population. Some countries in Central America and the Caribbean have growing HIV epidemics with adult prevalences second only to sub-Saharan Africa. Reductions in morbidity and mortality through the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy are at present limited to high-income and some Latin American countries. Both the cost of these therapies and the poor health care delivery systems in many affected countries need to be addressed before antiretrovirals can benefit the majority of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Australia's role in HIV prevention in the developing world

A scientist with the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, addresses the fact that Australians working in the area of HIV infection have been very successful in prevention, treatment, and care. In the early 1980s, a bipartisan political decision was made to foster an effective partnership between HIV-infected communities, health care providers, and governments. HIV-infected communities included sex workers, prisoners, Aboriginal people, and high profile gay community activists. These three different groups succeeded in forming such a partnership, as reflected in the fact that the annual number of new HIV cases is down to 500 from a peak of 3000 in 1984. A key method used to contain HIV infection was needle-and-syringe exchange programs and continuing access to needles to prevent HIV transmission in the injecting drug community. Even though Australia has all this experience and success, it had a backseat role in ushering in the UNAIDS program because Australia did not contribute a significant share of the agency's relatively small budget (US$100 million/year). If Australia were to give just 10%, it would acquire a front row seat along with the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, France, and the UK. These nations have the greatest say as to where UNAIDS funds go. The Australian international aid organization has recently received an increase in funds, $110 million for 4 years to spend on four areas, one of which is HIV/AIDS. Australia has just allocated $25 million for a 5-year program for HIV/STD (sexually transmitted disease) prevention in Indonesia. This money would have been able to buy Australia a leading role in UNAIDS. Australians need to reassess their priorities. Australians can help their neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region move away from their denial of HIV to HIV prevention and care. They can conduct clinical trials of shorter and more user-friendly regimens of antiviral drugs that may lead to reduced perinatal transmission and research on microbicides. They can prevent tuberculosis and introduce manageable methods of securing safe blood supplies and mass screening.