Community resources and publications

Flat-lined: how flat NIH funding undermines research on HIV, TB and viral hepatitis

The goal of this funding analysis is to provide a comprehensive picture of the current state of U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchinvestment in HIV/AIDS and three of its most common coinfections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and TB) after five years of flat funding at NIH (20042009).

In FY 2007, NIH spent approximately 10% of its budget on HIV/AIDS but only 1.1% of all research investment in HBV, HCV, and TB combined. More than half(52%) of all programs for AIDS and these three diseases were administered by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

With flat funding, new initiatives and expansions of research on HIV/AIDS and the three most common coinfections cannot be funded. As the real value of the budget contracts, it is likely that more conservative research proposals by experienced researchers will trump higher risk (and potentially higher reward) proposals submitted by early-career researchers. This discourages innovation and has likely already led to missed opportunities for the funding of novel approaches in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and its common coinfections.
http://www.treatmentactiongroup.org/publication.aspx?id=3052

Clinical management of the HIV-positive woman

Recent years have brought HIV health care providers a deeper understanding of the unique challenges involved in providing care to HIV-infected women. Although there remains a dearth of information regarding the impact of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on women, there is much that we do know.

For instance, research has shown us that HIV-positive women can have a high rate of cervical cytological abnormalities and certain gynecologic complications. We are well aware that reproductive counseling is an essential part of care for HIV-infected women. In addition, the burdens of child and family care often create obstacles to adherence and continuation of care.

These and other issues make it more important than ever that todays HIV health care providers have as complete an understanding as possible of the ideal manner in which to treat their HIV-infected female patients.

UK patient survey: you, your GP and HIV

This survey has been compiled by the Forum Link Project, a network that currently links patient support groups from 15 HIV clinics. The survey has been designed by HIV-positive people and to help understand peoples relationship with their GP and how we would like to see Primary Care services develop in the future.

We believe this is the first online survey in the UK of GP services in relation to HIV care, that is organised, compiled and run by HIV-positive people. The data collected will be used by Forum Link members during consultations currently being undertaken by various Patient Groups and PCTs.

HIV inSite resources

Dosing of antiretroviral drugs in adults with renal insufficiency and haemodialysis