D.C. Health Dept. Pushes Female Condoms In HIV Outreach Initiative

The Washington, D.C., health department has launched a campaign to promote use of the female condom as a way to help curb the spread of HIVin the city, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. A 2009 study found that about 3% of the city's population over age 12 is HIV-positive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an epidemic is "severe" when more than 1% of residents are living with the virus.

Five community groups are promoting female condoms through outreach initiatives, which are funded in part by a $500,000 grant from the MAC AIDS Fund. The groups plan to distribute 500,000 female condoms during instructional sessions held at beauty salons, barber shops, churches and restaurants. CVS also is selling female condoms at all D.C. drugstores.

Living with HIV as Potential Vaccine Looms

While doing some research on the potential HIV vaccine, I interviewed a very interesting woman named Joy LaFontaine who is HIV positive. She says she prays every night for a vaccine. “I don’t want to live with this illness anymore….but I won’t let HIV consume me.” She provided some insight into the world of living with HIV.

LaFontaine has been HIV positive for 14 years. She has to take a pill every day to help her survive. She’s been on medication for seven years. Sometimes the side effects of the meds include nightmares or feeling "drunk" after eating certain foods.

Discovery May Pave Way to AIDS Vaccine

National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists now have "proof" that the search for an AIDS vaccine can succeed.

In the blood of an HIV infected person, the researchers discovered two powerful antibodies that neutralize 91% of HIV strains.

"The discoveries we have made may overcome the limitations that have long stymied antibody-based HIV vaccine design," Peter D. Kwong, PhD, chief of structural biology at the NIH Vaccine Research Center, says in a news release.