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Gorillas Found with HIV Strain

HIV VirusGorillas have been found, for the first time, to be a source of HIV.

Previous research had shown the HIV-1 strain, the main source of human infections, with 33m cases worldwide, originated from a virus in chimpanzees. But researchers have now discovered an HIV infection in a Cameroonian woman which is clearly linked to a gorilla strain, Nature Medicine reports.

A researcher told the BBC that, though it was a new type of HIV, current drugs might still help combat its effects. HIV originated from a similar virus in chimpanzees called Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV).

Although HIV/Aids was first recognised by scientists in the 1980s, it is thought to have first entered the human population early in the 20th Century in the region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The virus probably originally jumped into humans after people came into contact with infected bush meat. SIV viruses have been reported in other primates, including gorillas.

Read more: Gorillas Found with HIV Strain

 

Gay Carers Needed for Survey

SurveyThere could be as many as 10,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) carers in the city of Birmingham and there are currently no specific services or support groups to meet their needs. 

Birmingham City Council is keen to address this and is appealing for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who either are themselves carers, or who need care, to express their views. 

LGBT carers and carers of LGBT people have the same needs for support as anyone else yet they are often marginalised by services and fear discrimination and homophobia from providers. The council are keen to gather the right knowledge to respond to these needs, and have commissioned the West Midlands branch of the Consortium of LGBT Voluntary and Community Organisations to conduct research into this issue. 

Sueb Jabbar, Carers Commissioner, comments, "As a diverse city with a significant population of LGBT people, we need to know how we can support them. This research and the views of the LGBT community is vital to help us plan for their needs.” 

To get involved with the research, or to talk to the team, email carers@lgbtconsortium.org.uk or call 0121 773 6225 before 31st October 2009. All responses will be taken in confidence. 

   

New City & Guilds course on HIV

New City & Guilds course on HIV
HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust has been approved to offer a new City & Guilds course in understanding HIV and AIDS. The course was developed as a partnership between THT and City & Guilds and it is the first of its kind.  Courses will be run at locations across the UK.
 
The qualification is designed for people interested in HIV and AIDS or working in a role where knowledge of the issue would be beneficial to their work. It’s ideal for people who work in a variety of roles including nurses, GP reception staff, voluntary workers, probation officers, police officers, teachers, social services staff, staff in drug support services and residential care services as well as interested individuals.
   

Gay Men - THIVK - Test - Take Control

FastTEST
In a bid to reduce dangerous levels of undiagnosed HIV among gay men, Terrence Higgins Trust is launching a new campaign encouraging men to take control of their sexual health by regularly testing for HIV. The campaign ‘THIVK – Test – Take Control’ will be run through a stand-alone website (www.thinkHIV.co.uk), adverts in gay press, posters, leaflets and condom packs, carrying the following messages:
  •  “Treatments have never been so good. If you have HIV, the sooner you find out the better.”
  • “Think HIV testing takes too long? Some clinics offer ‘rapid tests’ with results in 20 minutes.”
  • “You think you’re HIV negative? You might be wrong.”

Read more: Gay Men - THIVK - Test - Take Control

   

Research into Gay Alcohol and Drug Abuse Underway

Drugs Alcohol
Part of the Picture - England's first ever research into lesbian, gay and bisexual drug and alcohol use is now underway.

The part of the picture survey is online now at http://www.partofthepicture.co.uk, and teams of fully trained staff and volunteers are heading out to UK Pride events to survey the LGB community about their drinking habits and drug use - their next stop will be London Pride on 4 July.

The research is being carried out by The Lesbian and Gay Foundation in partnership with The International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion at the University of Central Lancashire and has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund's Big Research Programme.
   

New workshops launched for gay men with HIV

New workshops launched for gay men with HIV
On June 17 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Terrence Higgins Trust is launching a new Positive Self Management Programme for gay men living with HIV.  
 
The free workshops in Ladbroke Grove, London will run at the same time every subsequent Tuesday for seven weeks. 

The Programme is a group workshop offering people living with HIV the skills to manage their health and maintain active lives. The workshops are facilitated by trained group leaders, both of whom are living with HIV themselves.  
   

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