Global Snapshot

Health officials in Toronto are questioning the widely touted link between crystal methamphetamine use and heightened HIV infection risks among gay men, saying there is not yet enough evidence to prove such a connection. Experts in U.S. cities'including San Francisco STD prevention director Jeffrey Klausner'where studies have shown meth users to be more likely to engage in risky sex, often with multiple partners, say their Canadian counterparts are 'burying their heads in the sand.' Health officials in Brazil are threatening to break the patent on the Abbott Laboratories protease inhibitor Kaletra and make a cheaper generic version of the drug unless the company drastically cuts its price. Uganda says it will not import generic anti-HIV medications from South Africa until they are screened by the World Health Organization and Uganda's national drug authority. Because of the difficulties in obtaining generic anti-HIV medications from Indian firms, health officials in Malawi have announced the country is considering domestic production to ensure sustainable supplies. A study of 3,000 heterosexual HIV-negative men in South Africa supports the long-touted theory that circumcision may cut the risk of sexually acquired HIV infection by 70%. Officials in China drafted a law in June to protect HIV-positive people and their families from discrimination. It will take effect by the end of the year. Doctors in Japan warn that a surge in new HIV cases in the country could lead to a rapid rise in coinfections of HIV and tuberculosis. HIVers are 50 times more likely to develop TB. Governmental efforts in Malaysia to curb access to Internet porn are also blocking HIV prevention information, advocates say. Filters block up to 27% of health sites containing the word condom and 10% of site searchers for the words safer sex.