Botswana–Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory Dedicated
On February 15, the Botswana–Harvard HIV Reference Laboratory—a collaborative effort between the Harvard AIDS Institute and the Botswana Ministry of Health—was dedicated in Gaborone. Officiating at the ceremony were the Honorable Joy Phumaphi, Minister of Health of Botswana; Maurice Tempelsman, chair of the Harvard AIDS Institute’s International Advisory Council; and Mpule Kwelagobe, Miss Universe® 1999. Researchers at the new facility will conduct epidemiologic and laboratory-based studies focusing on mother-to-child transmission of HIV among the local population. The center will also serve as a regional training facility for researchers and laboratory personnel from southern Africa.
Satellite Meeting on AIDS Care To Be Held at “XIII International AIDS Conference”
In conjunction with the “XIII International AIDS Conference” to be held in Durban, South Africa, the Enhancing Care Initiative will cosponsor a satellite meeting with the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration in partnership with the National Minority AIDS Council. Titled “Supportive Care and Support for the Caregiver,” the July 9 meeting aims to improve the practice of AIDS care by spotlighting successful examples and promoting discussions on pain management and care for the dying. Preregistration is required. For more information, please email your request to caresatellite@eci. harvard.edu or fax to +1-617-432-4545.
Save the Date: “ArtWorks for AIDS”
On November 30, the “ArtWorks for AIDS”auction will be held in Boston in conjunction with World AIDS Day events. The auction will feature donated artworks executed in a variety of media by approximately thirty top artists from nations in southern Africa. Monies collected will directly benefit communities in southern Africa affected by HIV. Organized by the Harvard AIDS Institute, the event has major sponsorship from Bristol-Myers Squibb. For more information about “ArtWorks for AIDS,” please contact Liz Liao at +1-617-432-3619.
