By: Emily Tsang University of Hong Kong scientists have discovered an antibody that could treat gut inflammation in HIV patients – a common condition for sufferers that can prove fatal. By blocking the pathway that leads to acute gut inflammation, the antibody can also delay the virus from weakening the immune system and prevent sufferers from contracting Aids. But HKU researchers said the treatment, which has so far only been tested on mice, would require further study before being used on HIV-infected patients. Hong Kong could see 35 per cent surge in HIV cases by 2021, report says “This study solves the mystery of an inflammatory mechanism during the acute HIV infection,” said Professor Chen Zhiwei, director of the Aids Institute and microbiology professor at HKU. “It also anticipates developing the antibody as a new immunotherapy to fight against Aids and other inflammation-related diseases.” The findings…

For the first time in cruise industry history, a female seafarer will navigate the rich archipelago of the Galapagos as captain. A native of Ecuador, Nathaly Albán will command the ultra-exclusive Celebrity Exploration; as captain of the recently revitalized catamaran. With a total of 12 years experience sailing throughout the Galapagos, Captain Albán has worked on several ships in the region, first joining the Celebrity family in 2006 as a third officer onboard the 100-guest Celebrity Xpedition. Continuing the brand’s dedication to advancing the role of women in leadership, Albán’s appointment follows that of Celebrity Summit’s own Captain Kate McCue. “Empowering strong women and elevating them to deserved leadership roles is a cause that is close to my heart, and one that Celebrity Cruises truly values,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President, and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “When the opportunity presented itself to promote Nathaly, who radiates passion and love for her job…

A six-member all-women crew of the Indian Navy is set to embark on an eight-month voyage in September to circumnavigate the world, the first such feat to be attempted from Asia. The naval officers led by Lt. Commander Vartika Joshi will set sail in the naval auxiliary vessel INSV Tarini from Goa, and they are expected to depart early September. “We will be passing through some of the roughest patches of the sea during the voyage,” Joshi told reporters today. “This all-women circumnavigation attempt would be the first of its kind, not only from India but also Asia. They are well-trained and with their maritime odyssey, they will also set sail for the record books,” Naval Chief of Personnel Vice Admiral A K Chawla said. “They are going to set benchmarks not just for India but the entire world,” he said. Fellow crew member Pratibha Jamwal, who had joined the…

By: Lilian Namagembe According to the 2016 Uganda population HIV/Aids Impact Assessment (UPHIA) survey, the adult HIV prevalence is higher among women at 7.5 per cent compared to 4.3 per cent among men. The survey, which was conducted from August 2016 to March 2017 from 12,483 households states that it achieved very high participation rates of over 95 per cent for both interviews and blood draws. “A total of 16,670 women and 12,354 men aged 15-64 years were interviewed and tested for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B,” the report reads in part. HIV prevalence is also highest among women in the age groups of 35 to 39 years and 45 to 49 years, at 12.9 per cent and 12.8 per cent respectively. The report also states that among women and men, HIV prevalence declined from 8.3 per cent and 6.1 per cent in 2011 to 7.5 per cent and…

An estimated 65 per cent of more than 1,700 female inmates in Jordan’s prisons are held under the 60-year-old law, according to the Sisterhood Is Global Institute (SIGI), a women’s rights charity. In a secret shelter in the Jordanian capital Amman, 52-year-old Fatima runs a hand over the scar that has shaped her life. Almost 30 years ago, her father shot her and her sister to “cleanse the family’s honour” after her younger sibling got pregnant out of wedlock and he deemed it necessary for both daughters should pay the price. “When they shot my sister she died,” said Fatima, who declined to give her real name for fear of reprisals. “When they started on me, our neighbours informed the police… I remained in the hospital for six to seven months, then the police came and put me in prison.” Fatima remained in prison for 22 years under a law…

The upcoming 3-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad, likely to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been tagged “a big event”, with the presence of US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump. Business leaders from across the globe, along with entrepreneurs and investors, will be in attendance. India and the US will co-host the three-day event. The American delegation will be led by Ivanka. A US official confirmed that the event slated for November 28 will have “high-level” participation from the Government of India. The Prime minister is likely to be in attendance following his tweet on the subject. “Look forward to Ivanka Trump’s presence at GES 2017 Hyderabad as the leader of the US delegation,” Modi said in a tweet last week. He said the event is aimed to bring together entrepreneurs of the two countries. The leader of the United States delegation Ivanka Trump also said…