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Stephanie Nolen on AIDS

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 2:11 PM EDT 18/12/07

Correspondent for Africa took your questions ...Read the full article

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  1. Cynthia B from Toronto, ON, Canada writes: Stephanie, I just wanted to let you know the impact your articles have had on me. I must confess that the AIDS pandemic in Africa was not on my mental radar until last fall. I was flying for business, and I happened to read your article on the decimation of human resources in Malawi (I think) by this terrible disease. I sat on the plane while tears rolled down my face at the thought of such needless suffering. This week, I have been working as a volunteer at the AIDS 2006 conference. It has been a rewarding experience in so many ways, and I hope in some small way my efforts are contributing to the success of this gathering. I am also using this conference to explore other ways that I can help longer-term in this crisis. You are a very gifted writer - not just a wordsmith, but someone who can touch other people's hearts with truth and compassion. Please keep writing about this issue, knowing that you are making a difference and raising awareness. http://eclecta.blogspot.com
  2. Basu Bose from Toronto, Canada writes: I didn't know enough about the span of Stephanie Nolan's career, nor did I know that she has already won so many awards. I am sure there will be more to come. All I know is that she is a remarkably serious and perceptive reporter who can win over her readers with the in-depth writing about Africa- whether it is about crime aginst women in Darfur or about the crisis situation on Aids in African countries. In a relevant context, she reminds me of BBC's Michael Buerk's grpound breaking TV reporting on famine in Africa. She must be one of the best in the world in her field of work. The Globe & Mail should be justifiably proud of Staephnaie Nolan and, the awareness she has raised about Aids amongst Canadians.
  3. Adriana Stuijt from Dokkum, Netherlands writes: re: Your excellent article on SA's XDR-TB epidemic: As a retired medical journalist from South Africa, I am now just as worried about the familiar denialist-method the Mbeki-government is using once again against the country's second deadly epidemic threatening the population within the past decade. This time the XDR-TB epidemic. Even though I did grow quite used to the mountain of ANC-initiated medical and veterinarian flops over the years, I still couldn't believe my eyes when watching t recent broadcast on the state broadcaster's TV-news, speaking of 13 "forcibly detained XDR-TB patients" at Sizwe Hospital at the East Rand who, the public prosecutor demanded, had to be 'released at once because their human rights were being violated..." The hospital management was adamant, saying they could not release these 13 XDR-TB patients as they remained dangerously infectious to the rest of the community. Once again, western scientific advice is being ignored by the Mbeki-government -- but this time, the entire world might have to face having to deal with this new XDR-TB epidemic. This isn't just a danger to "hiv-positive" or "previously treated TB patients" -- everybody can get infected by XDR-TB, contrary to what is being claimed by certain factions inside SA. View the news item: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Zz5lI3Hc5Xc More than 1,054 people per 100,000 of the KZN population are now being diagnosed as infected with XDR-TB. You report that the first XDR-TB cases were identified in 2006. However SA authorities had officially failed to report the first two XDR-TB outbreaks in 2003/4, diagnosed by Dr Tommie Victor from the Stellenbosch University. The WHO and the Centres for Disease Control had to read about it in the scientific paper he published about it.
  4. Stanislav Genchev from Poughkeepsie, United States writes: Dear Mrs. Nolen,

    I am writing on behalf of the UN concerning a project that might interest
    you. I am Stanislav Genchev, co-coordinator of one of the committees for a
    conference on the Millennium Development Goals that will take place August
    12-15 at the UN. For more information, please check out
    http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/.

    I learned about your work through the articles I have read about you and the great work you have done in Africa. I am really impressed and would like to talk
    to you on the opportunity to give a speech at this major event at the
    United Nations Head Quarter. I can be reached at stgenchev@vassar.edu and/or 845.309.5758.

    I am co-organizing the discussion board on HIV/AIDS. We are looking for
    speakers who are involved in fighting against the spreading of HIV/AIDS and working towards creating a better future for the millions diseased all over the world. This is an
    action-based conference to inspire others to take action as well.

    Thank you for your time and consideration,

    May peace prevail on Earth,

    Stanislav Genchev
  5. Jo Saliba from Toronto, Canada writes: 28 Stories of Aids in Africa has inspired me to do more! I have started a "chain" letter with the book, passing it on to one person who will then do the same once reading the book and contact all of the people in this chain letting us know what action they will take to join the fight against AIDS. In February during International Development Week, I will be fasting for 28 hours (one hour for each story in this book) to raise money for Oxfam Canada. Thank you for sharing your experiences with these people in Africa to bring a more personal connection to the pandemic. Everyone needs to read this book and then you too will be inspired to do more....together we can put an end to this crisis!

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