Books

This three-volume set is a comprehensive guide to improving and expanding HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment efforts in resource-limited settings. The book features a foreword by Peter Piot, former Executive Director of UNAIDS, as well as contributions from more than 320 leading international HIV/AIDS experts. Richard Marlink, the Foundation’s Senior Advisor for Medical and Scientific Affairs and Professor of Public Health at the Harvard School of Public Health, led the development of this groundbreaking resource, with support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “A Day in the Life of Africa” AIDS Education Fund, Harvard University, and others.

An independent review of the book in the March 20, 2010 issue of The Lancet states that the book is “unique in imparting concern and compassion for those affected by HIV/AIDS, alongside invaluable science, statistics, and policy issues relating to this pandemic” and that it will be “invaluable for program managers and lead clinicians.”

Volume 1: Laying a Strong Foundation
This volume outlines why HIV/AIDS services must be built upon a strong foundation, consisting of a capable workforce, sound laboratory and pharmacy infrastructure, appropriate monitoring and evaluation strategies, and a commitment to upholding human rights principles.

Volume 2: Establishing a Framework for Success 
This volume outlines how a successful framework for long-term health can only be achieved through a comprehensive range of services that respond to individual medical and psychological needs of all those in need, particularly those in the hardest-to-reach populations.

Volume 3: Developing Pathways and Partnerships
This volume stresses the importance of increased access to critical services to ensure that policies and programs continually respond to the ever-changing social and political environments in which health care professionals work.

In the nearly three decades since the AIDS epidemic was first recognized, scientists have made tremendous strides in devising treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS. Yet in Africa, where more than 60 percent of HIV-infected people live, treatments remain out of reach for most.

A Line Drawn in the Sand captures the determination of several African nations in tackling the challenge of providing lifesaving antiretroviral therapies to their citizens: Botswana, which has some of the highest HIV infection rates worldwide; Nigeria, whose epidemic threatens to become one of the world’s largest; Senegal, often touted as one of the few countries with a model response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic; and Tanzania, whose extreme poverty threatens efforts to stem its epidemic.

By emphasizing the dramatic results that investments in AIDS treatments in Africa can bring, the book provides lessons to nations about scaling up their own treatment responses, hope to individuals and communities confronted with the often devastating impact of AIDS, and inspiration to the international HIV/AIDS community.

In the face of a grave lack of resources to fight the AIDS epidemic in Africa, practical medical education must play a critical role in curtailing the number of new cases and improving quality of care for those already infected with HIV. This comprehensive reference book addresses the unique challenges facing many African nations as poor infrastructure and economics continue to obstruct access to advances in treatment and AIDS care training. While it takes into account the contact of setting with limited resources, it also looks ahead to how many African nations are successfully increasing their capacity to serve those affected by HIV and AIDS. Information on how to best utilize existing resources and prioritize scaling-up of infrastructure is a critical aspect of this book for those working in HIV/AIDS-related fields in Africa.

Global AIDS Crisis scrutinizes the scourge of HIV and AIDS throughout the world through the eyes of one of the top AIDS researchers in the world. From Botswana and sub-Saharan Africa to Thailand, Romania, and Brazil, an exploration of developing countries with limited access to health care and scarce resources reveals how such factors as tourism, international travel, war, and mobility have facilitated the insidious spread of HIV and AIDS.

Candid discussions of sensitive issues such as stigma and its effects on morale and health complement scientific and medical inquiries into the origins of the disease and the development of antiretroviral therapies. An analysis of groundbreaking solutions such as “medication adherence partners,” prevention strategies, and current vaccine models adds a glimmer of hope to a seemingly hopeless crisis.

One hundred photojournalists from 26 countries had 24 hours—one single day—to capture life in 53 African countries. Accepting the challenge, the photographers captured images of people rich with a vibrant culture of customs and routine that span an equally diverse geography.

With a foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and introduction by Kofi Annan, the photographs provide context for the complexities facing the African continent, from struggles for independence and political stability to fighting the AIDS epidemic and developing stable economies. The images go against the stereotypical grain by illustrating how life in Africa is not solely defined by famine, disease, poverty, and war.

All book sale proceeds were donated to AIDS education and treatment programs in Africa. Richard Marlink was a member of the advisory committee that helped define and implement the vision of the project, as well as advised where the earned proceeds should be allocated. The book is available on Amazon.

This Operations Manual was developed as part of a WHO-PEPFAR collaboration on health center scale up. Its development involved experienced experts from many implementing partners, WHO and MOH staff active in implementing HIV and related primary health care services as well as other NGOs and FBOs, PLHIV activist groups, bilateral and multilateral agencies. A PDF version of the Manual can be read and downloaded here.