In recent years, Europe and Central Asia has experienced the world's fastest growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. Yet, in the Western Balkan countries the HIV prevalence rate is under 0.1 percent, which ranks among the lowest. This may be due to a low level of infection among the population--or partly due to inadequate surveillance systems. All major contributing factors for the breakout of an HIV/AIDS epidemic are present in the Western Balkans. HIV/AIDS disproportionably affects youth (80 percent of HIV-infected people are 30 years old or younger). Most of the Western Balkan countries have very young p.

Published by the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, a consortium made up of 31 public and private agencies that provide financial services for the poor in developing countries, this volume describes the past 10 years of their work in microfinance. Helms explains the group's clients and their needs, such as loans and savings accounts; financial service providers at the micro, meso, and macro levels; the role of the government; and international and domestic funding sources. The last chapter discusses key issues in technology, leveraging remittances, reaching farmers and rural clients, measuring social performance, and protecting poor consumers. Annotation :2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Although the countries in the Central Asia region are still at the earliest stage of an HIV/AIDS epidemic, they are experiencing a steep growth of new HIV cases, related epidemics of injected drug use, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and tuberculosis. They also have a large youth population and low levels of public awareness about the epidemics. This report contains country profiles which identify key issues and recommend further action, covering epidemiology; strategic and regulatory frameworks; surveillance; preventive, diagnostic and treatment activities; non-governmental and partner activities; and resources available.

Annotation Tuberculosis is still a significant health and economic problem in Central Asia, despite recent progress of the overall economic situation in the region. Over 50,000 new cases were detected in 2003, and over 7,000 people died due to tuberculosis in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan the four countries analyzed in this study. Stopping Tuberculosis in Central Asia examines the control efforts and financing of tuberculosis programs in the region. It also addresses the impending epidemiological crisis that has been posed by the sudden increase in cases of HIV/AIDS infection combined with a prevalent epidemic of tuberculosis. The authors find that it is highly unlikely that the Central Asian Republics will succeed in achieving the global targets for tuberculosis control in the short-term unless decisive action is taken.

Although the number of reported cases of HIV in Central Asia is very low, the growth rate of the epidemic (about 500 cases in 2000 to over 12,000 in 2004) is a cause for serious concern. This study identifies critical gaps, and makes recommendations for further action that will ensure effective early prevention of HIV/AIDS in Central Asia.

História para ler num dia em que o vento sopra mais forte, em que se sente sob os pés os tapetes de folhas caídas pela chegada do outono, ou para acrescentar numa cesta de piquenique, ou simplesmente para dias em que se deseja uma história leve, bela e vibrante. Transporta os que a vivem para o mundo das sensações e dos valores, como a amizade, alegria, partilha e harmonia com a natureza. A sua simplicidade encanta pela liberdade deixada aos corações e mentes de cada um, para criar dentro da própria história. A Corrida das Folhas convida a criança e o adulto a abrir o coração à floresta, através dos seus sentidos e a prestar atenção aos símbolos harmoniosos que a natureza oferece em cada elemento (terra, ar, fogo e água). Para ler esta história, é preciso ter fôlego!