World Mental Health Day 2023

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World Mental Health Day 2023 – Mental health is a universal human right. World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.

Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community.

Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Yet one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.

Having a mental health condition should never be a reason to deprive a person of their human rights or to exclude them from decisions about their own health. Yet all over the world, people with mental health conditions continue to experience a wide range of human rights violations. Many are excluded from community life and discriminated against, while many more cannot access the mental health care they need or can only access care that violates their human rights.

Is corporate support for LGBT+ community breaking prejudices in Estonia?

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Baltic Pride 2023 in Tallinn, Saturday, June 10, 2023. Source: Siim Lõvi / ERR

Shameema Binte Rahman explores Estonian companies’ support during the Baltic Price Festival and for the LGBT+ cause in Estonia in general.

She is pliant in allowing others to address her as “she” or “they” but implores to remain anonymous when talking about her experiences as a lesbian in Estonia. She says, “My girlfriend is Estonian, and we have lived here together for five years now. This year the government passed the long-awaited law on same-sex marriage, which will come into force in January next year, and we too plan to get married next year. Now the legal protection of same-sex relationships is settled, but society still has a ways to go in terms of accepting me.

The recent incident in which a gay pastor was stabbed in the name of God in a Tallinn bar during the Baltic Pride Festival in June is a stark reminder of the rigid and violent heteronormative prejudices that still persist today.

Stories of violence and hatred against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other self-claimed identity – LGBTQIA+ or LGBT+ people in Estonia are mounting, both anecdotally and in public discourse. Although Estonia legalized same-sex activity immediately after its independence from the Soviet Union, attitudes toward lesbians and gays have remained intolerant since Soviet law deemed it criminal.

With the passing of the same-sex marriage law, another significant event took place in June, the month of the Pride festival. Several local and multinational companies openly declared their support for the LGBT+ community. According to the official website of Baltic Pride 2023, a total of 16 organizations showed their open support; nine of them are businesses and the rest are NGOs, funding agencies and embassies. These companies have made a mark, while thousands of companies in Estonia are silent about their support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Original news: news

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Friday’s World Heart Day

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Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. The good news is that most of them can be prevented by addressing risk factors: maintaining a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, avoiding tobacco & reducing alcohol consumption.

More tips to keep your heart healthy from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday’s World Heart Day: https://www.who.int/…/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)

Festheart Festival in Tartu and Rakvere

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Autumn in Estonia promises to be a season filled with cultural events, and one of the most anticipated among them is the Festheart Festival, which will take place in Tartu and Rakvere. This film arts festival promises to offer unique cinematic experiences to its audience.

The Festheart Festival stands out for its richness and diversity. Its program will feature films from various countries, united by a passion for cinema. The detailed program of the Festheart Festival is available on the official event website: festheart.ee.

The Festheart Festival is also an initiator of socially significant projects. This year, the festival collaborates with the Estonian Network of People Living with HIV, www.ehpv.ee ( MSM Kontrollpunkt EHPV) to raise awareness about the importance of HIV prevention and sexual health care. At the festival, anyone interested can receive a complimentary kit, including an HIV test, lubricants, and condoms, as well as receive consultations on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

The Festheart Festival is not just a celebration of cinematic art but also an opportunity to learn more about important aspects of health and prevention. Join this unique event, enjoy high-quality films, and take care of your well-being. Don’t miss the chance to become a part of the Festheart Festival and immerse yourself in the world of cinema and current social issues.

Tartu: Elekriteatris, from September 29th to October 1st

Rakvere: Teatrikinos, from October 6th to 8th

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION AUTHORISES ViiV HEALTHCARE’S APRETUDE (CABOTEGRAVIR LONG-ACTING AND TABLETS) FOR HIV PREVENTION

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  • Given as few as six times per year, cabotegravir has demonstrated superior efficacy to a daily oral PrEP option (FTC/TDF tablets) in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition in clinical trials.1,2,3,4
  • With approximately 100,000 people newly diagnosed with HIV each year in Europe,5 expanding HIV prevention options is crucial in reducing HIV transmission.

London, 19 September 2023 – ViiV Healthcare, the global specialist HIV company majority owned by GSK, with Pfizer and Shionogi as shareholders, today announced that the European Commission has authorised Apretude (cabotegravir long-acting (LA) injectable and tablets) for HIV prevention. Cabotegravir is indicated in combination with safer sex practices for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection in high-risk adults and adolescents (at least 12 years of age), weighing at least 35 kg.

Cabotegravir LA injectable and tablets for PrEP is the first and only HIV prevention option approved in the European Union (EU) that reduces the number of doses needed for effective HIV prevention from 365 daily pills to as few as six injections per year. Cabotegravir LA injectable and tablets for PrEP has demonstrated superior efficacy to daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition in clinical trials, giving people in the EU more options for PrEP.1,2,3,4

Link to original news to site

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We introduce a new visual style created by Noit, a development and design studio.

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We introduce a new visual style created by Noit, a development and design studio.

As part of the “MSM Checkpoint EHPV” project, supported by the Elton John Foundation and the Estonian Network of People Living with HIV, we have developed a series of banners that inform about the important services provided by MSM EHPV checkpoints in Estonia.

Furthermore, in the near future, we will be pleased to present an informational resource dedicated to HIV prevention before and after potential exposure (PrEP and PEP) as well as an animated video about the operations of MSM checkpoints in Estonia.

The foundation of our concept is to encourage men engaging in sexual relationships with men to prioritize their health and take care of their partners’ health. We emphasize the importance of testing and treatment, the use of PrEP and PEP, access to condoms, and the provision of information and support.

This project aims to have a significant impact on the MSM community in Estonia, promoting a healthier lifestyle and HIV prevention.

Cell reports medicine

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Highlights

  • •
    Venetoclax delays viral rebound in a humanized mouse model of HIV infection
  • •
    Venetoclax depletes intact HIV DNA ex vivo in cells from people living with HIV on ART
  • •
    The HIV reservoir is enriched in cells with higher expression of BH3-only proteins

Summary

HIV-1 persists indefinitely in people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). If ART is stopped, the virus rapidly rebounds from long-lived latently infected cells. Using a humanized mouse model of HIV-1 infection and CD4+ T cells from PLWH on ART, we investigate whether antagonizing host pro-survival proteins can prime latent cells to die and facilitate HIV-1 clearance. Venetoclax, a pro-apoptotic inhibitor of Bcl-2, depletes total and intact HIV-1 DNA in CD4+ T cells from PLWH ex vivo. This venetoclax-sensitive population is enriched for cells with transcriptionally higher levels of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins. Furthermore, venetoclax delays viral rebound in a mouse model of persistent HIV-1 infection, and the combination of venetoclax with the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845 achieves a longer delay in rebound compared with either intervention alone. Thus, selective inhibition of pro-survival proteins can induce death of HIV-1-infected cells that persist on ART, extending time to viral rebound.

Graphical abstract

Figure thumbnail fx1

Link to pdf:

Link to raports:

Raports

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Introducing the Baltic Refugee Support Hub!

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🌟 Introducing the Baltic Refugee Support Hub! 🌍🤝

In the wake of russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a wave of refugees found their way to the shores of Europe, seeking safety and solace. The numbers were staggering – over 8 million refugees across Europe, with more than 500,000 finding refuge in the Baltic and Nordic regions, of which 1/3 were innocent children, and number of key populations representatives from Ukraine.

Amidst this challenge, a beacon of hope emerged – the Baltic Refugee Support Hub, brought to life by the tireless efforts of the NGO Estonian Network of People living with HIV. Operating from June 2023 to October 2024, this project aims to extend a helping hand to those in need and reshape their lives.

🤝 Partnership for Progress

Working shoulder to shoulder with AGIHAS in Latvia, Positiiviset ry and HivFinland in Finland, EHPV in Estonia, and planning to expand to Lithuania Norway, the Baltic Hub seeks to unite hearts and resources across borders. A powerful memorandum of understanding will be signed, setting the stage for a collective mission.

🏠 The Baltic Hub – supporting Ukrainian refugees

The Baltic Hub is more than a project – it’s a lifeline for those who’ve endured the hardships of war. It provides a central point of coordination for services spanning psycho-social, medical, socio-economic, legal, and informational realms. This refuge of support is open to Ukrainian refugees living with HIV, the LGBT+ community, families impacted by HIV, children, and other key groups.

🌐 A Compassionate Connection

Within the frames of activities we`re proud to announce that the multilingual website will be launched, designed to guide refugees in their journey toward better lives. This online portal, will be available in 7 languages, arming refugees with the information they need, directing them to the services available in their new countries. It’s a digital bridge to brighter tomorrows for those in need.

💬 Spreading the Message

The Baltic Hub isn’t just about infrastructure – it’s about ensuring every person who needs help can find it. Through a strategic communication campaign, we will be reaching out to Ukrainian AIDS centers, friendly family doctors, and NGOs working with key groups. Together, we will be promoting the website as a beacon of assistance, a lifeline for those seeking refuge in Baltic Countries.

🌟 Shaping a Sustainable Future

The journey doesn’t end with this project. A grand online conference will convene at the project’s close, sharing lessons learned and casting a vision for the Baltic Hub beyond these initial steps. It’s about building bridges that stand the test of time, offering hope to those in search of a brighter future.

🌍 Impact Beyond Borders

Join us in making a real impact. Together, we’re fostering increased welfare for war refugees – from HIV-positive individuals and their families to children and the LGBT+ community. With the Baltic Hub, an international informational service provision mechanism, we’re shaping a future where compassion knows no bounds.

🤝 Partners:

The Baltic Refugees Support HUB project is supported by Nordic Council of Ministers.

In country Partners are: AGIHAS, Latvia | Positiiviset ry, HivFinland, Finland | EHPV, Estonia | Demetra, Lithuania and others

Let’s change lives, one step at a time.

#BalticRefugeeSupportHub #StrongerTogether

2023 UNAIDS GLOBAL AIDS UPDATE RAPORT

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This report makes clear that there is a path to end AIDS. Taking that path will help ensure preparedness to address other pandemic challenges, and advance progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.

The data and case studies in the report make it very clear what that path is. It is not a mystery. It is a choice. Some leaders are already following the path—and succeeding. It is inspiring to note that Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda and Zimbabwe have already achieved the 95–95–95 targets, and at least 16 other countries (including 7 in sub-Saharan Africa) are close to doing so.
HIV responses succeed when they are anchored in strong political leadership to follow the evidence; to tackle the inequalities holding back progress; to enable communities and civil society organizations in their vital roles in the response; and to ensure sufficient and sustainable funding.

This report describes in detail how countries that put people and communities first in their policies and programmes are already leading the world on the journey to end AIDS by 2030. We need all leaders to get on that path.

Ending AIDS is an opportunity for a uniquely powerful legacy for today’s leaders. They have the chance to be remembered by future generations as those who ensured the policies, programmes and investments that put a stop to the world’s deadliest pandemic. They can save millions of lives and protect the health of us all. They can show what leadership can do.

None of this will come automatically, however. AIDS claimed a life every minute in 2022. Millions of people still miss out on treatment, including 43% of children living with HIV.

The path that ends AIDS requires collaboration—south and north, governments and communities, the United Nations and Member States together. And it requires bold leadership. The route map in this report shows how success is possible, in this decade.

Progress has been strongest in the countries and regions that have the most financial investments, such as in eastern and southern Africa.

Progress has been strengthened by ensuring legal and policy frameworks do not undermine but, instead, enable rights. Several countries have removed harmful laws in 2022 and 2023, including five (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cook Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore) that have decriminalized same-sex sexual relations. Existing laws to protect the rights of vulnerable people have been strengthened in other countries (Central African Republic, Ghana, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Spain). This courage is what generates the opportunity for success.

We are hopeful, but it is not the relaxed optimism that might come if all was heading as it should be. It is, instead, a hope rooted in seeing the opportunity for success—an opportunity dependent on action. The facts and figures in this report do not show that we, as a world, are already on the path—but they show that we can be. The way is clear.

We join with communities around the world in urging leaders to demonstrate the will to lead us along the right path.

https://thepath.unaids.org/wp-content/themes/unaids2023/assets/files/2023_report.pdf

Eкскурсія групи з України до Морського музею

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Сьогодні відбулася екскурсія групи з України до Морського музею. За підтримки Pagulasabi

Пізнавальна, чаруюча та захоплююча! Це про екскурсію нашої групи до Морського музею. Скільки приємних вражень від побаченого та почутого від екскурсовода! Море, кораблі, старовинний маяк наче частина колодязя, пришвартований криголам. А в приміщенні музею наші враження набули ще більших емоцій. Історичні факти, експонати часів давнини та сучасності – все це заворожувало нас. Дуже цікаво було знаходитися в підводному човні Лембіт, уявити себе членом екіпажу. Також нам пощастило відвідати унікальну експозицію з Венеції, на якій ми почули про саме місто: його історію та сьогодення. А ще дізналися, як справжня гондола опинилася в музеї. Кожен бажаючий міг зробити фото в масці на прогулянці гондолою. А різні пристрої, імітатори підводного плавання, польоту на повітряній кулі, карети та багато іншого подарували дітям масу чудових вражень. Трохи стомлені, але дуже задоволені, ми прийшли до кафе, де нас почастували смачним обідом. За столом ділилися тим, що більше всього вразило. Адже ми побували в одному з найбільших музеїв Естонії. Від учасників цієї екскурсії висловлюємо велику подяку всім, хто її організував. Тому що життя продовжується…