Wood, coal and butane gas – although traditional, these methods of cooking are particularly bad for the lungs. Six hundred women from the Ivory Coast who had been cooking 5 days a week for at least 5 years were questioned about what type of fuel they used. Although all those who used wood had respiratory problems, the results from those who cooked with coal were scarcely any better: in 98% of cases their health was affected. Butane caused fewer problems, but practically one woman in every two still suffered as a result of butane pollution … Sneezing and obstruction of the nasal passages (...)

“ AIDS is not in recession and our efforts in terms of prevention and screening must absolutely be maintained”. This is the alarm that was sounded with one common voice by the 5,000 participants at the 5th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference that took place at the end of July in Cape Town, South Africa. Researchers, doctors and other representatives from non-governmental organisations and associations expressed their concern about the (...)