Celebrities Hit Hole-In-One at Foundation Fundraiser

A collection of movie, television, and sports celebrities gathered on October 1 to support the Foundation at the ninth annual Celebrity Golf Classic. This year's event, held at the Lakeside Country Club in Burbank, Calif., raised more than $800,000, the highest total in the event's history. James Caan, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Chris O'Donnell were just a few of the participating celebrities, while Sharon Stone presided over a live auction at the end of play. More.

Foundation Applauds New Drug Safety Legislation

The Foundation was instrumental in passing the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 which expands two key children’s drug testing provisions that were set to expire on October 1. On September 27, President Bush signed the bipartisan legislation into law. The legislation overhauls the drug safety system and contains several provisions to make medicines and medical devices safer for use in children. "Congress has taken another big step towards leveling the playing field for children's health," said Foundation President and CEO Pamela W. Barnes. More.

Research News

Future of Vaccine Research Lead Topic at White Oak Conference

Each year, the Foundation brings together leading scientists to discuss topics surrounding the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Held in October at the White Oak Plantation just south of Jacksonville, Fla., this year's conference included discussions about pediatric HIV vaccine programs, clinical trials issues, and recent research in breast-milk transmission. "Collaboration on these issues is crucial for progress to be made," said Foundation president and CEO Pamela W. Barnes, who was in attendance. "Bringing these talented scientists together is an important step towards solving the mysteries of HIV/AIDS." More.

Primary Health Care Facilities Show Success in Treating HIV-Positive Children

Children with HIV in Africa can be successfully treated with decentralized services provided by nurses and clinical officers, according to a new study partially funded by the Foundation. The study, which was conducted in 18 Foundation-supported sites in Zambia, is spotlighted in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), where it is featured in a special issue focusing on poverty. More.

News from the Field

Uganda

Foundation Participates in Uganda HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day

Last month, Uganda country director William Salmond represented the Foundation at a pediatric HIV/AIDS advocacy day for the country. The event was attended by diplomats and children alike, including United States Ambassador to Uganda, Steven Browning, and Annabella, a 12-year-old HIV-positive girl who now lives with hope thanks to the Foundation's work. Panels of speakers discussed the urgent need to improve pediatric HIV/AIDS programs, including a vast scale-up of prevention of mother-to-child transmission and care and support for orphans. More.

Foundation Dedicates New Health Center in Uganda

In October, Salmond spoke at the dedication ceremony for the new maternity wing of the Kiyumba Health Centre in Uganda, a facility constructed with funding from the Foundation. In his remarks, Salmond emphasized the importance of HIV testing-especially amongst women. Today, almost 100 percent of women are tested and receive results at the clinic in Kiyumba, while a year ago only 32 percent were tested. More.