New Network Formed to Control Rotavirus
More than a dozen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are forming a new Rotavirus Surveillance Network to provide better epidemiological support for countries' efforts to reduce deaths and illness from diarrhea. Representatives of countries that have already joined the network and others that plan to participate met in Lima, Peru, on Sept. 3–4, to discuss research protocols and to compare findings on the prevalence of rotavirus. Regionwide, up to 50 percent of hospitalizations for diarrhea are related to rotavirus, and most cases involve children under the age of 1. Two new vaccines for the virus are in advanced stages of development and are expected to be available for use in the region soon. The network is being supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Spanish NGO Supports Health-Promoting Schools
PAHO has signed an agreement with EDEX, a nongovernmental organization in Spain's Basque Country, for a joint effort to strengthen health promotion and health education in schools throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. EDEX has developed a program called "The Adventure of Life" based on the principles and strategies of PAHO's Health-Promoting Schools Initiative. The program seeks to inculcate healthy attitudes and behaviors in children from the earliest possible age. EDEX is implementing the program in 16 countries of the region. The new agreement will help strengthen communication networks to systematize experiences, combine efforts to mobilize resources and facilitate interaction and exchange among experts in both organizations.

Guyana Goes on a Cleaning Spree
Guyana is stepping up its efforts to improve environmental health through government and citizen action in such areas as solid waste management, sanitary standards, basic service coverage, and personal and family hygiene. A newly established National Working Group on Sanitation and Hygiene will develop policy recommendations, work with government agencies, and encourage community-based efforts in low-income areas to improve sanitation and hygiene. To support such efforts, PAHO and the World Health Organization (WHO) sponsored a workshop in July on solid waste management that concluded that Guyana needs some $3.6 million per year to improve solid waste services and that current spending levels are inadequate. Analysts noted that more than 43,000 cases of illness associated with waste exposure are reported in the country every year.

Training, Certification for Physicians in HIV Care
The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (IAPAC) is partnering with PAHO/WHO to develop and promote a medical education and physician certification program for HIV care providers in limited-resource settings. IAPAC's Global AIDS Learning and Evaluation Network (GALEN) offers training and curriculum materials for continuing education to help physicians provide appropriate and up-to-date treatment for HIV and AIDS patients in developing countries.

A priority area of the program is management of antiretroviral drugs, which is becoming increasingly important as such drugs become available at lower cost in middle- and lower-income countries. PAHO is developing Spanish-language curriculum materials for the GALEN program and is helping to promote the network in its member countries. It is also helping to coordinate field tests of GALEN's physician certification program in PAHO member countries. The test allows physicians to demonstrate their knowledge of HIV care and treatment and to be designated as "HIV Care Specialists" after passing the exam.

Germany Joins PAHO on Indigenous Health
Germany's Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ) signed an agreement in mid-July to work with PAHO to improve the quality of life of indigenous communities in 15 countries of the Americas. GTZ will contribute 747,000 euros toward efforts to reduce illnesses associated with environmental problems, particularly unsafe drinking water, poor sanitary conditions and inadequate hygiene. Of high priority are gastrointestinal infections and parasitic diseases, among the leading causes of death in children under 5. GTZ supported an earlier PAHO effort focused on sanitary improvement at the regional and national levels.

PAHO Helps Launch New Journalists' Network
A new Web-based network for journalists specializing in health was launched in early August by PAHO, the Communications Initiative and the Foundation for a New Ibero-American Journalism. The new Health Network (Red Salud) is aimed at improving the quality of health journalism in Latin American media, with a special focus on coverage of HIV/AIDS and adolescent health. It will promote dialogue among members, giving journalists the opportunity to exchange ideas and get up-to-date information on current health issues. As of mid-September, the network had signed up 350 members, including representatives of some of the leading Spanish-language media in the Americas.

Mexican Municipal Network Celebrates 10 Years
The Mexican Network of Municipalities for Health recently celebrated 10 years of promoting efforts by cities and towns to improve the health of their citizens. Founded in 1993, the network has grown from 11 original members to 1,742 towns and cities in Mexico. Members have developed joint projects in such areas as solid waste management, water quality and supply, and prevention of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. The network receives support from Mexico's Secretariat of Health and from PAHO, as part of its regionwide Healthy Municipalities initiative. The anniversary celebration took place in Playa del Carmen and drew more than 1,000 participants.

A clown jokes with a child during Nicaragua's annual telethon for disabled children. The July 24 event featured PAHO Champions of Health Luis Enrique and Carlos Mejía Godoy. The proceeds will support the work of Nicaragua's "Los Pipitos" Medical Institute.