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Reuters Foundation is partnering with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to run a five-day HIV/AIDS Reporting Workshops in Addis Ababa, from 27 September to 01 October 2004. The main aim of the course is to give participants specialist expertise in all aspects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, strengthening their ability to report authoritatively on the subject for the benefit of their audiences and societies. The objectives will be achieved through a mix of lectures by experts, classroom debates, news writing exercises and field trips.

Participants will be established full-time reporters, preferably in the 25 to 40 age range. They should have a clear interest in social and development issues, and preferably not HIV/AIDS specialists. The language of instruction will be English, so participants will need to be completely fluent in writing and speaking that language, as well as being computer literate. The workshop will take place at the ECA's new digital production facility.

Journalists from the following areas are invited to apply:
- Africa
- Brazil
- Caribbean
- Russia
- South East Asia
- South Asia

Flights, hotels and a small living allowance will be provided to successful applicants. To apply online: www.foundation.reuters.com
You will need to fill in an online application form and send the following sample by e-mail or fax:
A report of up to 500 words (maximum), highlighting the HIV/AIDS situation in your own country. This report should cover the broad situation, including statistics; progress or lack of it in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS; particular obstacles; drugs availability and the economic costs of the disease; the general outlook for the future; social issues, stigma, government attitude etc, and anything unique to your country or region.

Application forms and reports should be emailed to or faxed to +44 20 7542 8599.

The Science and Development Network (SciDev.Net) has launched two new online 'spotlights' on the science of HIV/AIDS, dealing specifically with the topics of microbicides and vaccines. The spotlights provide an overview of the issues in relation to developing countries through the latest news, summaries of key reports and links.

- Spotlight on vaccines: www.scidev.net

This spotlight highlights the work of those dedicated to finding a vaccine, with news, features and reports providing topical and timely analysis.

- Spotlight on microbicides: www.scidev.net

In the absence of a vaccine, and the lack of condom use in many settings, researchers are hoping that microbicides may prove a viable option. These are substances that can be applied as a cream, gel or pessary to the vagina or rectum, to kill or immobilise the HI virus. If developed, women might have greater ability to protect themselves against HIV. This spotlight outlines the issues, conveys the latest news and provides key documents and links. It includes a useful overview by Julie Clayton, SciDev.Net's HIV/AIDS coordinator, on the current research initiatives as they relate to developing countries.

The Centre for Human Rights Studies in the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State, South Africa, invites applications for admission to study for a Masters Degree (LLM) in Human Rights, specialising in Reproductive and Sexual Rights.

The LLM in Human Rights specialising in Reproductive and Sexual Rights is the first of its kind on the African continent and will be launched in 2005. It is an international programme aimed at equipping committed lawyers from the African continent with academic and practical skills for securing the realisation of reproductive and sexual rights at a domestic as well as an international level.

This full-time course is presented over one academic year (February to November). It has the following four components:

Module 1: Introduction to reproductive and sexual health
Module 2: Linking human rights principles with reproductive and sexual health
Module 3: Selected reproductive and sexual health rights issues
Dissertation: 15,000-word dissertation on a domestic/regional reproductive and sexual health rights topic.

Instruction is through weekly seminars, with a distinct emphasis on learner participation. The lecturers leading the seminars are drawn from the University of the Free State as well as from other universities in South Africa and beyond. The medium of class instruction is English. Bursaries are available for limited number of students from East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa who are committed to returning to their countries upon completing the course.

Applicants must already be in possession of a first degree in Law (LLB or equivalent). Applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (including full contact details)
2. Certified copy of first degree in Law
3. Transcript of first degree in Law, indicating all courses taken and marks obtained
4. A letter indicating your financial position and why you need financial assistance
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. A one-page letter indicating why you wish to do the course

The closing date for applications is 15 September of every year. Applications and enquires should be directed to:
Ms Hanlie Erasmus
Faculty of Law
University of the Free State
Room CRS 30, Nelson Mandela Drive
Bloemfontein 9300, SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: +27 +51 4012451
Fax: +27 +51 4480381
Email:

The Global Health Council is now accepting nominations for the annual GATES AWARD FOR GLOBAL HEALTH. Established in 2000 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the award seeks to recognise an organisation that has made a major and lasting contribution to the field of global health.

The award comes with a US $1 million honorarium. To submit nominations, please contact Terry Fisher, Awards Coordinator, at:

The Council has also announced the call for nominations for the annual JONATHAN MANN AWARD FOR GLOBAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS. This award has been established by Association Francois-Xavier Bagnoud, Doctors of the World and the Global Health Council, and is to be presented annually to a leading practitioner in health and human rights. The substantial cash prize is meant to allow its recipients a measure of freedom to pursue their work in this important area. Nominations are due by 31 January 2005. For information: www.globalhealth.org or Terry Fisher at

The AWARD FOR BEST PRACTICES IN GLOBAL HEALTH was established to honour individuals and organisations making significant contributions to the field. Aside from showcasing a specific programme, this award celebrates the thousands of people working in the field to promote health equity for all. Nominations are due by 28 February 2005. For information: www.globalhealth.org or contact Carrie Peterson at

The Global Health Council's EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA AWARD is dedicated to highlighting the important role that the media can play in informing the public and decision-makers, and in seeking to draw public attention to health issues that have a global impact. The award honours those who, in the prior year, have most effectively captured the essence of a major issue in global health and conveyed it to a broad audience. Nominees may include institutions or independent journalists. All works are to be characterized by a high calibre of writing, accurate reporting and emphasis on influencing public behaviour through education on the issue.

Nominations are due by 28 February 2005. For information: www.globalhealth.org or contact Carrie Peterson at