MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

News Summary for November 23, 2011

1. World AIDS Day — December 1, 2011 (Box)

CDC
Division of News & Electronic Media           
(404) 639-3286

No summary available

2. Updated Progress Toward Strengthening National Blood Transfusion Services — 14 Countries, 2008–2010

CDC
Division of News & Electronic Media           
(404) 639-3286

Blood transfusion services in 14 countries receiving PEPFAR support continue to show progress in increasing the adequacy and safety of national blood supplies. In sub-Saharan Africa, the risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV infection persists, particularly among women and children. Increasing adequacy of blood collection and prevention of transfusion-transmitted HIV infection continues to be a priority under the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This report describes the progress toward strengthening blood transfusion services in 14 countries receiving PEPFAR support. These countries continue to make progress in enacting a legislative framework supporting the national blood policy; increasing the number of whole blood unit collections and the proportion of collections from voluntary, non-remunerated donors; and decreasing the proportion of collected blood units reactive for HIV. 

3. Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among High School Students — United States, 2010

CDC
Division of News & Electronic Media  
(404) 639-3286

Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been lower than recommended for adolescents in the United States. Based on data from the National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study, reported fruit and vegetable consumption among high school students remains low. In 2010, median consumption was 1.2 times per day for both fruits and vegetables. In addition, about one in four high school students consumed fruit less than once daily, and one in three consumed vegetables less than once daily. Policy and environmental approaches including farm-to-school initiatives, school gardens, salad bars in schools, and farmers markets, that aim to improve access to and availability of fruits and vegetables are among the strategies that schools and communities might choose to increase intake among high school students.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES