Students use pocket money to fight HIV in institutions

Muwonge displays a poster to be used in the campaign titled raise your hand against HIV. photo by Norman Katende

The increasing rate of new HIV infections in the higher institution of learning has forced Makerere School of Public Health to take a lead role in increasing awareness and screening with in the higher institutions.

The school has linked up with other institutions including Kyambogo, Mukono and Makerere University Business School together with YMCA to sensitize students about HIV/AIDS and also bring screening services to them.

The YMCA sensitization was done last week before they broke off for holidays, while Makerere activities won't take place since the university is closed.

According to Tony Muwonge, the leader of the association for Students Coalition for Health (SCOFOL), the statistics do not favour age group.

"We are the most effected and we had to do something to see that we save others. We do not have enough funds but we are doing activities that are aimed at creating awareness and also convincing our fellow students that HIV/AIDS is real," said Muwonge.

The association has organized to give out 1,500 ribbons and also counseling sessions at different university campus at Mukono and Kyambogo, where they will be using the institution health facilities. MUBS will be using Naguru facilities.

"We are using also our talent of music, poetry, writing and art to help spread the HIV gospel. We have also used our pocket money to see that these activities take place," said Muwonge.

Picture show some of the posters to be used in the campaign titled raise your hand against HIV