TASO to build HIV centres

Jul 02, 2004

The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) has launched the construction of five HIV regional centres under the United States Presidential Initiative.

By Nathan Etengu

The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) has launched the construction of five HIV regional centres under the United States Presidential Initiative.

TASO executive director Dr. Alex Coutinho said on Friday the centres would be constructed under a US$1.5m funding from the President George Bush initiative for HIV/AIDS programme.

“I am happy to announce that Uganda has been the first country in Africa to receive the funds and TASO has been the first organisation to benefit from the same,” he said.

He was speaking during the unveiling of a foundation stone for the construction of Mbale regional centre recently.

The US government pledged US$15b funding for HIV/AIDS programmes in Africa and the Caribbean.

Coutinho said the first four centres were to be constructed in Soroti, Rukungiri, Mbale and Gulu districts. The fifth will be constructed in either Hoima or Masindi.

Coutinho said the centre would cost sh800m. He said his organisation was negotiating with SIDA to set up a modern child-counselling centre in Mbale town.

“We are also in consultation with the ministry of health to roll out the provision of anti retoviral drugs (ARVs) for our clients,” he said.

He said his vision was for TASO to work in partnership with other organisations towards the provision of HIV/AIDS programmes.

“It would be futile for different players to think that they are competing against each other,” Coutinho said.

TASO regional manager, the Rev. Abednego Watenga appealed to the district leaders to support the TASO activities.

He said poor nutrition was one of the challenges facing TASO clients in the rural areas.

Watenga also asked the district to provide scholarships to bright TASO orphans who could not afford higher education.

The function at the TASO offices in Mbale was presided over by the LC5 chairman, Bernard Mujjasi.

The TASO board of Trustees chairman, Dr. David Matovu, attended.

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