MPs urged to test for HIV and get circumcised

Nov 17, 2010

THE deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, yesterday launched a week-long HIV awareness campaign for MPs and Parliament staff, with a call on MPs to go for voluntary testing.

By Madinah Tebajjukira

THE deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, yesterday launched a week-long HIV awareness campaign for MPs and Parliament staff, with a call on MPs to go for voluntary testing.

The campaign kicked off with a march from Parliament through Kampala Road.

“I urge all of you to utilise this opportunity to benefit from the services that have been brought to your doorstep. Test yourselves to establish your status and act on it,” Kadaga said.

The chairperson of the HIV committee, Beatrice Rwakimari, noted that many MPs go for HIV testing, but do not pick their results, which she said retards the HIV fight.
She appealed to male MPs who are not circumcised to do so in order to reduce the HIV spread.

“Research has proved that circumcision lowers the spread of HIV. I appeal to you to act as an example to the public by going for circumcision,” Rwakimari said.
The campaign, organised by the Parliamentary Commission, aims at reducing stigma among those living with HIV and promote self discipline among the public.

Others are increasing the demand for voluntary counselling and testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission services and safe sex practices.

The campaign kicked off with HIV voluntary testing and blood donation. Care Uganda and the Uganda Red Cross Society are overseeing the crusade.

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