HIV/AIDS cannot be fought by Government alone
Sep 29, 2010
EDITOR: Thanks to the United States government for the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 32,000 people in Uganda who are living with HIV shall receive free anti-retroviral treatment.
EDITOR: Thanks to the United States government for the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, 32,000 people in Uganda who are living with HIV shall receive free anti-retroviral treatment.
This increase in funding is a welcome development. So far, 36,000 people in the country have been receiving ARVs courtesy of the Americans. However, Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli, The Director General of the Uganda Aids Commission has informed Parliament that Uganda still needs approximately sh1trillion to fight HIV/AIDS!
What is more, Uganda has to grapple with new infections which are still on the increase. In 2009, the Uganda AIDS Commission registered 124,000 new infections. The reality is the HIV/AIDS epidemic is not just Government’s responsibility. It is everyone’s responsibility to fight new infections.
Out of all the AIDS preventive methods, the ABC (Abstain, Be Faithful or use a Condom) with an emphasis on A and B strategy remains the most effective method of preventing new infections since prevention is better than cure. Another strategy similar to it is ‘Get off the Sexual Network.’
The bottom line is people, who are doing so, must stop engaging in sexually promiscuous behaviour. With all the public sensitisation programmes, this Government has by now financed most people who know HIV testing is crucial.
Yet, many people who are sexually active do not want to go the for HIV test because they are afraid they might discover they are HIV-positive. They would rather remain oblivious to their status than find out the truth!
The Ministry of Health is working hard to have an HIV/AIDS-free generation but they cannot do it alone. Ugandans everywhere should play their part in fighting this epidemic.
Josepha Jabo
Uganda Media Centre
This increase in funding is a welcome development. So far, 36,000 people in the country have been receiving ARVs courtesy of the Americans. However, Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli, The Director General of the Uganda Aids Commission has informed Parliament that Uganda still needs approximately sh1trillion to fight HIV/AIDS!
What is more, Uganda has to grapple with new infections which are still on the increase. In 2009, the Uganda AIDS Commission registered 124,000 new infections. The reality is the HIV/AIDS epidemic is not just Government’s responsibility. It is everyone’s responsibility to fight new infections.
Out of all the AIDS preventive methods, the ABC (Abstain, Be Faithful or use a Condom) with an emphasis on A and B strategy remains the most effective method of preventing new infections since prevention is better than cure. Another strategy similar to it is ‘Get off the Sexual Network.’
The bottom line is people, who are doing so, must stop engaging in sexually promiscuous behaviour. With all the public sensitisation programmes, this Government has by now financed most people who know HIV testing is crucial.
Yet, many people who are sexually active do not want to go the for HIV test because they are afraid they might discover they are HIV-positive. They would rather remain oblivious to their status than find out the truth!
The Ministry of Health is working hard to have an HIV/AIDS-free generation but they cannot do it alone. Ugandans everywhere should play their part in fighting this epidemic.
Josepha Jabo
Uganda Media Centre