15th International AIDS Conference Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10231)

Kiguli AR
Mothers' Union, Kampala, Uganda

ISSUES: Although HIV/AIDS information was estimated to have reached 80% of the Ugandan population by 1995, sero-positivity increased, stigma remained high and behaviour change failed to take root.

DESCRIPTION: N= 746 n = 74 respondents in Bbira Community were randomly sampled. A study was conducted in groups of young women, old women, young men and old men. The people identified and listed their socio-cultural factors hindering them from changing their sexual behaviours and life styles, came up with strategies acceptable to them to fight further spread of HIV/STIs and enhance positive attitudes towards PLWHA. From research findings, the people initiated and sustained a Community Based AIDS Program. This program helped the people at the grass roots to access basic health services. The CBOs advocated and mobilized social support for stigma free environment The political will supported these programs creating stigma free environment for PLWHA and their families and access the continuum care they need. The donors later financed these programs. This abstract focuses on the importance of research to identify the factors that influence people's behaviors, their own workable strategies to prevent further spread of reproductive health infections before starting any HIV/AIDS program. Several Community Based AIDS Programs were formed to respond to HIV/AIDS. HIV prevalence is gradually going down in Uganda.

LESSONS LEARNED: The political will, personal health-practicing behaviors and positive attitudes towards PLWHA result into reduction in infections rates. PWHAs and the community accesses the preventive and curative health services.

RECOMMENDATIONS: People should be guided to understand the benefits and rewards of behavior change and to establish their initiatives to be able to fight HIV/AIDS.

040711
D10231

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