AEGiS-15IAC: How advocacy as a national policy plays a role in reducing spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries- Uganda's experience.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

How advocacy as a national policy plays a role in reducing spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries- Uganda's experience.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10143)

Okia MO, Esomu Patrice EP
Mulago Hospital/Victory Church, Kampala, Uganda

ISSUES: Uganda was one of the most hit countries with HIV/AIDS scourge that was always mistaken as some mystery or witchcraft that has befell some tribes. And later when it was proven as sexually transmitted disease many people who were affected were blamed for their irresponsible ways of living. This brought a lot of stigma and discrimination to those affected and infected with the virus yet on the other hand there was continual new reported cases on infections.

DESCRIPTION: The government of Uganda realized that continual denial of its existence would ease its spread and the economic impact to the communities would be unbearable. The scourge of HIV/AIDS was therefore taken as a threat and enemy number one to social and economic development of the country. As a pre-requisite to effective national response, having defined the problem, the government laid down strategies, challenges, and intervention approaches to face the problem throughout the country. This involved the policy makers, the media, communities, stakeholders, researchers, leaders, those who could join or build coalitions that demonstrate collective concern about like the NGOs CBOS, Hospitals, etc,

LESSONS LEARNED: There was such a strong manpower of resource mobilized, high political commitment with the legislature that took care of the budgetary allocation/mobilization for HIV/AIDS financially and through involvement of every person within their communities, country wide AIDS awareness and education through advertisement, Radios, TVs, dance and dramas, institutionalization of social policies that addressed the cultural factors that influence transmission of HIV/AIDS. Recommendation: Even when your country is worst hit with the HIV/AIDS, the good news is that HIV/AIDS is manageable and actually can be reduced when a government has the will to do it and institutionalize the policies that benefit socio-economic status of whole country.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Developing Countries, Public Policy, Federal Government, Virus Diseases, Uganda, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Government, Play and Playthings, Health Planning Guidelines, Infection, economics, organization & administration, education

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E10143