Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
UN Integrated Regional Information Networks - September 15, 2001
Speaking on behalf of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the minister announced a new programme to offer Nevirapine free of charge to all pregnant women who tested positive for HIV in Uganda, under an agreement with Boeringer Ingelheim. But this new programme was not what made this speech controversial. The minister was quoted as saying: "The virus in the adult is a virus of choice, but the child has no choice."
A representative from NACWOLA told a HDN Key Correspondent "...this is taking Uganda 10 steps back. If the government thinks that HIV is chosen in adults, what will that do to all our efforts against stigma in this country? What will that mean to the people we are encouraging to disclose to their families and communities. This is unacceptable." On Tuesday, the 'New Vision' daily newspaper reported that at the parallel satellite conference focusing on women, Ugandan women expressed their disappointment in the president's statement and asked that he apologise and retract it.
However, in the same opening speech, the president called for fathers to take more responsibility. He urged men to take HIV tests and to avoid fathering children if they were HIV positive. This call was applauded, as more and more activists and lobby groups internationally have been calling for more focus on the father's role in primary infection.
HDN Key Correspondent team coverage of Global Strategies 2001 is part of a collaboration with the Global Campaign for Prevention Options for Women.
010915
IR010936
Copyright © 2001 - Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Integrated Regional Information Network. .
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980 – 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .