Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
UN Integrated Regional Information System - October 3, 2008
Although there have been no rebel attacks in the region for over two years, the LRA planted landmines across the region and local people continue to find unexploded ordnance.
"HIV awareness is being done, but people with disability are being left out," Simon Ongom, chairman of the Gulu District Disabled Persons Union, told IRIN/PlusNews.
According to a national population and housing census, there are 23,870 disabled people in the northern districts of Gulu and Amuru, mostly casualties of the war.
"They are more vulnerable because of their physical weakness; they are very poor and easily taken advantage of, and end up being infected. People with disabilities are easy to rape - one knock is enough to overpower a disabled person and have sex," he said.
John Luwaa, the Gulu District HIV focal point, noted that "Because of the low awareness among the disabled, those who are HIV-positive do not realise the importance of going for treatment. Very few turn up to health centres to treat HIV-related illness."
Ongom said many disabled people in the north were illiterate and couldn't benefit from HIV messages on billboards or in the leaflets in health centres, and there were also no testing facilities catering to the visually challenged and the hearing-impaired.
"It is important to carefully involve people with disabilities in the planning processes for HIV/AIDS programmes if they are to fully benefit," said Francis Kinubi, chair of the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU).
The NUDIPU recently started a three-year pilot programme to raise awareness of the pandemic in three districts, including Gulu, where HIV prevalence is eight percent, one of the highest in the country.
Although the HIV prevalence among people with disabilities is unknown, the NUDIPU said anecdotal evidence indicated that they were being subjected to a rising level of sexual exploitation, putting them at risk of contracting the virus.
081003
IR081006
Copyright © 2008 - 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 2008. 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 – 2008. 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. .