Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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New Vision (Kampala) - November 24, 2003
The joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) hopes the 12 housemates, being the most well-known young Africans today, will make the message sink deeper into people's heads. The housemate's visit is part of the activities towards World AIDS Day, December 1.
The theme for the housemates' mission to Uganda is, "Celebrate Youth, Celebrate Life - Africa United Against Stigma and Discrimination."
One of the messages they will propagate is that PLWHA are human beings like anybody else.
They should not be treated with contempt. They should not be denied jobs or services. Neither should they be isolated. They will want the world to know that you can live productive lives.
In addition the housemates will advocate that young people be involved more closely in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
According to the UNAIDS announcement, each of the housemates will be accompanied by a young person living with HIV from their countries. The young companions, with the help of their housemates, will be able to share their country experiences with others.
A statement released by UNAIDS said the UN was keen to have the event in Uganda because of the country's good record in the fight against AIDS.
"When the United Nations Country Team was approached by these youth in their quest to contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS, we saw an excellent opportunity to once again showcase Uganda to the rest of the world," UNAIDS state in a press release last week.
In particular President Museveni's youth anti-AIDS initiative forms a foundation stone for the youthful housemates to speak about HIV/AIDS. UNAIDS hailed Uganda as a country that gives confidence and priority, "at the highest level," to the inclusion and participation of young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The housemates arrive on Friday and leave on Tuesday. They will attend a seminar on communicating HIV/AIDS messages, have a day fair with games and concerts, and then commemorate World AIDS Day at Kololo Airstrip next Monday.
Their activities are expected to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and draw more acceptance and support for PLWHA in the 12 countries.
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