Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
New Vision (Kampala) - November 16, 2005
Joel Ogwang
The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) in collaboration with the District Directorate of Health Service carried out the survey last year.
Launching the report at a one-day HIV/AIDS workshop held at Mukono Community Centre recently, the deputy director of the District Health Services, Suzan Wandera said, "Condom use has risen by 50% since 1986, but most men are reluctant to use them."
Wandera said the average age of first sex is 17 years, adding that 52.4% of the residents are aware of the Abstinence, Be faithful and use of Condoms (ABC) strategy against HIV/AIDS.
She said as a result of unprotected sex, HIV/AIDS prevalence has increased, surpassing the national rate of 6%.
Wandera said 12.8% of pregnant women tested for HIV, adding that 70% of patients are on Anti-Retroviral Treatment.
She said a massive district-wide sensitisation campaign on the use of condoms is going on, adding that women have been encouraged to go for tests during pregnancy.
Wandera said over one million free condoms have been distributed in hospitals, bars and to long distance trailer drivers who park in the town.
The district labour officer, Henry Sebaganzi, said the district's proximity to Kampala has increased prostitution.
"Most of the prostitutes reside in Mukono. This has set a bad precedence to the young girls who associate with them," he said.
Sebaganzi said child labour is on the increase, citing brick making, charcoal burning, taxi touting, boda boda riding and stone quarrying as their main jobs.
As a result, Sebaganzi said, the rate of pupils dropping out of primary schoolst is on the rise and challenged parents to ensure that their children go to school.
051116
NV051115
Copyright © 2005 - The New Vision. All articles are republished on AEGIS by permission. Material may not be redistributed, posted to any other location, published or used for broadcast without written authorization from Managing Director/Editor-in-chief, The New Vision, P.O. Box 9815, Kampala - Uganda, Tel/fax: 256-41-235221, E-mail: wpike@newvision.co.ug.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. 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, 2005. 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. .