Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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New Vision (Kampala) - November 30, 2006
What is probably most alarming is the fact that infection is rising mostly among the married people, of all the demographic groups.
There are numerous reasons why this is so. Uganda's campaign in the last 15 or so years has concentrated on the youth, who were then correctly identified as a most vulnerable group. It largely succeeded, which is why rates fell quite drastically.
But now a new reality has emerged, with the married (formal and informal unions, such as living together) as a most susceptible group - an alarmingly high 85% of transmission risk behaviour is with spouses/regular sexual partners.
In addition the sero-behavioural survey also indicates that HIV prevalence increases with wealth.
It says that 77% of HIV positive Ugandans are sexually active, of whom 84% do not use condoms.
But the survey's results also point to helpful advice. It found that HIV positive people who know their status are three times more likely to use condoms; and those aware of their partner's status are 2.5 times more likely to use condoms.
Because awareness of one's HIV status tends to encourage safe sex, the focus should now be placed on Ugandans establishing their status. There is already a routine testing for HIV in public hospitals, though results may not necessarily be given to patients. The United States is debating mandatory testing. This may be the way to go.
We need to bring down the statistic that says that 79% of HIV positive Ugandans do not know their sero-status. The message needs to be put out that the earlier one goes onto ARV treatment, and the earlier one resorts to safe sex like condoms, the more likely they are to prolong their lives. That is why everyone should know their HIV status.
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