Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
New Vision (Kampala) - August 23, 2009
Olandason Wanyama
Dr. James Lemukol was speaking at a meeting with the hospital staff, politicians and the First Lady and state minister of Karamoja affairs, Janet Museveni, on Friday at the hospital.
"From our experience, the common comment that Karamoja has the lowest HIV/AIDS prevalence is careless. The perseverance rate of the disease has risen to 5.2 % in 2009 from 3.8 % in 2007 and is highest among people with tuberculosis." he said.
Of the people who go for voluntary counseling and testing, 22% are HIV positive, while of those who donate blood 10% have the virus.
Lemukol said: "The findings are alarming and there is need for intensive community interventions in all thematic areas of prevention."
Mrs. Museveni said because of the isolation of the region, she thought Karamoja had few cases of HIV-positive people.
"I thought the Karamajong culture was still intact. This is a shame and it breaks my heart."
She added that the Government would soon embark on a programme to sensitise the Karimajong on preventative methods of HIV/AIDS.
"We need to push medical personnel to enlighten people through radio and other possible ways," Mrs. Museveni said.
Also present was the Italian ambassador to Uganda, Pietiro Ballero.
090823
NV090819
Copyright © 2009 - 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 funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. 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, 2009. 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. .