HIV and AIDS Epidemiological Trends in Uganda

Uganda was among the worst hard hit countries. The worst HIV and AIDS case was identified in the country along the shores of Lake Victoria in 1982. Superstition and witchcraft characterized the initial response communities amidst lack of clear government response to HIV and AIDS. Consequently, the epidemic progressed very fast to all parts of the country initially concentrating in urban and semi-urban centres.

The Uganda Ministry of Health announced in August 2012, that the HIV incidence in the country has risen to 6.7%. At this figure approximately two million people in Uganda are infected with HIV in a total of a population of 33 million. In 2005, the infected population was just 1.1 million. At the last zero-Behavioral Survey of 2004/05, HIV prevalence was at 6.4% in adults. Women, urban dwellers and residents of the post con ict northern Uganda region were more affected. Uganda last had a downward decline trend in HIV prevalence from a peak of 18% in 1992 to 6.1% in 2002 before it stabilized at 6.4%.

The new survey now shows the widowed with the highest incidence, followed by the divorced, then the married/cohabiting and the never married coming last.
It is clear from this trend that Uganda has sustained some impressive response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic grounded in the multi-sectoral approach. However, HIV&AIDS continues to be a major socio-economic challenge and is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.

Impact of HIV&AIDS

In Uganda HIV and AIDS has affected both rural and urban dwellers, adults and children and the impacts cut across regions and groups and occupational groups in the country with varying magnitude. HIV/AIDS, especially in resource-constrained setting, results in physical and psychological suffering of the infected and eventually the affected.

Potential and contribution of the Church in control of HIV & AIDS prevalence

The Church is a giant rooted in the community with great potential to control HIV&AIDS prevalence. Churches and Church based organizations have access to millions of people in Uganda every Sunday and other days in the week. The Church made significant contribution in the Uganda’s achievement to reverse HIV&AIDS prevalence from 18% in 1992 to 6.4% in 2004. PAG with its 5000 Churches played a key role in Uganda’s effort to control HIV and AIDS.

HIV and AIDS interventions in PAG:

PAG’s Program strategies for HIV&AIDS focus on prevention and care for the infected and affected. The prevention component targets the different age groups. Voluntary Counseling and Testing is conducted in the community. Care is provided to the people living with HIV&AIDS and their households.

The care component addresses the socio-economic needs of the individuals and their households. PAG provides information, referral service and in some cases makes connections for people living with HIV&AIDS to access treatment from organizations handling that service.

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