Revisit existing strategies on HIV/Aids prevention and treatment

Uganda was once cited as successful in the fight against HIV/Aids. Sadly, the prevalence rate has increased, especially among the young people who constitute more than 70 per cent of the population.

Already existing policies on treatment and care need to be implemented more comprehensively. In particular, attention should be paid to supporting and expanding the provision of home-based care and strengthening referral systems to other health facilities and complementary services in addition to increasing equitable access to anti-retroviral treatment to those in need.

There is need for sensitisation, provision of information, awareness creation and community mobilisation.

Poverty reduction initiatives should be put in place to increase the household income and reduce men and women’s vulnerability to HIV.

Other strategies should include; openness through intensive education about the epidemic, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), STDs treatment and control and provision of “life skills”.

Ali Kaviri,
kvrali.harrison@gmail.com