Ruranga R, Marum E; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24; 8: D465 (abstract no. PoD 5468).
National Resistance Army of Uganda.
ISSUE: Increasing rates of HIV incidence and prevalence were identified as serious problems in 1988 by the National Resistance Army Medical Services. HIV testing was being done without informed consent or pre-test counseling; no condoms were being distributed, and soldiers with AIDS were not being cared for appropriately. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: A comprehensive AIDS prevention project was developed incorporating AIDS education, training of counselors and health educators, condom promotion, and provision of HIV testing and counseling for prevention purposes. All soldiers and dependents are eligible for participation. Technical assistance in training has been provided by local agencies and funding was provided by the United States Agency for International Development. RESULTS: Seven health education centers have been established, and specialized training has been provided to all military medical personnel and 41 AIDS educators. Over 7,000 soldiers have received HIV testing and counseling with specific prevention messages. In spite of shortages and interruptions in supply, there was a tenfold increase in condom distribution between 1989 and 1991. LESSONS LEARNED: Implementation of an AIDS prevention campaign in the military setting has been facilitated by commitment on the part of the political and military leadership of Uganda. Policies remain unresolved regarding sensitive issues such as confidentiality of HIV test results and appropriate duty assignments for soldiers in early stages of disease. Adoption of policies regarding the treatment and palliative care of soldiers and dependents with AIDS is highly problematic for a developing country such as Uganda.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Condoms
- Counseling
- Developing Countries
- Federal Government
- Government Agencies
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Education
- Human Development
- Prevalence
- Public Policy
- Uganda
- United States
- education
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102200676
From Meeting Abstracts