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Uganda: HIV Infection Rate High Among Forces
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New Vision (Kampala)
17 July 2008
Posted to the web 18 July 2008
Rehema Aanyu
Kampala
The rate of new HIV infection is high among the armed forces compared to the civilian population, the director general of the Uganda AIDS Commission has said.
Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli noted that the infection rates were two to five times higher among the forces than in the whole population.
"For every two people put on anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment, five more are infected. It is like chasing a mirage."
He observed that the armed forces were also at increased risk of contracting and spreading HIV due to their mobility.
Apuuli was on Tuesday addressing the army, the Police and Prisons Service chiefs at the Kampala Protea Hotel.
He attributed the new infections to increased interaction between combatants and civilians, and rise in commercial sex.
Apuuli also cited decreased availability of health services related to sexually transmitted infections and the lack of adequate knowledge and means to prevent transmission.
The armed forces should incorporate HIV/AIDS interventions in their programmes and counter stigmatisation of victims, Apuuli suggested.
"The armed forces must help in building bridges between communities and vulnerable groups to make their lives easier."
He also called for more funding to expand access to anti-retroviral therapy as well as medicines to treat opportunistic infections and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The director of HIV/AIDS interventions in the army, Lt. Col. Stephen Kusasira, said the disease was the main cause of death in the force.
He said they were incorporating sensitisation on the pandemic in all command duties and training.
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The meeting was organised by the Community Health and Information Network.
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