PERSONS WITH DISABITIES NEED HIV POLICIES

Persons with disabilities need HIV policies
Wednesday, 20th February, 2008

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Irene Mirembe The HIV/ AIDS epidemic is responsible for over 20 million deaths worldwide and it has left several children orphaned. In sub-Saharan Africa, millions of people have been affected by this epidemic and Uganda is no expectation. Uganda has recorded a number of achievements in the fight against the epidemic. The media has played the agenda-setting role for discussion on HIV/AIDS. This has resulted in increased awareness and action by policy makers. Policies on HIV/AIDS have been drafted to combat the epidemic and there has been increased decline in the HIV/AIDS prevalence. This is partly due to the provision of prevention, care and support services to the public. Persons with disabilities, have, however, not been adequately catered for in the provision of HIV/AIDS prevention and care services. National HIV/AIDs programmes are not designed to adequately cater for persons with disabilities. Information, education and communication materials are not suited for persons with disabilities. Health workers need to be trained to care for people with disabilities who have HIV/AIDS. Women with disabilities are at risk because they are easily sexually exploited by men who expose them to HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted infections. The Government has empowered people with disabilities by giving them political representation. It should, however also design HIV/AIDS programmes for them. We must strengthen our HIV/AIDS policies, programmes and initiatives by including friendlier services for people with disabilities. A number of policies and initiatives in the country that address sexual reproductive health or HIV/AIDS do not cater for persons with disabilities. The Government and other stakeholders should, therefore, ensure that appropriate HIV/AIDS messages, programmes and services are designed for persons with disabilities. The writer is the information Officer NUDIPU
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