Kampala — A new talk-show about the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) has hit the airwaves. The talk-show, on Power FM, dubbed Positive Voices-Tukyogereko, (PVT) is a platform for health service beneficiaries, health service providers and the public to openly discuss matters concerning HIV and relationships.

The talk show is a bi-weekly, hosted at Mama's Club offices at Kamwokya in Kampala.

PVT was launched on July 15, with its first programme at the offices of The National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU). Seven programmes have so far been launched.

Members meet to share views, grievances, and research findings.

The programme aims at advocating for programmes, laws, policies and services that ensure the quality of life of people living with HIV in Uganda and to promote mutual understanding between health providers, beneficiaries and the public.

"In the fight against AIDS, people need to make themselves part of the solution not part of the problem,", said Betty Tibaleka, the coordinator of the talkshow.

Currently, PVT has over 100 registered members. Anyone is free to join, irrespective of one's HIV status.

Richard Serunkuma, the chairman of the show said, "Almost everybody has a story to tell every day, apart from just stigma and discrimination."

According to the secretary, William Mulindwa, the topics for discussion include greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS in HIV/AIDS awareness and research, ARVs, child-bearing in the era of HIV/AIDS, affordability and quality access to health services, patient exploitation, responsibilities, transparency and accountability.

Medical experts like doctors, counsellors, policy administrators and pastors are invited to discuss topics of interest at the talk-show.