Barbara Among
4 June 2008
Kampala — REDIRECT funding to strategies that have proven most effective in the fight against HIV/AIDS, activists told governments yesterday. This was during the Global HIV/AIDS implementers' meeting in Kampala.
They also want policy makers to cater for the vulnerable groups so as to win the war against the pandemic.
Too much funding is being wasted on ineffective strategies and ignoring vulnerable groups such as children, prisoners, sex workers, discordant couples, drug users and gays, they observed.
They cited the effective strategies as condoms use, male circumcision and a reduction in the number of sexual partners for specific groups.
It was also noted that in many countries, including Uganda, gays were persecuted and denied access to treatment.
"In Egypt, 4,000 men have been executed since 1979," said World Bank consultant David Wilson.
Agnes Binagwaho from the Rwanda National Aids Commission said they did not have a programme for gays since they were not considered full citizens.
She called for better child-centred interventions, treatment, counselling, care and support.
Findings show that in recent years, there has been significant progress in reducing HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
"But for every two people starting treatment, another five are newly infected with the virus."
There is also need to involve people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the policymaking process, it was stated.
The conference is sponsored by the Global Fund, UNAIDS, UNICEF, World Bank, World Health Organisation, Global Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS (GNP+) and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
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