Kampala — THE findings of the modes of transmission study conducted last year indicate that incidence of HIV is rising especially among married couples aged 30-40. The study indicates that 46% of new infections were among persons involved in multiple sexual partnerships (that is those reporting two or more partners), while 43% were among married people.

Whereas the ABC strategy encompassing abstaining, being faithful and condom use reduced HIV infection rates from the late 1980s, the resurgence, especially among married couples, is an indication that new weapons are needed.

From the mid-1980s, the Ugandan government, working closely with community and faith-based organisations, delivered a consistent AIDS prevention message: ABC.

It is safe to say that what brought this unique drop in HIV prevalence rates in Uganda was change in behaviour. Condom use among married couples is low because couples trust each other, thus increasing their risk of HIV infection.

Perhaps what is needed at this moment with increased HIV infections, is to reinvigorate the prevention strategies.

We need to move away from abstinence-only initiatives to a comprehensive programme that incorporates not only abstinence, fidelity and condom use, but also couple HIV counselling and testing. In addition, the Government should promote prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

The benefits that come with couple HIV counselling and testing include enrolment to treatment programmes if one or both partners are infected and living longer as a result of treatment. This also enables them to reduce the risk of infection, both within and outside the union. Increasing discordance and secrecy puts the negative partner at risk.

The secret to success is consistency of purpose and this is what everyone should pursue. We can do our job well in one pact and make AIDS history in Uganda.

Couples HIV counselling and testing in addition to ABC offers great potential to reduce the rate of new HIV infections, especially among married couples.

The writer works with Health Communication Partnership, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health