goretti nakabugo - taso, uganda

The AIDS Support Organization, TASO (U) LTD

THE AIDS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION (TASO),Email: [email protected]. Website: www.tasouganda.org. P.O Box 10443, Tel: +256 414 532580/1,

Fax +256 414 541288

Gunning Down New Infections and Scaling up HIV Prevention, A case study of The Uganda

Uniformed Forces in collaboration with TASO Uganda.

Presentation at the : Second HIV Capacity Building Partner’s Summit ,Birchwood Hotel and

Conference Centre, Johannesburg SouthAfrica, 19th-21st March 2013Presenting Author: Goretti Nakabugo,

Co Authors: Maria Lukubo, Odoi Charles



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Uganda Picture Population 32 million (UBOS 2010)

HIV Prevalence 7.3% (Uganda AIS, 2011)

2010 New infections 130,000 (UAIS,2011)

Highest among Most at Risk Populations/Key

Populations; CSW, Fishing communities and Mobile

populations (Uniformed forces)

Mainly because of risk-taking lifestyles; 89% of new infections

occur due to multiple concurrent partnerships



Fax +256 414 541288



Fax +256 414 541288

National HIV Prevention Strategy 2011-2015

Focus areas include; Reinvigoration of HIV Prevention in the country increase adoption of safer sexual behaviors

and reduce risk taking behaviors. Increase the coverage and effectiveness of HIV

prevention interventions to the known sources of new HIV infections

Target population groups that are most at risk



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TASO Background Begun 1987 Mission: Preventing

HIV infection, restoring hope and improving the quality of life of PLHIV, families and communities affected by HIV infection and disease

Has 11 centers.



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TASO’s Core Activities

Comprehensive HIV Prevention Services

HIV Counseling, Care and Support Services

HIV and AIDS Treatment

Training and Capacity Development

Advocacy and Networking



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HIV Prevention Program among Uniformed

Civil Society Fund (CSF) supported TASO to conduct HIV Prevention interventions in 4 districts in Uganda

Started Sept 2011- 2012 Focused on 3 uniformed categories; Army,

Police, Prisons and their spouses Globally Uniformed services, face a serious

risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)



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Risk factors for Uniformed forces People in armed forces are often subject to

deployments away from home They are also often paid their salaries when

away from home Have liquid cash in pocket, it is easy to be

tempted to alcohol and casual sex. Risk of death at the battlefront instigates

fatalistic attitudes among soldiers therefore HIV Prevention is not a priority



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Key interventions/Approaches used

Meetings with heads of uniformed institutions Selection of peers to cater for all category of cadre,

units in uniformed institutions 3 day initial training conducted Monthly follow up sessions Certification after 6 months End of project evaluation Continue to serve as Peer counselors for HIV

Prevention.



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Interactive training methodologies

.

Value clarification Self risk assessment Condom game Body mapping exercise Story telling Stage Behavior change

model

Note :Respect ranks however ensure all participate

.

Spin the Beer bottle game to address alcohol



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Results

153 Uniformed services trained

7383 Uniformed Peers and spouses reached with HIV

Prevention messages

Condom use and safe male circumcision have been adopted

as the main HIV prevention strategies for this target group.

Condom distribution points were established to ensure there

are no stock outs

HIV+ Peers are referred for care



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Participant demonstrating use of female condom



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Lessons Learnt Comprehensive HIV prevention services at

the workplace are necessary for this group Increased uptake of HCT and SMC Condom use is a major HIV prevention

strategy Intervention cost effective, training venue

was provided by Army TASO built new partnership with high-risk

communities and enrolled them into care Uniformed personnel are key change agents in their

communities



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AcknowlegementSpecial Thanks to:

•Uniformed men and Women

•TASO

•Civil Society Fund (CSF)

•RATN for scholarship

•Summit Organizers

•Co-authors



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Contact Author on :

Goretti Nakabugo

TASO Training centre

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

goretti nakabugo - taso, uganda

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