Uganda door-to-door HIV testing starts

{{Uganda has embarked on a door-to-door HIV/Aids testing campaign in the capital Kampala.}}

Unlike in the past when one would visit a health centre or camp for HIV/Aids counselling and testing, the services will be taken to those who need it.

This follows the launch of a mobile van for free HIV/Aids Counselling and Testing (HCT) in the five divisions of Kampala.

The van has a fully equipped laboratory, two counselling rooms and a reception.

The HCT van will move in slums, streets, clubs, car parks, among others, targeting the most at risk population such as boda boda (motorcycle) taxi operators, mechanics, commercial sex workers, bus and taxi drivers and homosexuals.

Ms Prossy Kayiira, the HCT coordinator at Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG), said HIV prevalence among city dwellers had increased but sensitisation had declined.

“Many people shy away from visiting health facilities for early testing and this puts many at risk of contracting the epidemic,” she said.

Ms Kayiira added: “New innovations such as mobile health trips reaching out to the public at their comfort places will help create much awareness.”

The 2011 Uganda Demographic Health Survey report revealed that the country’s HIV prevalence had risen from 6.4 per cent in 2006 to 7.3% in 2011.

The prevalence rate was highest in urban areas and in particular in the central region of Uganda

In a press statement, the UHMG indicated that, while business was booming in Kampala, the HIV prevalence was also increasing.

“Kampala’s HIV prevalence rate now stands at 6.9% (Aids Indicator Survey, 2011),” the statement reads in part.

Mr Denis Ahairwe, the UHMG project director, said to reinforce HIV prevention and awareness, interventions in Kampala needed to be closer to the people to supplement the KCCA public facilities already in place.

“The programme will last for three years and many people will benefit.”

{NV}