Uganda’s Religious Leaders Emphasize Parents' Role in Understanding HIV/AIDS

“Despite all the interventions, many of our people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others. Stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition,” they say.

The faith leaders add that while children are becoming infected during pregnancy, birth, or via breastfeeding, “the majority of the men still have poor health-seeking behaviors, not testing, not enrolling in care and those enrolled are not adhering to medication.”

“Important also to note that most of the new infections are among adolescent girls and young women,” they say and call on girls and young women “to be more vigilant in preventive measures.”

The religious leaders say the fact people are still ignorant about the disease “makes it key for communities to lead the fight against HIV and AIDS”. 

“With such community-wide risks and rates of infection, we as religious leaders have a role to play,” they say.

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IRCU members issue a raft of measures to reduce the spread of the disease. 

“We remind you that HIV still exists; it can be prevented through Abstinence and Faithfulness,” they say, and add that people of God need to “avoid alcohol and drug abuse as these impair your judgment which actions may lead you to risky sexual behavior.”

The religious leaders also encourage Ugandans to conduct regular HIV testing.

“Testing is the only way to know your HIV status. Your partner’s HIV status is not yours. Please note that healthy-looking people could have HIV. Treatment for HIV is available. Once you test HIV positive, go to the nearest Health facility for lifelong ARVs (Antiretrovirals). You can lead a productive life if you adhere to treatment as directed by a health practitioner,” they say.

IRCU members urge Ugandans to avoid stigmatizing those who are infected. 

They say, “You won’t get HIV by touching, sharing utensils or mosquito bites. People living with HIV are our brothers and sisters, and we should relate with them as such by providing them with the necessary care and support that they badly need to live a healthy, productive, and meaningful life.” 

World Aids Day is celebrated annually on December 1. This year’s event was marked under the theme, “Let the communities lead!”

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.