Strengthening HIV Prevention: Case Study Uganda Uniformed Forces
Explore successful HIV prevention strategies among Uganda's uniformed forces through training, peer counseling, and comprehensive interventions. Learn about TASO's impactful role in this vital initiative.
Strengthening HIV Prevention: Case Study Uganda Uniformed Forces
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Presentation Transcript
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 : SecondHIV 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
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
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
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.
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
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)
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
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.
Interactive training methodologies . . Spin the Beer bottle game to address alcohol • Value clarification • Self risk assessment • Condom game • Body mapping exercise • Story telling • Stage Behavior change model Note :Respect ranks however ensure all participate
Results • 153 Uniformed services trained • 7383 Uniformed Peers and spousesreached 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
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
Special Thanks to: • Uniformed men and Women • TASO • Civil Society Fund (CSF) • RATN for scholarship • Summit Organizers • Co-authors Acknowlegement
Contact Author on : Goretti Nakabugo TASO Training centre Email: nakabugog@tasouganda.org gorenaks@yahoo.com