World AIDS day Dec 1, 2014

World AIDS day was even more of a success than hoped for the ISORE Women Initiative for Sustainable Development based in central Uganda, a small NGO and an AWDF grantee. The day-long event which kicked off Monday, eventually ran an extra two days, unplanned, but hugely successful.

“This has been our first time to recognise World AIDS day and it has attracted many people,” said Christine Aumo the group’s Executive Director.

The event brought together the ISORE women and several members of the local community and government. They included Dr. Atai Betty, a representative from the Health Ministry who was guest of honour, local council members from the Mawatto division and community elders.

ISORE’s activities included free testing, HIV-AIDS counseling, distribution of condoms and education and took place in Kiwanga in the Mukono district.

The younger kids were not left out of the action. Pupils of a primary school in Kiwanga read poems while the Kiwanga youth put on plays, all centred around HIV/AIDS.

“It is the hope that the success of the event will encourage more women and men to open up about their status and seek the care and support that they need,” said Christine.

Out of over nearly 200 men and women who were tested on Dec 1 and 3, five individuals tested positive for HIV. They included a couple and three singles between the ages of 18-34, who were referred to counsellors as well as outreach centres for treatment. In addition, all of them are currently under ISORE Women’s care and support.

Days two and three were equally as successful. “The turn up was good,” enthused Christine.

Another 19 out of 146 people tested on the last day came back with HIV positive results, out of which 12 were female, Christine said.

The group has planned a debriefing and “way forward” meeting for Monday Dec. 8.