In Uganda, an estimated 1.1 million people are living with HIV and about 133,000 people get infected with the virus every year. In view of this the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders underscore the need for a sustained and integrated approach to prevent new HIV infections. This approach lies in emphasising the traditional prevention methods such as abstinence, faithfulness, use of condoms, plus newer methods such as prevention of mother-to-child transmission. These methods have reduced adult HIV prevalence from 18% in the early 1990s to about 6% where it had stagnated for nearly a decade. However, in recent years research has shown that safe male circumcision offers a new opportunity to make further reductions. This was illuminated during a skills building workshop for journalists organised by Uganda Health Communication Alliance in conjunction with Health Communication Partnership on 26th May, 2010. Dr. Alex Opio, assistant commissioner for national disease control highlighted the ministry’s plans for mass circumcision. Dr. Charles Wendo, editor of Saturday Vision and chairperson of UHCA, gave journalists tips on how to report about health policy.
Presentations
Dr. Alex Opio, Assistant Commissioner Health Services, National Disease Control, MOH: Key note presentation on Safe Male Circumcision and HIV/AIDS control: Highlight of the draft national SMC policy
Dr. Charles Wendo, Editor Saturday Vision: Reporting on health policy issues.
