Donors respond positively to plea to protect young people

UGANDA — The latest AIDS Epidemic Update from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS paints a bleak picture of the extent of HIV/AIDS infection worldwide:

“The global HIV/AIDS epidemic killed more than three million people in 2003, and an estimated five million acquired HIV, bringing to 40 million the number of people living with the virus around the world.”

Uganda is seen as having a good record of implementing initiatives to tackle HIV/AIDS. The rate of infection has certainly declined as a result of concerted efforts by the government and various organisations, but still the epidemic is having devastating consequences.

At the end of 2002, the national HIV/AIDS prevalence rate was an average of 6.2 per cent of the total population of 25 million, according to the Ministry of Health. New infections in that year alone stood at 70,170 cases, with new AIDS cases at 73,830 and AIDS deaths at 75,290. Life expectancy at birth was an average 43.2 years.

With HIV/AIDS infection still one of its country’s most serious problems, the Bible Society of Uganda began to consider how it could respond. Its desire to become active in this area came at a time when it was also looking at ways of boosting local fundraising. Realising that donors would be likely to respond positively to a well-structured HIV/AIDS prevention program, the Society decided to use the HIV/AIDS Bible study booklet for teenagers called Take Charge (see World Report #390/35). It aims to distribute the booklet in high schools, particularly in urban areas, and is planning to work with school chaplains to use it in Take Charge clubs.

Equipped to avoid

The idea of playing a part in nurturing a generation of young people who are equipped to avoid HIV/AIDS infection for the rest of their lives and thus in securing a more positive future for Uganda has proved very attractive to donors. By making a direct approach to almost 200 specially selected potential donors and explaining in detail what it hopes to achieve, the Society has so far raised US$7,000. This response provides great encouragement as the Society strives to play a leading role in HIV/AIDS prevention, according to General Secretary Henry Kalule: