HIV/AIDS Still a Threat in Rural Communities
This was disclosed by VOLSET Director during the World AIDS Day events held on 01 December, 2006 in Ntenjeru Sub-County of Mukono District, in Uganda. In his presentation, Mr Festus Bazira raised fears that unless drastic steps are taken, the rural community was in danger of HIV/AIDS increase. He noted with concerned that a number of HIV positive clients migrate to rural homes, fishing camps and on islands as means of hideout. There are genuine reasons for them chosing rural homes one of which being stigmatised in towns and cities. At times they lose their paid employments. Can not manage to meet day-to-day cores. Due to repeated ailments, medical support is not readily available. Can not afford house rent and family needs.
In many cases these clients do not show any signs of being HIV/AIDS. They are as normal as any body else. They fully participate in all social events and activities. At times they end up in finding new friends for husbands and wives. Deep in the village, HIV Testing services are rare if they are there at all. Lack of health education and medical services in rural communities leaves much to be desired.
HIV/AIDS related deaths have left thousands of children without support. As if this is not enough, widowed women are at an increase and yet these women do not have any sources of income to care for the family. Husbands, who are the bread winners, have died without leaving any property behind, leave alone lack of proper accomodation for the family.
Mr Festus noted with concerned that many grassroots CBO and NGOs could be a solution in most cases, but due to financial contraints faced by these initiatives, little is done to assist the rural communities to cope with HIV/AIDS pandemic.
He noted with appreciation to some local and international volunteers who have imported some skills and methods of HIV/AIDS education, prevention, testing and social support in such vulnerable communities.
He called upon all people with loving and caring heart to give a helping hand, both in cash and kind to the efforts of combating these deadly monster (HIV/AIDS). Through local initiatives and organisations the International Volunteers are highly welcome to participate in HIV/AIDS prevention and care services in areas of capacity building, health education, voluntary counseling, testing and mobilisation for resources in order to strengthen grassroot CBOs and NGOs in the fight against AIDS. While the government effort in this issue is appreciated, there is much still needed to be done. Both national and international budgets should focus on the grassroots involvement.
Activities such as documentaries. sports, music, drama, dance, youth related events and others should strongly be supported beacuse through them messages about HIV/AIDS can be passed on to the communities.
Finally, let us join hands together, the battle won't be long.