Uganda has recorded successes in reducing HIV prevalence that are unmatched
anywhere else in the world, and as the leading bilateral donor USAID
can claim its share of the credit for these achievements. Uganda's success
is real, but also fragile. 1.4 million Ugandans are currently living
with HIV/AIDS. Half of the population is under the age of 15 years and
vulnerable to a new wave of the epidemic. The economic and psychosocial
impacts of the epidemic have touched all Ugandans. Continued strong
prevention programs are critical if the behavioral changes that have
reduced HIV/AIDS prevalence are to be sustained.
USAID has supported the AIDS Information Center (AIC) for ten years.
The AIC is the largest program in the world using rapid HIV tests to
provide on-site, same-day confidential HIV testing and results. The
AIC has also developed innovative models and approaches to prevention.
One such model is the Post Test Club (PTC). The PTC is an association
of volunteers who have had an HIV test. Through music, dance, and drama,
the volunteers use their test experience to mobilize individuals and
communities to seek voluntary testing and counseling (VCT) services.
Music, dance, and drama are complemented by personal testimonies such
as one below given by Moses, a 27-year-old volunteer.
Moses had a sexual relationship with his girlfriend Maria that continued
even after she went to live with her aunt in Kenya. On one visit, Maria
came with shocking news and told him, "Moses, do you know? We are
going to die." Maria had fallen ill in Kenya and had been diagnosed
with HIV while in the hospital. Moses was terrified and wondered why
he should die at such a young age. He lived in fear and resignation
until he heard on the radio that the AIC was offering a special day
of free HIV tests to youth. Moses decided to confirm what his girlfriend
had told him and went for the test. His results were negative. Moses
denied the results because of his girlfriend and because he had developed
a skin rash which he believed to be evidence of infection. The counselor
advised him to return for a repeat test after three months, which was
also negative. Moses then decided to enroll in the Post Test Club in
order to get more complete and accurate information about HIV/AIDS,
and to encourage people who might be living with the same fear he had
to come forward and be tested. His message to the community is that
the only way to be certain of one's status is to take the test.
The personal testimonies and grassroots mobilization carried out by
PTC volunteers have been uniquely effective in increasing the utilization
of voluntary counseling and testing services, particularly amongst women.
AIC has conducted over 500,000 testing and counseling sessions. Women
now constitute 50% of clients, and more couples are receiving pre-marital
testing. These increases, and continuing reductions in HIV prevalence
in the catchement areas served by the AIC, provide evidence that behavior
change is occurring and prevention messages are being followed.
The Post Test Club
