Uganda Think Tank on AIDS(UTTA)
Uganda's efforts against the AIDS epidemic, characterized by innovation, have registered some achievements evidenced by the declining prevalence rates during the 1990s. The country's response is however at cross-roads: prevalence rates have stagnated for some time with threats of increases in some areas; yet programme reviews also highlighted several challenges including information fatigue, complacency and the rapidly changing environments in which the dynamics of epidemic are addressed.
The country recognizes the need for innovative interventions to address the epidemic in the face of these challenges. The Uganda Think Tank on AIDS (UTTA) was therefore conceptualized largely to enhance innovation especially focusing on controversies and problematic but key areas of the response and also to streamline processes for translating research and experience into policy and scaled actions. UTTA targets promoting public dialogue on key issues and consensus on common approaches, harnessing existing knowledge and generating strategic information to address challenges of the epidemic, and to promote generation of innovative ideas to feed into policy and programme planning and implementation
Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) initiated the UTTA conceptualization process involving partners through a partner technical working group. The TWG also facilitates processes for identifying UTTA session topics and panellists.
Three national level UTTA sessions have so far been successfully organized by UAC with support from the Uganda Partnership and the dialogue approach appears to be gaining popularity amongst the stakeholders. Plans are under way to take it to lower levels.
Below are links to background information and outcomes for the various UTTA sessions
