WORLD AIDS DAY 2006
The 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS at the special United Nations General Assembly (UNGASS) was solemnly adopted by 186 member states, including Uganda. The leaders committed to comprehensive, time bound targets for prevention, treatment, care and support and to meeting the needs of children affected by the pandemic, among other vulnerable populations. The effects of HIV/AIDS on children are summarized in the box below:
Recognising that the impact of the AIDS epidemic continues to grow in all countries, the World AIDS Campaign 2005 was designed to challenge the UNGASS Declaration and all other commitments made to address AIDS, under a broad theme, “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise” . The “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise” remains the broad campaign framework for ten years, from which country specific annual themes are derived. Uganda's AIDS campaign this year focuses on Chi ldren and AIDS, because:
- The future generations are likely to be faced with greater risks and challenges as the AIDS epidemic continues to tighten its grip on children and young people less than 25 years, who constitute half the world's population
- More women get infected with HIV, therefore, mother to child transmission is likely to increase, posing more risks to babies
- Only 10% of pregnant women with HIV access services to prevent HIV transmission to their babies globally and only 12% in Uganda
- Young people 15-24 years account for half of all the new global HIV cases
- 2.1 million children under 15 years are infected with HIV
- 1,800 new child infections occur each day, mainly through mother to child transmission
- Nearly 1800 new HIV infections occur in children less than 15 years (mainly through mother to child transmission)
- 1,400 children under 15 years die of AIDS related illnesses daily
- Everyday 1,400 children die from an Aids related illness
- Less than 5% of children who need ARVs have access to them
15 million children have been orphaned by AIDS of whom 2 million are in Uganda |
On 25 November 2005, with the support of UNICEF and UNAIDS, the Government of Uganda launched the campaign on Children and AIDS under the theme, “Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS in Kampala, replicating the global launch on 25 October 2005 in New York. Following that launch Uganda AIDS Commission thus thought it appropriate and logical to implement the same campaign to highlight the plight of children in the context of HIV/AIDS and within the UNGASS Declaration, where children are recognised as a vulnerable population.
T he country specific working theme for this year remained “Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS” and contributes to the “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise” through four thematic areas, referred to as four Ps as outlined below:
- Prevention
- Pediatric Aids care and treatment
- Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT)
- Protection
Aims and Objectives of the 2006 AIDS Campaign
The overall aim of the 2006 AIDS campaign is to remind and challenge leaders of Government, civil society and other collaborating partners, the commitment to the UNGASS Declaration as regards children. The s pecific objectives are to:
- Mobilize significant resources, intensify and accelerate national support to prevent HIV infections among children and adolescents
- Strengthen and empower individual mothers to seek for and uptake PMTCT services
- Promote comprehensive care and support services, including access to ARV treatment for children who need them
- Increase protection of children and reduce vulnerability and risks of HIV/AIDS among the group
Mitigate the impact of the AIDS epidemic on vulnerable children, adolescents and young people.
The World AIDS Day 2006 Observance
The world AIDS Day 2006 will be marked on 1 December 2006, countrywide. The event will provide an opportunity to assess progress made towards prevention, PMTCT, Pediatric AIDS care and social protection for children.
Districts using their mandate under the decentralization governance have planned to observe the day in different communities. In some communities and districts, the World AIDS Day will be observed on different dates through December, that are more favourable.
Under the decentralization system, there is no national venue. However, there are special venues because of the planned events. Among the special venues so far known are the Kampala Centenary Park, where local musicians will be releasing four special AIDS songs, Arua Town, where the Alliance of Mayors and Urbana Leaders Against AIDS (AMICAALL) has special programmes organized for the West Nile region, Lugogo will host a National weeklong Cricket Tournament for girls between 12 to 18 years, while universities are organizing various activities for students and staffs.
What does one need to do?
Everyone should look out for the AIDS Day events and participate effectively. Those who have capacity to support districts, offer all that you can to make this year's AIDS Day a memorable day. AIDS agencies should use World AIDS Day events to exhibit their works. And whatever you do, make child participation visible and meaningful .
“Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS”
“Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise”
WORLD AIDS DAY (WAD) EVENT IN KAMPALA
WAD is a decentralised activity and all districts plan for it independently.
There are several activities taking place in Kampala related to WAD:
1. Public event at Centenary Park on 1 st December 2006
- Marching from Constitutional Square to Centenary Park starting at 9:00 am
- Converging at Centenary Park
- Speeches, drama and exhibitions at Centenary Park
- Release of AIDS songs by all local music artistes
- Prime Minister as Chief Guest – come one come all.
2. Parliamentarians WAD observances, Wednesday 29 November to 1 st December at Parliament Gardens.
3. 5- Day National Cricket Tournament for Girls only at Lugogo starting on 1 December sponsored by WHO.
4. Kyambogo University WAD Dinner on 30 th November and Sports on 1 December.
5. Football competitions in North Lubaga Division
For more information, ring:
Uganda AIDS Commission
Tel No: 041 288065
Or the WAC/WAD Coordinator, Ms Joyce Kadowe on 0772 590246
For other past WAD reports click to download :
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