Stomping Out the Stigma of HIV

At the height of the conflict in northern Uganda, 90 percent of the population was living in displacement camps. Aid agencies often couldn’t get there — it was too dangerous. People went without the most basic services, like health care and clean water. HIV cases skyrocketed.

Now, even though an alarming 10 percent of the population is HIV positive, very few people know their status, or even how the disease is spread. We are helping Ugandans stop the spread of HIV.

One of the first steps was to form Peer Educator Networks. These teams of volunteers spread the message of HIV prevention in their community. They give public presentations and talk to people one-on-one, encouraging them to get tested at our clinics.

When they come in, we let them know how HIV is transmitted and how to protect themselves. If someone tests positive, we make sure they get treatment.

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Our message is getting through and shifting the stigma around HIV. In August, we offered free testing and counseling at a local celebration. Usually, most of our clients are women. But as soon as we made the announcement, dozens of young men rushed to get a test — the line wrapped around the building. We were shocked!

Edna, an HIV counselor, said it was an indication that men were taking more responsibility for their health — traditionally the role of women. With your help, the Peer Educators can continue working in their communities to change long-held ideas about gender roles and health — a key to stopping HIV.