Lwanga Vincent
Elderly Widows Orphans Family Support, Uganda
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Gen Med (Los Angel)
Issue: Despite sensitization workshops which have been going on in rural areas in Kapchorwa District in Uganda to prevent stigmatization of PLWHA, interview with PLWHA shows that they are still being stigmatized. This behavior of some people within the community possess a serious danger to a successful prevention and control of HIV in our society. Evidence exists that some people still believe that eating, living together and/or even discussing with PLWHA might make them infected too despite all persuasions against such attitude. Description: A face to face interview with some selected PLWHA in Kapchorwa, testified that stigmatization against those who have disclosed their status still lingers on. The interviews with the PLWHA reveals that people still believe that they are being bewitched and cursed by God for their sins and as such people keep away from them to avoid the wrath of God. Lessons Learnt: The more the stigmatization against the PLWHA persists the more difficult it will be to successfully prevent, control and eradicate HIV in the society. This is because many PLWHA would prefer not to be identified if they are not shown love and care. Conclusion: A more continuous campaign to stop stigmatization of PLWHA need to be on-going. This could be done more effectively by Community Based Organisations (CBOs) with workshops, print media and seminars.
Lwanga Vincent completed Degree in social work at age of 31 from Islamic University In Uganda. He is director of Elderly Widow Orphans Family Support, a CBO that works to sustainably improve lives of children, other vulnerable people through mentorship, capacity building, skills development, education sponsorship and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Worked in HIVAIDS field for more than 20 years with several AIDS services organizations in which gained relevant knowledge and skills that his ready to share. His founding member of Professional Association of Social Worker in HIV & AIDS Inc and member of International AIDS Society Conference in US.
