Future+of+AIDS-+SP11

__**Uganda's Future**__

Uganda is known as one of the most improved african countires when approaching the topic of AIDS. After their prevalence rate spiked at 29% in urban areas in the late 1980's, they were able to drastically decrease it to 6.5% in adults which is approximately the present day standing. After the Ugandan civil war ended in 1986, President Museveni was able to focus on tackling the growing AIDS epidemic. In 1987, he established Uganda's first AIDS control program, focusing on educating the public, incorporating the ABC approach (abstain, be faithful, use condoms), monitoring blood donations, and starting HIV surveillance. This allowed the HIV prevalence rate to drop from 29% to around 5% in 2001. Although AIDS related deaths do account for this drop, it is mainly the work of Museveni's program and the establishment of several non-profit AIDS related organizations across the country. Since this has worked so well in the past, Uganda should continue to implement this program and increase public education, especially in rural areas. If anything, they should heighten public funding for it and increase the availability of condoms. Additionally, they should back a monogamous approach to marriage, decreasing the amount of sexual partners a person might have, not allowing it to spread as well. Additionally, in 2004 Uganda released free antiretroviral drugs to the public and continues to do so, thus AIDS is no longer the death sentence it was once viewed as. If Uganda continued to do this, it wouldn't lower the prevalence rate, but still increase the life expectancy of those who are inflicted with it. Lastly, the government should continue to make HIV testing free and available to the general public so one knows if they have this disease and can take the precautions when becoming sexually active, donating blood, or becoming a mother.


 * __South Africa's Future__**

South Africa has been battling for many years to slow, and properly educate people about the AIDS epidemic. It has stemmed through the years, and brought much stress to the South African government, causing failed campaigns and funding. One thing that could help South Africa improve this social issue in the future is funding from other non-profits ad other countries outside of South Africa. These non-profits must be focused on the bettering of AIDS awareness and prevention in South Africa, and be truly committed to making sure that funding for campaigns and such is spent meaningfully. Another way that the country can better move forward is by initiating new policies in the country for offering quicker health services to AIDS patients, and better quality education for AIDS awareness and prevention. New and effective policies would cancel out the damage done by previous attempted policies (reference Political Impact of AIDS in South Africa to read about failed policies like the Antitroviral therapy campaign). If the country is to achieve a lower rate of AIDS in the country, then quicker health services (along with a steady supply of ARVs) must begin to be offered. Finally, education. Although the government has attempted to educate all South Africans through the use of billboard, pamphlets, and radio ads, their advertisements only reached 1/5th of the population. In order to decrease the rate of AIDS, education must be provided to the people. With the knowledge of what AIDS is and how to prevent it, South Africans will be better educated to fight the AIDS epidemic. The key in all of these ways of improvement is funding. Funding that would be not only from the South African government, but also from other countries and non-profits that wish to help South Africa in its attempt to slow the epidemic. With a little help, and their continued perseverance throughout the AIDS epidemic, South Africa will easily begin to see improvement in the lives of South Africans.