Political+Impact+of+AIDS+in+Uganda-+SP11



**__The Political Impact of AIDS on Uganda __** Uganda is very much aware of the problem of AIDS within the country. The government of the nation is fully behind the battle against AIDS. Since the issue of this disease has become more prevalent, the government is backing the conflict in an attempt to overcome this epidemic.

 The high officials of the government are concerned with the effects that AIDS is taking on their country as well as on Africa as a whole. Many individuals are involved in trying to keep the number of infected victims to a minimum. The government has taken numerous political actions towards a healthier nation. Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, took a stand in 2001 when he backed the policy of discharging individuals in the armed forces who tested positive for AIDS, hoping that they would seek treatment.

 The Ugandan Ministry of Health is another active organization involved in AIDS prevention. This government established group set up a program known as the “Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission” (PMTCT). This program, which began in 2000, provided counseling, had testing available for women, and allowed for mothers and children to receive treatment at no cost. The clinics showed to be successful; however, the progress in certain areas fluctuated depending of the number of staff members. Therefore, from 2005 to 2007, the amount of treatment centers in the area rose, which brought the percentage of women at the centers who were being tested for HIV up to 80%.

 Another program the government started was the dispensing of antiretroviral medication (ARVs). Founded in 1998, the medication originally was offered at a reduced price to individuals. A study was conducted and the Ugandan Ministry of Health used the information that it found to create the National Strategic Framework for HIV/AIDS. Due to this study, Uganda initiated giving ARV medication to individuals for free.

 Uganda is committed through political support to take action to help prevent the transmission of AIDS, back AIDS research, and to see AIDS as a issue to receive outside funding. Uganda is a role model for other African country when it comes to the topic of AIDS prevention. The Ugandan government has taken the initiative to help educate individuals and become a leader in paving the way towards a healthier Africa.

 The government's involvement in preventing the spread of AIDS in Uganda has drastically improved the development of the country. The work of the government based Ministry of Health and the programs that they provide are helping to control the disease. The commitment to the cause has helped Uganda fight AIDS and keep the trend of HIV declining. The government is able to also look into other problems since the country is doing so well in the battle against AIDS.

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