tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26803591803067332024-03-12T17:02:45.498-07:00The Uganda Network of AIDS Service OrganisationsThis blog is about social networking about UNASO activities. UNASO was established in 1996 in order to provide a platform for coordination, networking resource mobilization and information sharing among civil society AIDS service organizations so as to improve on the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of their contribution to the national response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-19180618840557242612017-06-08T04:28:00.002-07:002017-06-08T06:55:05.337-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b>Civil Society Organisations pledge to work with government to
end HIV/AIDS by 2030<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have pledged to continue
advocating for strong visible partnerships with government and the private
sector among other stakeholders to end </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk484695104" style="font-size: 12pt;">HIV/AIDS by 2030</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Speaking on behalf of Civil society at a CSO dialogue meeting
with the UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe, Canon Gideon Byamugisha said
CSOs pledge to advocate for strong, visible partnerships with government and
private sector in terms of policy analysis and formulation, strategic planning,
practical programming, human resource training, messaging and communication,
domestic funds mobilization, research, documentation and reporting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He added that to achieve the above, CSO will rebuild,
re-energize and resource a strong social-cultural faith sector’ movement of
active citizens, empowered youth, engaged men and women and of effective
community level leaders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">They also intend to raise CS focused resources to the tune of
115 billion to counteract and reduce stigma, shame, denial, discrimination,
inaction and mis-action that is associated with HIV and AIDS related
infections, transmissions, illnesses and deaths.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Sidibe was happy about the meeting and promised to inform
president Museveni about civil society’s concerns and recommendations towards achieving
the 909090 UNAIDS ambitious targets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He also advised that we (Uganda) come up with a new narrative
about HIV by linking it to issues such as maternal health, child health,
cervical cancer and TB among others. He said we should stop treating HIV/AIDS in
isolation because this is an old and tired story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The UNAIDS 90-90-90 target calls on countries to ensure that
90 per cent of people living with HIV diagnosed by 2020, 90 per cent of
diagnosed people are put on antiretroviral treatment and 90 per cent of people
on treatment have fully suppressed viral load by 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFPghCg5dG0/WTk0KX5HPJI/AAAAAAAAA4w/C49zs-HwgY0wasKSFsBpcg2l5qGrqTemwCLcB/s1600/DBvlGCjXoAEJDOk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1200" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFPghCg5dG0/WTk0KX5HPJI/AAAAAAAAA4w/C49zs-HwgY0wasKSFsBpcg2l5qGrqTemwCLcB/s320/DBvlGCjXoAEJDOk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe takes a photo with members of the Uganda Civil Society after a dialogue meeting on June 7, 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWqb_OPmW3o/WTk0PB-0SMI/AAAAAAAAA40/VC8Diy37uFEo7BMuwft9TCIhh4HCLnxRgCLcB/s1600/DBx2mIFXcAAjkK3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1200" height="221" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWqb_OPmW3o/WTk0PB-0SMI/AAAAAAAAA40/VC8Diy37uFEo7BMuwft9TCIhh4HCLnxRgCLcB/s320/DBx2mIFXcAAjkK3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michel Sidibe during the dialogue meeting with Uganda Civil Society </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b>Sarah Tumwebaze</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b>Media and communications officer </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-24350131788298028622017-06-08T04:16:00.002-07:002017-06-08T06:55:50.040-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">CSOs want
no secretariat and no board for the NATF <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have asked that the
National AIDS Trust Fund (NATF) should be managed neither by the Ministry of
Health nor the Uganda AIDS Commission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Speaking at a CSO meeting that was held in Kampala recently,
Ms Alice Kayongo, the Regional Policy and Advocacy Manager at AIDS Healthcare
Foundation said the NATF should have no secretariat and no board.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">She explains that, “With this option, funds raised will be
remitted directly to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFPED),
the accountability line will be clear, requests will be made by National
Medical Stores (NMS) and submitted to the Permanent Secretary (PS). PS requests
for funds to procure commodities and funds are transferred directly to
supplier.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Ms Kayongo adds that with this option, there will be no room
for diversion, no secretariat, no board, no fund manager, no conflict of
interest, easy to track additionality, easy accountability and the funding will
be ring fenced/kept out of consolidated fund.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Ms Sylvia Nakasi, the Research, Advocacy and Policy Officer
with Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organisations (UNASO) says the NATF that
was developed as a response to a clause in the HIV/AIDS control bill which was
passed in 2014 and gazzeted in January 2015 states that the fund secretariat
will be at the ministry of health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">However, CSOs say this will increase expenses because they
will need board members, a fund manager and staff hired. MoH will also be able
to invest funds raised, the board will determine how to use funds raised among
other expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">The other option, which was fronted by Dr Nelson Musoba, the
Acting Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) was for the fund to
be housed by UAC. However, CSOs say this option has disadvantages as when its
housed by the MoH.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Therefore, they believe that the best option is to have no
secretariat and no board but only paper work. “This means no one will touch the
money and it will be used for its intended purpose which is to procure goods
and services for HIV & AIDS Counseling Testing and Treatment,” Ms Kayongo
explains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dpmJzJvk-g/WTkxwWhNmmI/AAAAAAAAA4k/MhFn-ScOAT0XZOx4JgNpstWl2P0HoyuHwCLcB/s1600/18920634_1946329238915405_8614331229178639099_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="960" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dpmJzJvk-g/WTkxwWhNmmI/AAAAAAAAA4k/MhFn-ScOAT0XZOx4JgNpstWl2P0HoyuHwCLcB/s320/18920634_1946329238915405_8614331229178639099_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CSO meeting to discuss progress of the National AIDS Trust Fund (NATF)<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Sarah Tumwebaze</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>Media and Communications officer</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-89079068439517186682017-06-08T04:06:00.002-07:002017-06-08T06:56:09.361-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">U.S. expands infectious disease
research and training partnership with Uganda<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
government of Uganda and the United States signed an agreement to further their
collaboration on infectious disease research and training.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
agreement that was signed in Kampala by US Ambassador to Uganda, Deborah R.
Malac and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine will
enable further biomedical research cooperation between the two countries in
preventing, diagnosing and treating the heavy burden of infectious diseases in
Uganda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Importance of the agreement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This new
agreement will strengthen and expand the Uganda-U.S. partnership for training
and research on HIV/AIDS, malaria and other emerging diseases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Being an
African leader in biomedical research; Uganda’s scientists and institutions
play a key role in global infectious disease therefore, with this agreement,
U.S. and Uganda scientists will share data, collaborate on research projects
and benefit from training opportunities both in Uganda and in the U.S. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Additionally,
the agreement provides for the long-term placement of the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) scientists in Uganda to focus on joint activities. It will also
facilitate the continuation of the International Centers for Excellence in
research program in Uganda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ambassador
Malac noted the importance of this continued collaboration and its positive
effects on the health of all Ugandans. “The U.S. government remains committed
to supporting medical research that improves health across the globe, including
Uganda,” she said adding. “We look forward to working together to develop new
and improved ways to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases that impact
Ugandan and millions of others around the world.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.7867px;"><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Sarah Tumwebaze</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>Media and Communications officer</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-60718888910512538672017-06-08T04:02:00.002-07:002017-06-08T06:56:47.134-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Civil Society Organisations National AIDS Trust Fund recommendations<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Civil society organisations (CSOs) have recommended
amendments to the National AIDS Trust Fund Statutory Instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">According to a joint CSOs statement, CSOs are
strongly supportive of the establishment of the AIDS Trust Fund, “It represents
an important opportunity to generate additional revenue for high impact efforts
to end the AIDS crisis in Uganda. However, there are several areas of major
concern regarding the draft Statutory Instruments that need to be addressed
before these Instruments are passed by Parliament,” the statement reads in part
and the recommendations are highlighted below:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">1.
Appointment of a representative of civil society and of people living with HIV
and AIDS: </span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We request that these two critical representatives
only be selected by their respective constituencies. Donor governments have
indicated the same standard for their representative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Action:</span></i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">
amend 10 (2) (4) The members of the Board, except for a representative of the
donors, <u>a representative of people living with HIV and AIDS, and a
representative of the civil society organisations;</u> shall be appointed by
the Minister, in consultation with the Minister responsible for finance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">2</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">.
<b>The amount of funding that would be
raised by the currently proposed tax is too small to make an impact: </b>Uganda’s
unmet need for life saving HIV services is substantial. The National AIDS Trust
Fund must include sources of revenue beyond 2% of the existing beverage tax
described in the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sources of
additional taxation that would generate substantial additional resources should
be prioritized of extractive industries such as oil and natural gas, payroll
tax and/or simply collecting a proportion of overall national revenue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Action: </span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">HIV Committee of
Parliament must as a matter of urgency work with the Ministry of Finance to
identify additional sources of revenue so that the AIDS Trust Fund makes a
strong impact in closing Uganda’s HIV funding gap. </span><b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">3.
</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">High impact interventions and additionality of
revenue: </span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The NATF must be <u>additional</u> rather than
deducted from existing sources of HIV funding or displacing existing funding
sources. Additionality must be monitored and tracked externally and a ‘maintenance
of effort’ clause could be required to ensure the NATF is not deducted from
Government investments. </span><b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In practice, the only way to truly ensure additionality
is through using NATF funds to invest in inputs for which there is a clear
baseline—in particular HIV treatment and other highest impact commodities. Monitoring
additionality for other interventions such as trainings would be almost
impossible. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Revenue raised by the Fund should be ‘ring fenced,’ meaning that
it cannot be directed for any other purpose—even if that means that revenue
raised by the Fund sits idle.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Action:
</span></i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">7 (a) (i) and 7 (a) (ii) are too broad, and not
consistent with the spirit of the mother law, which rightly focuses on
commodities rather than soft inputs such as trainings or workshops. They are
too vague and should be removed. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">4. Transparency, meeting
structure, and decisions of the Fund: </span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In principle, meetings of the Board should be as
transparent, open and democratic as possible. In practice that means observers
should be welcome to attend meetings, minutes of meetings should be published rapidly,
and all decisions made by the Trustees should be communicated to the public. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Action:
</span></i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Amend 17. Transactions of the Board to state: “<u>17.
(3) Board meetings shall be open to any observer and Board minutes and Board
decisions shall be widely published (eg on a website and in print media),
including decisions regarding how monies raised by the Fund will be spent,
transactions of the Fund, and the results of all audits of financial accounts.”</u>
Further Amend “Schedule, Meetings of the Board” to reflect this approach to
Board governance, eg “Meetings of the Board <u>(5): The Chairperson shall
permit observers to attend all meetings and the decisions of all meetings shall
be widely and publicly transmitted, such as transactions of the Fund, and the
results of all audits of financial accounts.”</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">5. Independence of
the Fund: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Fund should be established as an independent body, housed
separately from possible beneficiaries including the Uganda AIDS Commission and
the Ministry of Health. The governance structure should be transparently and
independently managed by a multi stakeholder group that has no fiduciary
interest. In addition, the accounting books associated with the Fund must be
available at all times for scrutiny by any party. Revenue raised by the Fund
should be ‘ring fenced,’ meaning that it cannot be directed for any other
purpose—even if that means that revenue raised by the Fund sits idle. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.7867px;"><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Sarah Tumwebaze</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>Media and Communications officer</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-13971136021622548532017-06-08T04:01:00.002-07:002017-06-08T06:57:13.213-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">CSOs task government to absorb PEPFAR
staff<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Civil
Society Organisations (CSOs) have called upon government to absorb health
workers that are under the President's
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking at a
meeting in Kampala recently, the CSOs said PEPFAR has been supporting many
health workers in the country but for purposes of ownership, there is need for
government to take responsibility of its people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Currently,
of the 2,632 health workers that were under PEPFAR, only 580 (22 per cent)
health workers have been absorbed, 438 (17 per cent) left the system and the
remaining 1605 (61 per cent) ae yet to be absorbed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is
fear among CSOs that should PEPFAR pullout, there will be a crisis in the
health sector especially as regards to HIV/AIDS. The CSO called government to
gradually take on these health workers to ensure that they continue helping in
the fight against HIV.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.7867px;"><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Sarah Tumwebaze</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>Media and Communications officer</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-50310659049237689022017-06-08T03:54:00.002-07:002017-06-08T06:57:34.837-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People Living with HIV have asked
government to increase domestic funding towards HIV<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> People Living with HIV (PLHIV) have asked
government to address the “glaring gaps” that are deterring Uganda from realising
the 90 90 90 targets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking at
the International Candlelight day Memorial at Bweyale Church of Uganda Primary
School in Kiryandongo District yesterday, PLHIV under their umbrella
organization, National Forum of People Living with HIV & AIDS Networks in
Uganda (NAFOPHANU), said issues such as the constant stock out of HIV & TB
medicines, high dependency on donor funds to finance HIV interventions, limited
implementation of the HIV policies, guidelines and strategies, gender based
violence, poverty, hunger, inadequate HIV counselling as well as the predominant
prevalence in HIV related stigma and discrimination are some of the issues that
need to be addressed if Uganda is to achieve the ambitious UNAIDS targets by
2020.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Currently,
the government of Uganda only allocates 10 per cent of the required funds to
the AIDS response. 23 per cent is provided by households while 67 per cent is
from AIDS development partners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ms Ritah
Namaizi, the Coordinator of PLHIV Masindi advised that as per the memorial’s
theme, “Joining hands to scale up HIV prevention” and in the spirit of showing
ownership of implementation of health strategies, plans and policies;
Government should scale up domestic funding. She added, “There is also need for
increased budget allocation for community systems strengthening to improve HIV
community based monitoring. The establishment of National HIV & AIDS Trust
Fund provided for under the HIV Control and Prevention Act 2014 should be
expedited to improve funding towards the AIDS response.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, the
guest of honour at the memorial, Father Simon Lokodo, State Minister for ethics
and integrity</span><span style="background: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">in
the Office of the President, said the president has directed that the AIDS fund
be established. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The
president wants to take on the direct leadership of the HIV response in Uganda
and as part of this campaign, he has directed that the AIDS Fund be established
and funds be allocated to it through the ministry of finance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, the
draft AIDS Trust Fund regulations that were passed by cabinet early this year contentious
clauses that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by Uganda Network of AIDS
Service Organisations (UNASO) and Uganda Cares presented before the HIV
committee in Parliament. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Issues of concern
include the need to increase sources of revenue beyond 2 per cent of the
existing beverage tax, the need for transparency in the meeting structure and
decisions of the fund, the process of appointing a CSO and PLHIV representative
and the need for the fund to be established as an independent body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHNUo9-t59I/WTksnJsts-I/AAAAAAAAA4U/7LtL5VnWVY0r9v5-ZCz0PF0RTQSPCw_jACLcB/s1600/People%2Bliving%2Bwith%2BHIV%2Bpresenting%2Btheir%2Bstatement%2Bduring%2Bthe%2BInternational%2BCandlelight%2Bday%2Bmemorial.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHNUo9-t59I/WTksnJsts-I/AAAAAAAAA4U/7LtL5VnWVY0r9v5-ZCz0PF0RTQSPCw_jACLcB/s320/People%2Bliving%2Bwith%2BHIV%2Bpresenting%2Btheir%2Bstatement%2Bduring%2Bthe%2BInternational%2BCandlelight%2Bday%2Bmemorial.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People living with HIV presenting their statement during the International Candlelight day memorial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.7867px;"><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Sarah Tumwebaze</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: cambria, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>Media and Communications officer</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-60937815451310488612016-01-11T03:23:00.004-08:002016-01-11T03:32:30.426-08:00Policy Brief on Inclusion of HIV Messages for Older Persons in the National HIV Behavioural Change Communication Programmes-2015<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e77817; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-AU" style="color: #e77817; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Introduction</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b><span lang="EN-AU" style="color: #e77817; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Uganda was one of the countries
that were affected with AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, but has successfully gained
international reputation for combating HIV&AIDS. The prevalence of HIV in
Uganda fell from 18% in the late 1980s to as low as 6.4% in 2005 </span><!--[if supportFields]><span
lang=EN-GB style='mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri'><span style='mso-element:field-begin;
mso-field-lock:yes'></span>ADDIN CSL_CITATION { "citationItems" : [ {
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false, "suffix" : "" } ], "id" :
"ITEM-1", "issued" : { "date-parts" : [ [
"2006" ] ] }, "title" : "Uganda HIV/AIDS
Sero-Behavioural Survey 2004-05", "type" : "report" },
"uris" : [
"http://www.mendeley.com/documents/?uuid=bf701da1-caf1-4ff6-b3eb-b17a3935156d"
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}<span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">(MOH,
2006)</span><!--[if supportFields]><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-bidi-font-family:
Calibri'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">. In 2011, the prevalence rose to 7.3% </span><!--[if supportFields]><span
lang=EN-GB style='mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri'><span style='mso-element:field-begin;
mso-field-lock:yes'></span>ADDIN CSL_CITATION { "citationItems" : [ {
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}<span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">(MOH,
2012)</span><!--[if supportFields]><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-bidi-font-family:
Calibri'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span lang="EN-GB"> which meant that Uganda is one
of the few countries in the World where the prevalence is rising despite the various interventions
being</span><span lang="EN-GB"> implemented. The UNAIDS put the number of new
infections at 150,000 in 2011, up from 120,000 in 2004 </span><!--[if supportFields]><span
lang=EN-GB><span style='mso-element:field-begin;mso-field-lock:yes'></span>ADDIN
CSL_CITATION { "citationItems" : [ { "id" :
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false, "suffix" : "" } ], "id" :
"ITEM-1", "issued" : { "date-parts" : [ [
"2014" ] ] }, "title" : "Uganda Operational Plan
Report FY 2013", "type" : "article-journal" },
"uris" : [
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: 0 }, "schema" :
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}<span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">(PEPFAR, 2014)</span><!--[if supportFields]><span
lang=EN-GB><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span lang="EN-GB"> and these excludes older persons. According to Uganda AIDS
Commission, approximately 80% of HIV infections arise from heterosexual transmission,
20% from mother-to-child infection and less than 1% from blood-borne infection.
Nationally, only 36% of women and 43% of men aged 15-49 have a comprehensive
knowledge of HIV&AIDS</span><!--[if supportFields]><span lang=EN-GB><span
style='mso-element:field-begin;mso-field-lock:yes'></span>ADDIN CSL_CITATION {
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"date-parts" : [ [ "2012" ] ] }, "title" :
"Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey 2011", "type" : "report"
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of Health, 2012a)", "previouslyFormattedCitation" :
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}<span style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span><![endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">(MOH, 2012)</span><!--[if supportFields]><span
lang=EN-GB><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #e77817; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #984806; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Key Concerns<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">HIV messaging among Older Persons:</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">Older persons and the general population don’t
have similar levels of knowledge about HIV&AIDS due to variations in
messaging. It is clear that there is lack of HIV messages targeting older persons.
This means that other factors are also likely to be responsible for the
difference in knowledge and prevalence of HIV in the general population and that
of older persons. Sexual behaviour, living conditions and the lifestyle of
older people especially those who have money are some of the factors that make
older people particularly vulnerable. While as, some older persons can read and
write, many of them are very illiterate as they can neither read nor write. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">For Information please this link<span style="color: blue;">.....</span></span><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://196.10.119.130:83/unasowebsite/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Final-policy-brief-on-HIV-messagses-for-old-person.pdf" target="_blank">Policy Brief on Inclusion of HIV Messages for Older Persons in the National HIV Behavioural Change Communication Programmes</a></span></div>
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Posted by Esther Namirimu/Communication Officer of UNASO.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-8228068396361636232016-01-11T03:14:00.004-08:002016-01-11T03:50:16.984-08:00Position Paper on HIV Messaging for Older Persons in Uganda for the HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment Advocacy Group for Older Persons in Uganda-2015<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #833c0b; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;">Introduction and Background<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="color: #833c0b; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;">This paper
presents the position of the HIV Care, Prevention and Treatment Advocacy group
for older persons. The HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment Advocacy Group
comprises of THETA Uganda, National Coalition of Women Living with HIV&AIDS,
The AIDS Support Organisation, Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development-Department
of Elderly and Disability, Ministry of Health-AIDs Control Programme, Action
for Disability and Development, AIDS Information Center and Uganda Network of AIDS
Service Organisations. The group was formed in 2008 to spearhead advocacy
campaign directed towards mitigating the impact of HIV&AIDS among older
persons in Uganda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;">Since inception,
the group has registered significant impact including specific reference to
older persons in the </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;">National HIV&AIDS Strategic Plan 2014/15 – 2019/20. The </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;">National HIV Prevention Strategy 2011-2015 called for simultaneous
tackling of older persons’ behaviours and empowerment to make choices,a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;"> build negotiation skills, and issues of
coercion and violence. The group notes that the government and non-state actors
running HIV&AIDS programmes are now aware of the huge gaps on HIV
programming and older persons. Older persons have been included onto MOH Peer
Education Training Programmes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;"> </span><b><span style="color: #833c0b; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;">Facts about HIV&AIDS in Uganda</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;">Uganda continues
to experience an increasing number of new HIV infections every year, estimated
at 124,000 in 2009 and 128,000 in 2010. The number of new infections outstrips
annual enrolment into Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) by two-fold. If the status quo continues, the HIV burden
is projected to increase by 700,000 new infections over the next five years. There
are multiple reasons why, despite 25 years of implementing various HIV
prevention interventions, new HIV infections remain high (National Prevention
Strategy, 2011-2015). Most HIV interventions are still on an insufficient scale
to make significant public health impact. Many are not aligned with sources of new
infections. As a result of complacency, there is now a return to widespread
risky sexual behaviour and low comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention in the
population as was at the very beginning of the epidemic. While scaling up HIV&AIDS
care and treatment in recent years has been fairly successful saving lives and
providing relief to people living with HIV as well as preventing some new
infections, long-term sustainability of the HIV&AIDS message programs requires
intensified and increased effectiveness of HIV prevention for older persons....For more information please follow this link.....<a href="http://196.10.119.130:83/unasowebsite/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Position-paper-on-HIV-messaging-for-older-persons-in-Uganda.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">.Position Paper on HIV Messaging for Older Persons in Uganda</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Meiryo;">Posted by Esther Namirimu/Communication Officer.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-17486488589310685942016-01-10T23:44:00.003-08:002016-01-10T23:44:46.885-08:00Position paper on the status of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) for Adolescents and Young People (10-24years) in Uganda.<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Uganda’s population is largely constituted by young people with adolescents making up 70 percent. (1 This population sub category2 faces many reproductive health challenges including; early/unwanted pregnancies,unsafe abortions, STI/HIV/AIDS, Female Genital Mutilation, among others. HIV prevalence among young people aged 15-24 currently stands at 7 percent with forty five percent of all new HIV infections occurring among the same population category . Adolescents and young people continue to carry a high burden of pregnancies with teenage pregnancy accounting for twenty five percent of the over one million pregnancies recorded in Uganda annually.These challenges expose adolescents and young people to health risks hindering the achievement of national global health commitments…..</span><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Please follow this link for more information </i></span><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">…</span></span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://196.10.119.130:83/unasowebsite/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/UNASO-Position-paper-ASRHR.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">UNASO -Position paper-ASRHR</span></a></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-19395283045167839152016-01-05T07:19:00.000-08:002016-01-06T01:37:37.527-08:00Report on evidence on the issues affecting running of Global Fund grants with TB component.<div style="text-align: justify;">
This study was commissioned to gather evidence on CSOs’ feedback and recommendations on the issues affecting the running of the Global Fund (GF) grants with TB component in Uganda, was made possible with support from Stop TB Partnership is implementing a project “Strengthening CSO and KAP Engagement in National Global Fund processes, through the Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organization (UNASO).</div>
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UNASO’s primary objective for undertaking this study was to gather evidence on CSOs’ feedback and recommendations on the issues affecting the running of the GF grants with the TB component; and specifically to 1) establish the level of involvement of the CSOs in planning, grants negotiation and implementation of planned GF grant TB activities, 2) to establish the views of CSOs, health facilities and other partners on the obstacles related to GF TB grants implementation, and 3) to determine recommendations by CSOs, service providers and other development partners to strengthen the implementation of GF grants with the TB component in Uganda. </div>
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The study was broad-ranging, covering questions of the Global Fund (GF) TB grants program’s overall programmatic effectiveness and achievements in regard to CSO’s engagement at district and community level, whether CSOs are engaged in GF TB grants planning and implementation, their stages of engagement and challenges experienced during the planning and implementation process, CSOs’ awareness of the GF TB grants disbursements, sources funds for CSOs and other partners’ TB activities. </div>
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The study also looked at CSOs’ GF TB grants negotiation and the obstacles related to GF TB grants implementation and CSOs and other development partners’ recommendations to strengthening the implementation of GF grants with the TB component in Uganda. </div>
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A team of two local consultants (public health specialists) and six research assistants conducted the study between May 20th to June 25th 2015. The study was conducted in four districts (Busia, Buikwe, Kiboga and Kampala), which were specifically selected because of the high TB burden/ prevalence rates, according to the National TB & leprosy report 2012. </div>
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The study population included representatives of the CSO partners implementing TB programs, health facilities offering TB services, district leaders , line ministries , AID Development Partners (ADPs), network of communities affected with TB and the overseers of the Global fund grants in Uganda. The review team used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection to obtain information on which this report is based. </div>
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As a key limitation, the time allocated to this study was relatively short; therefore, the study team could not cover every aspect of the program, including visiting all districts that have benefited from the GF TB grants.<br />
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Follow this link to get the report.<a href="http://196.10.119.130:83/unasowebsite/?p=3937" target="_blank">http://196.10.119.130:83/unasowebsite/?p=3937</a><br />
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Uploaded by Esther Namirimu / Communication Specialist / UNASO</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-67205886381582196082015-12-03T01:19:00.000-08:002015-12-03T01:22:44.893-08:00UNAIDS urges countries across Africa to Fast-Track their response to HIV<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5zsboevRWo/VmAE2HFWJEI/AAAAAAAAA2A/rMBPwlXq0c0/s1600/20151129_ICASA_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5zsboevRWo/VmAE2HFWJEI/AAAAAAAAA2A/rMBPwlXq0c0/s400/20151129_ICASA_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" ,; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i><b>UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé at the opening ceremony of the conference.</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<strong>GENEVA/HARARE, 29 November 2015—</strong>At the opening of the 18th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), taking place from 29 November to 4 December in Harare, Zimbabwe, UNAIDS has urged countries to further accelerate their response to HIV. The biennial conference is taking place at a defining moment in the response to the epidemic.</div>
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“Africa is on the brink of breaking the AIDS epidemic,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé at the opening ceremony of the conference. “We have no time to lose. We have five years to Fast-Track the AIDS response so that the epidemic can’t rebound.”</div>
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UNAIDS is hosting several special sessions at ICASA, including one to discuss its new Fast-Track Strategy. Fast-Track involves front-loading investments in the AIDS response to reach an ambitious 90—90<span style="line-height: 20.8px;">—</span>90 treatment target by 2020. Reaching this target would see 90% of people living with HIV knowing their HIV status, 90% of people who know their HIV-positive status accessing treatment and 90% of people on treatment having suppressed viral loads. Reaching the Fast-Track Targets will also reduce new HIV infections by 75% and realize the vision of zero discrimination. The Fast-Track Strategy will see resources concentrated in locations with the greatest need and among populations at higher risk of HIV.</div>
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Other sessions organized by UNAIDS at ICASA include sessions on AIDS in emergency, conflict and humanitarian contexts and on optimizing the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV through community engagement and mobilization.</div>
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The conference is taking place against a backdrop of great progress in the response to HIV, even though many challenges remain. Worldwide, 15.8 million people now have access to life-saving antiretroviral medicines, with more than 10 million people in sub-Saharan Africa accessing treatment. Based on the increased weight of scientific evidence concerning earlier treatment, the World Health Organization has released new guidance recommending that people be offered access to antiretroviral medicines as soon as possible after their HIV diagnosis regardless of their CD4 count.</div>
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In sub-Saharan Africa, the number of AIDS-related deaths in 2014 was 48% lower than in 2005, while new infections have declined by 41% since 2000. Scaled-up access to antiretroviral medicines in 21 high-priority countries has resulted in a fall of 48% between 2009 and 2014 in the number of children becoming infected with HIV. A number of countries including Ethiopia, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania have experienced declines of more than 60% in the number of children becoming infected with HIV.</div>
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However, major challenges still remain across the continent. The same progress is not being seen among young women and adolescent girls, for example, with young women aged 15-19 years old accounting for 71% of new HIV infections among this age group in sub-Saharan Africa.</div>
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In 2014, there were 36.9 million people living with HIV globally, 25.8 million of whom lived in sub-Saharan Africa. </div>
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<b>Posted by Esther Namirimu|Communications Officer of UNASO</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-50094174082106056992015-11-27T01:54:00.000-08:002015-11-27T02:42:54.070-08:00Civil Society Organisations World AIDS Day Press Release<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri-Bold;">CIVIL-SOCIETY INTER-CONSTITUENCY COORDINATION COMMTTEE (CICC) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri-Bold;">World AIDS Day Press Release<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri-Bold;">Civil Society Organisations call upon political candidates to put
health services at the heart of Uganda’s 2016 Elections campaigns: </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri-BoldItalic;">No Health No Votes!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Health Sector Civil Society Organisations join
other U</span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">gandans and the International Community
to observe the World AIDS Day 2015. At national level, the day is the
climax of the national AIDS campaign which comprises of all-year-round series
of activities implemented annually to re-energize our roles at all levels
towards achieving the HIV prevention and management agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
year, 2015, World AIDS Day in Uganda is being held in Kasese District under the
theme: <b>“Getting to Zero, My Responsibility”.</b> This builds on
the Global theme of <b>Getting to Zero: Zero new infections; Zero deaths;
and Zero Discrimination</b>. </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people
worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV recognizing scientific research
advances both in prevention and treatment, show their support for people living
with HIV and also to commemorate people who have died from AIDS related causes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we
observe this day in 2015, we know that there are countries including our own
which have enacted laws, some protective and others quite oppressive; we know
that there is still discrimination leading to stigma; we know that there are
many people in need of correct information on HIV and AIDS; we know that there
are very many people who do not know their HIV status; and, of course, we know
that there are many still being infected with HIV. This World AIDS Day,
therefore, should be a great reminder to all that </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">there is still a vital need to find more money, continue to
create awareness, intensify scientific research in HIV prevention, vaccine
development, and treatment; fight prejudice and discrimination; and increase
participation by all, men and women. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Commenting on WAD 2015, Rev. Sam L.
Ruteikara the Chairperson CICC said that true </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Uganda
has made remarkable progress in respect to addressing the HIV and AIDS pandemic.
However, the AIDS related National Indicator Survey (2011) showed an HIV
prevalence of 7.3% having increased from 6.4% among people aged 15-49 years which
was still very high. The total number of people living with HIV and AIDS was
estimated to be 1,486,642 in 2014, and new HIV infections had declined from
128,068 in 2009 to 99,000 in 2014 while the annual HIV/AIDS related deaths had
reduced from 52,799 in 2009 to 32,890. The high number of new infections in the
country is compounded by challenges of social, economic and legal barriers to
effective demand and uptake of HIV and AIDS preventative services. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Therefore, the health sector Civil Society Organisations would</span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"> like to draw Uganda’s
attention to the following issues below that are affecting the response and
require immediate attention and intervention if Uganda is to achieve its vision
of <b>“<i>Zero
new HIV infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero HIV related deaths</i>”.</b></span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Domestic Financing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Mr Wamboga, the Executive
Director of the Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organisations(UNASO) also
commenting on the same, said that Uganda needs to move quickly to come up with</span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
sustainable financing such as operationalization of the National AIDS Trust
Fund (NATF) with sufficient funds, upfront investment and also ask donors to
support new WHO guidelines by making policy and programmatic changes to ensure
that resources are identified or reallocated to support the new HIV test and
treat WHO guidelines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Uganda needs to
increase its revenue to end AIDS, and this must come through the national
budget and through innovative sources such as the National AIDS Trust Fund”, he
added. </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">He also noted that Uganda must expand its
national commitment while ensuring that donors continue to do their part. Currently,
close to 80% of all HIV and AIDS funding in the country is donated by external
governments. This is not a good sign of commitment on behalf of our government.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Mr. Wamboga concluded that securing
domestic resources is the only guarantee of ensuring that those who need
treatment continue to receive it and hence being able to move closer to the
zero new infections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Drug Stock-out<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According to a Ministry of Health report of October 2015 released
by the Pharmacy Division, most of the essential supplies such as reproductive
health commodities, and TB drugs, Antiretroviral medicines, anti-malarial
medicines, and vaccines like polio oral trivalent, measles, hepatitis B and
BCG, and other medicines that treat common diseases like HIV and AIDS related
opportunistic infections, malaria, diarrhoea, TB, diabetes and hypertension are
not readily available. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The supply gap for adult antiretroviral therapy alone is US $
47,425,412, equivalent to </span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">164 billion Uganda shillings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This serves to act as
a warning indicator for potential danger for stock outs and possible expiries
of essential medicines and health supplies. The report also indicates that
there will be drug stock out for one month and if government does not do
emergency procurement, there will be bigger stock out in the next six months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Consequently,
health civil society organizations met with representatives from the Ministry
of Health and USAID to discuss the HIV and TB drug stock out in the country.
Some of the organizations included National Forum of People Living with HIV and
AIDS, International Community of Women Living with HIV in East Africa, UNASO,
PATH-USAID, Action Group for Health, Human Rights and HIV and AIDS and Alliance
for Integrated Development and Empowerment, Coalition for Health Promotion and
Social Development and others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Achieving 90X90X90
goal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Joshua
Wamboga also noted that if 1,079,368 out of the 1.4 million Ugandans living
with HIV are on treatment, that means that Uganda is close to achieving the
90x90x90 UNAIDS goal adding that with challenges of drug stock out hitting
Uganda, the number of People Living with HIV cannot be sustained on treatment
and this will lead to problems of drug resistance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> “If a person on first line treatment, stop
taking drugs his body will become resistant to first line treatment and he will
be required to immediately start on second line treatment and those who face
drug resistance on second line will need to start on third line which is very
expensive”, he concluded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rev. Sam Ruteikara noted
that in the whole of Uganda, only 300 people are getting third line treatment
from CDC, so the government of Uganda must ensure that there are enough
medicines to avoid drug resistance among people living with HIV and AIDS and
thus leading to more expensive treatment options. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Health Sector
Manifesto <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">On 15<sup>th</sup> September, a coalition of civil society
organizations working for access to essential health services in Uganda
launched the “Uganda Election 2016 Health Manifesto” a platform demanding all
political parties and candidates to commit to correcting massive failings of
the health sector in Uganda to deliver essential and quality prevention and
treatment services.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">The demands contained in the Manifesto include a demand to scale up
per capita health financing from current levels of only USD 10.50, to the
minimum recommended by WHO (USD 44) by 2021. Other priorities include
increasing the remuneration of health workers and the budget for essential
medicines as well as confronting high</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">‐</span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">level corruption that
robs Ugandans of lifesaving health service delivery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Lack of focus on our health needs by politicians is a disgrace, and we
are here to say, ‘no more”, said Rachel Nandelenga of the International
Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS Eastern Africa (ICWEA). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Ms. Nandelenge demanded that all candidates seeking elective positions
should pronounce themselves on the 10 points of the Health Sector Manifesto. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“We commit to empowering citizens to choose leaders whose manifestos
speak to these demands we will hold them accountable from the national level
right down to the grassroots”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">She also noted that coalition pointed out that the most repeated
excuse of lack of funding is not credible, since other priorities receive
funding when considered politically beneficial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Lillian Mworeko, Executive Director of ICWEA, said that as citizens of
Uganda our fate is in our hands every five years we have a special power to
raise the bar on health service delivery by making our demands known and making
use of our vote. We pledge to do that again this time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“We are tired of politicians prioritizing infrastructure and telling
us health must wait”, said William Kidega of PATH adding that, “Health cannot
wait not when our public health facilities routinely report stock outs, pregnant
women suffer and die of totally preventable causes, and for example drug
resistant TB is on the rise”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Investing in health service delivery means investing in social
infrastructure that is the only path to equitable economic development for
ordinary Ugandans, and this is non</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">‐</span><span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">negotiable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On behalf of the Civil Society Inter-constituency Coordination Committee (CICC)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Reverend </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sam L. Ruteikara|</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Chairperson CICC<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organisations (UNASO), CICC Secretariat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Plot 190, Old Kiira Road, Ntinda P.O.BOX 27346, Kampala Uganda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tel:+256414274730l <a href="tel:%2B256%20755831021" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">+256755831021</span></a><br />Email:<u><a href="mailto:unaso@unaso.or.ug">unaso@unaso.or.ug</a></u><br />Website: <span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.unaso.or.ug/" target="_blank">www.unaso.or.ug</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Facebook: unaso unaso</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Twitter: <complete id="goog_364581352">@UNASO18</complete></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Prepared by Ms. Esther Namirimu</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "maiandra gd" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">Communications Officer| UNASO</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-22484476607075039642015-11-27T01:46:00.000-08:002015-11-27T01:46:27.553-08:00UNAIDS Executive Director delivers his World AIDS Day 2015 message<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">1 December 2015</strong><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
The world has committed to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the <a href="http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2015/september/20150925_PR_SDG" style="color: #00adef; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Sustainable Development Goals</a>. This ambitious yet wholly attainable objective represents an unparalleled opportunity to change the course of history for ever—something our generation must do for the generations to come.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Today, we live in fragile communities where inequities can persist when essential services don’t reach the people in need. To change this dynamic we must quicken the pace of action. We know that strengthening local services to reach key populations will lead to healthier and more resilient societies.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
The good news is that we now have what it takes to break this epidemic and keep it from rebounding—to prevent substantially more new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths and to eliminate HIV-related stigma and discrimination.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Already we have reached 15.8 million people with life-saving treatment. And increasingly we are able to refine our efforts and be more precise in our ability to reach people who might otherwise be left behind. With this attention to location and population countries are able to redistribute opportunities to improve access.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
On this World AIDS Day countries are implementing the <a href="http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/campaigns/World-AIDS-Day-Report-2014" style="color: #00adef; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">UNAIDS Fast-Track Strategy</a>, and together with front-loaded investments we can expect to close the gaps to essential services faster. This means resources can go further to reach more people with life-changing results.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
With the Sustainable Development Goals, the world has entered a new era of innovation and integration. There is a greater understanding of how the global goals are interconnected and a better appreciation for moving forward together. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Ending the AIDS epidemic means that adolescent girls and young women have access to education and appropriate HIV and sexual and reproductive health services. It means key populations, such as people who inject drugs and transgender people, have full access to health services delivered with dignity and respect. And it means that every child is born free from HIV, and that they and their mothers not only survive but thrive.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
This is an exciting time in the AIDS response. We are building momentum towards a sustainable, equitable and healthy future for all. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<strong>Michel Sidibé</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<strong>Executive Director of UNAIDS</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<strong>Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, san-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
<strong>UNAIDS</strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-4331070128531607012015-11-17T23:49:00.002-08:002015-11-17T23:49:41.714-08:00Drug shortage hits Uganda<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b>UGANDA</b> is facing a shortage of essential
drugs in Government health facilities, according to the latest</span> report, “Stock status report as
at 1<sup>st</sup> October 2015,” by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Pharmacy
division.<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The report shows most of essential
medicines such as reproductive health commodities, TB drugs, Antiretroviral
medicines, anti-malarial medicines, vaccines like polio oral trivalent,
measles, hepatitis B and BCG vaccines that treat common diseases like HIV/AIDS,
malaria, and opportunistic infections, diarrhoea, TB, diabetes and hypertension
are not readily available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The supply gap for adult antiretroviral
therapy is US $ 47,425,412, Equivalent to </span>163,617,671,400 Uganda
shillings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This serves to act as a warning indicator for potential
stock outs and possible expiries of essential medicines and health supplies.
The report also indicates that there will be drug stock out for one month and
if government does not do emergency procurement, there will be bigger stock out
in the next six months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The report points out that National Medical Stores (NMS) has
run out stock of antiretroviral medicines such as Key adult First Line (TLE
&EFV 600mg), Second line (ATV/r, ABC/3TC) ARVs and pediatric AZT/3TC and
EFV.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The month’s stock of 30<sup>th</sup> September indicates
that Efavirenz 200mg, abacavir/lamivudine 600/300mg at Joint Medical Stores need
to be closely monitored. It is only
Medical Access Uganda limited which still has all antiretroviral commodities stocked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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ARVs are funded by
Government of Uganda (GOU), Global fund, UNITAID, and PEPFAR. The public sector
is funded by GOU and global. Public sector gaps are persistent annually since
global fund and GOU do not cover 100% of the need .PEPFAR gap fill in the
public sector ceased in early 2014<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to an official at MOH who did not want to disclose
his identity, the government had planned to give antiretroviral treatment to
814,855 people living with HIV this year but as of 1<sup>st</sup> October 2015 they
are 1,079,368 on treatment as a result of test and treat program.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The shipment of 2015/16 Global Fund consignments is expected
to arrive in November 2015 to alleviate the stock out situation. However the
expected Global Fund and Government of Uganda consignments do not cover the
total public sector needs for the year, more funding needs to be identified to
cover the missing gaps.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Joshua Wamboga, Executive Director of the Uganda Network of
AIDS Service Organisations (UNASO) said that if 1,079,368 out of the 1.4 million
Ugandans living with HIV are on treatment, that means that Uganda is close to
achieving the 90x90x90 UNAIDS goal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He added that with challenges of drug stock out hitting
Uganda, the number of People Living with HIV cannot be sustained on treatment
and this will lead to problems of drug resistance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“If a person on first line treatment, stop taking drugs his
body will become resistant to first line treatment and he will be required to
immediately start on second line treatment and those who face drug resistance
on second line will need to start on third line which is very expensive,” he
added.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mr. Wamboga said that in the whole of Uganda, only 300
people are getting third line treatment from CDC, so the government of Uganda
must ensure that there are enough medicines to avoid drug resistance among
people living with HIV. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He also noted that government should plan sustainable
financing such as operationalization of the National AIDS Trust Fund (NATF)
with sufficient funds, upfront investment and also ask donors to support new
WHO guidelines by making policy and programmatic changes to ensure that
resources are identified or reallocated to support the new HIV test and treat
WHO guidelines.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Consequently, Health civil society organizations
on Wednesday met with representatives from the Ministry of Health and USAID to
discuss the HIV and TB drug stock out in the country. Some of the organizations
included National Forum of People Living with HIV & AIDS, International
Community of Women Living with HIV in East Africa, UNASO, PATH-USAID, Action
Group for Health, Human Rights and HIV/AIDS and Alliance for Integrated
Development and Empowerment, Coalition for Health Promotion and Social
Development and others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to these organizations, an essential
medicines crisis is looming in Uganda because a major stock-out is establishing
itself in government hospitals and clinics. The Civil society organizations demanded
that government of Uganda immediately reallocates funds to address stock out. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>WRITTEN BY ESTHER NAMIRIMU| COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER OF UNASO<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-21493133411174261242015-10-28T05:01:00.005-07:002015-10-28T05:18:44.192-07:00UNASO 13th Annual General Meeting<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Chairperson, UNASOBoard of Directors wishes to inform all UNASO
member organizations and District networks that the 13tl:JUNASO . Annual
General Meeting (AGM)is scheduled to take place on 2()th November2015
starting at 8:30am prompt, at UNASOSecretariat.</div>
<br />
<b>Agenda:</b><br />
1. Opening remarks from Chairperson<br />
2. Confirmation of previous minutes, actions taken and matters arising.<br />
3. Chairman's report<br />
4. Presentation of annual Report<br />
5. Treasurer's report and adoption of statutory audited accounts for
2014/2015<br />
6. Approval of UNASO revised constitution<br />
<br />
UGANDA NETWORK Of AIDS SERVICE ORGANISATIONS<br />
Mr. Sam Ibanda
Chairperson,<br />
UNASO Board of DirectorsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-78250188216562450602015-10-28T04:50:00.002-07:002015-10-28T04:53:54.157-07:00Open Letter to H.E. The President of Uganda on the Status of the HIV & AIDS Response and Management.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CIVIL
SOCIETY INTER-CONSTITUENCY COORDINATION COMMITTEE</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: navy; font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><b>Open Letter to H.E. The
President of Uganda on the Status of the HIV & AIDS Response and
Management.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">The Civil Society Inter Constituency
Coordination Committee is a forum that brings together representatives of the
Civil Society Organisations under HIV & AIDS, TB and Malaria in order to
develop consensus and a common voice on key issues at national and
international levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">The Civil Society fraternity in Uganda
would like to acknowledge the progress being realised in the HIV & AIDS
response including other core sectors like TB and Malaria. Recent reductions in
new HIV infections and a decline in number of children being born with the
virus provide hope for an HIV & AIDS free generation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">However, the Civil Society Organisations under
the Civil Society Inter – Constituency Coordination Committee would like to
draw your attention to the following issues that are affecting the response and
require your urgent intervention if Uganda is to achieve its vision of Zero new
HIV infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero HIV related deaths.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Maiandra GD"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Maiandra GD";">1-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Operationalisation
of the National AIDS Trust Fund<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Your Excellency, Uganda needs to move
quickly to operationalise the National AIDS Trust Fund as a key strategy for
mobilising and managing local resources and funds for the HIV & AIDS
response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Your Excellency, Uganda needs to increase
its revenue to end AIDS. This must come through the national budget and through
innovative sources such as the National AIDS Trust Fund. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Uganda must expand its national commitment
while we ensure donors continue to do their part. Currently, close to 80% of
all HIV & AIDS funding in country is donated by external governments. This
is not a good sign of commitment on behalf of our government.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Securing domestic resources is the only
guarantee of ensuring that those who need treatment continue to receive it and
hence being able to move close to zero new infections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">We therefore specifically call upon your
Excellency to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calisto MT"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calisto MT";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Impress upon the Minister of Health, Minister of
Finance, Planning & Economic Development, Uganda AIDS Commission and the
Parliamentary Committee on HIV & AIDS to move quickly and ensure that the
necessary regulations regarding the National AIDS Trust Fund are brought before
the floor of Parliament for debate and adoption. The minister of health should</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"> work with all stakeholders, including
civil society, to develop robust regulations that reflect core values and
principles of additionality, multi stakeholder governance, accountability and
sufficiency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Calisto MT"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Calisto MT";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Urge you, your Excellency to take a personal
interest and ensure that the National AIDS Trust Fund is operational before the
term of the current Parliament expires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Maiandra GD"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Maiandra GD";">2-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">The Management Crisis at the Uganda AIDS
Commission.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Your Excellency, we have noted with concern
consistent press reports about the leadership struggles between the Director
General and Chaiperson of the Uganda AIDS Commission. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">The role of the Uganda AIDS Commission in
ensuring that the country has a healthy population with all people with HIV
accessing treatment and those who are HIV negative remaining free of HIV cannot
be over emphasised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">However the current leadership crisis at
the Commission makes it very difficult for it to deliver on its mandate. If the
current situation is not addressed, the country is at risk of continuing to
sink further into pre epidemic years of the early nineties and this will cost
more lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Considering that the Commission is directly
under the President’s office, we call upon your Excellency to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Maiandra GD"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Maiandra GD";">1-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Urgently intervene
and sort out the leadership crisis at the Uganda AIDS Commission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
behalf of the Civil Society Inter-constituency Coordination Committee (CICC)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Reverend </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sam L. Ruteikara|</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Chairperson CICC<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Uganda Network
of AIDS Service Organisations (UNASO), CICC Secretariat <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Plot 190, Old
Kiira Road, Ntinda P.O.BOX 27346, Kampala Uganda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tel:+256414274730l <a href="tel:%2B256%20755831021" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">+256755831021</span></a><br />
Email:<u><a href="mailto:unaso@unaso.or.ug">unaso@unaso.or.ug</a></u><br />
Website: <span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.unaso.or.ug/" target="_blank">www.unaso.or.ug</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Facebook: unaso unaso</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Twitter: <complete id="goog_364581352">@UNASO18</complete><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-90704578412965125292015-10-14T06:59:00.001-07:002015-10-14T06:59:37.951-07:00Kaberamaido HCIV No Enough Testing Kits & Drugs UNASOIn July 2015, with financial support from UNDP, the Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organisations (UNASO) made a documentary about issues affecting health service delivery in Kaberamaido Health Center IV and one of them was lack of enough HIV testing kits. This is affecting health service delivery for example it is a must that all pregnant women should be tested for HIV but this is not being done because of lack of testing kits.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Kaberamaido Health Center IV located in Aperkira Sub County, Kaberamaido district, treats about 18000 people (from Kaberamaido, Amolator, Serere, Lira and Dokolo districts) on average every month.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BCazlxxiNxA" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-23780382788289757422015-10-14T06:48:00.001-07:002015-10-14T06:48:04.227-07:00Kaberamaido HCIV No Enough Staff UNASO<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Kaberamaido Health Center IV located in Aperkira Sub County, Kaberamaido district, treats about 18000 people (from Kaberamaido, Amolator, Serere, Lira and Dokolo districts) on average every month. Unfortunately it has only three doctors and 48 staff altogether. This means that the health facility is understaffed and needs more health workers. In July 2015, with financial support from UNDP, the Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organisations (UNASO) made a documentary about issues affecting health service delivery in Kaberamaido Health Center IV and one of them was lack of enough manpower.</span><br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nD62j1FwB38" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-52897443230705976152015-10-14T06:23:00.001-07:002015-10-14T06:23:39.271-07:00Ochero HCIII in Kaberamaido district No PHC UNASO<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jKZHuWIZ9XM" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-86340879388242401002015-09-17T01:41:00.001-07:002015-09-17T01:47:37.812-07:00Civil Society Health Manifesto 2016-2021- Launch in Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NrFfnSx751s/Vfp3idkM8JI/AAAAAAAAA0E/GFhQj844_C4/s1600/C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NrFfnSx751s/Vfp3idkM8JI/AAAAAAAAA0E/GFhQj844_C4/s640/C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQr0m7i40tQ/Vfp3A4iztgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/fyIxwUY0SsY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQr0m7i40tQ/Vfp3A4iztgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/fyIxwUY0SsY/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule, <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule- National Professional Officer for Non Communicable diseases together with representatives of Civil Society Organisations launch the Civil Society Health Manifesto 2016-2021.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfgktFJfx8A/Vfp3CRcygYI/AAAAAAAAAyM/D698J2x-7cY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfgktFJfx8A/Vfp3CRcygYI/AAAAAAAAAyM/D698J2x-7cY/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule- National Professional Officer for Non Communicable diseases together with representatives of Civil Society Organisations launch the Civil Society Health Manifesto 2016-2021.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGH7QSCUZ7s/Vfp3D5PjcOI/AAAAAAAAAyU/d-ton5Ajhgk/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QGH7QSCUZ7s/Vfp3D5PjcOI/AAAAAAAAAyU/d-ton5Ajhgk/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule- National Professional Officer for Non Communicable diseases together with representatives of Civil Society Organisations launch the Civil Society Health Manifesto 2016-2021.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xwXzEm6aIA/Vfp3FTEP0yI/AAAAAAAAAyc/Nbd6QM23DI4/s1600/j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xwXzEm6aIA/Vfp3FTEP0yI/AAAAAAAAAyc/Nbd6QM23DI4/s640/j.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule- National Professional Officer for Non Communicable diseases giving a speech on behalf of the World Health Organisation before the launch the Civil Society Health Manifesto 2016-2021.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YtVsO42O2U/Vfp3HjoganI/AAAAAAAAAyo/rz9YbDYN8EU/s1600/jj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YtVsO42O2U/Vfp3HjoganI/AAAAAAAAAyo/rz9YbDYN8EU/s640/jj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule- National Professional Officer for Non Communicable diseases together with representatives of Civil Society Organisations launch the Civil Society Health Manifesto 2016-2021.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWz8ALRVAt4/Vfp3IZ7KgmI/AAAAAAAAAyk/E0Ix4Yrg194/s1600/mani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWz8ALRVAt4/Vfp3IZ7KgmI/AAAAAAAAAyk/E0Ix4Yrg194/s640/mani.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule- National Professional Officer for Non Communicable diseases together with representatives of Civil Society Organisations launch the Civil Society Health Manifesto 2016-2021.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sytNkv-OCw0/Vfp3ffJDxhI/AAAAAAAAAz8/OCRPwG36LAM/s1600/_MG_1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sytNkv-OCw0/Vfp3ffJDxhI/AAAAAAAAAz8/OCRPwG36LAM/s640/_MG_1721.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Joshua Wamboga, Executive Director of UNASO giving a speech on behalf of CSOs before the launch of the Civil Society Health Manifesto 2016-2021</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q6nowxsb7M/Vfp3KWWrKeI/AAAAAAAAAy0/MSub9BiyDys/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q6nowxsb7M/Vfp3KWWrKeI/AAAAAAAAAy0/MSub9BiyDys/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Dorah Kiconco Executive Director of UGANET</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hOT28jO9Sg/Vfp3MSdVvUI/AAAAAAAAAy8/tmF9HvSDVk4/s1600/G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="594" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hOT28jO9Sg/Vfp3MSdVvUI/AAAAAAAAAy8/tmF9HvSDVk4/s640/G.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Dianah Nanjegho, Senior Advocacy and Communications Officer of UGANET</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. William Kidega-Deputy Chief of Party PATH/USAID.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Jude Bigirwenkya-Regional Advocacy and Community Empowerment Officer-PATH USAID.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms Rachael Nandelenge of International Community of Women Living with HIV East Africa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Moses Super Charger requested governement to make it possible for all People Living with HIV to easily access Viral Load Testing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule, <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Dr. Hanifa Kasule- National Professional Officer for Non Communicable diseases giving a speech before launch the Civil Society Health Manifesto 2016-2021.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Patrick Kamara of NTV</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Ruth Sempa of Sicklecell foundation</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Masinde of New Vision</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms.Halima Athuman- Journalist</td></tr>
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Photos|Esther Namrimu | Communications Officer of UNASO.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-42997677020257989642015-09-17T01:09:00.004-07:002015-09-17T01:12:57.414-07:00Civil Society Health Manifesto Launch- Press Release<div align="center" class="BodyA" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 17.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Civil
Society Calls on Candidates to Put Health Services at the Heart of Uganda’s 2016
Election Campaigns: #<i>NoHealthNoVotes!</i><br />
Health Sector Manifesto defines 10 Actions Candidates Must Commit to in Order to
Rebuild the Health Sector<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="BodyA" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A nation of sick Ugandans cannot benefit from economic
development<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Kampala)
A coalition of </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">civil society organizations working for
access to essential health services in Uganda today launched the “Uganda
Election 2016 Health Manifesto,” a platform demanding all parties and
candidates commit to correcting massive failings of the health sector in Uganda
to deliver essential, quality prevention and treatment services.This marks the
first time civil society organizations will join together to leverage Uganda’s
general elections in order to prioritize the health needs and health rights of
the Ugandan electorate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Access to prevention and treatment are
literally life-and-death political issues that should be taking center stage during
our 2016 elections,” said Joshua Wamboga, Executive Director of UNASO. “As
voters we will not stand by and allow candidates and political parties to be silent
about the most vital issue facing our country—our health and our health rights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Using this Health Manifesto, we are demanding that all candidates commit
themselves to investing in sufficient medicines, health workers, and in the political
required to stop the epidemic of preventable death and disease in our
communities.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
demands contained in the Manifestoinclude a demand to scale up per capita
health financing from current levels (only USD 10.50) to the minimum
recommended by WHO (USD 44) by 2021. Other priorities include increasing the
remuneration of health workers and the budget for essential medicines as well
as confronting high-level corruption that robs Ugandans of life saving health
service delivery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lack of focus on our health needs by politicians is a
disgrace, and we are here to say, ‘no more,’ “ said Rachel Nandelenga<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> of the International Community of Women Living with
HIV/AIDS Eastern Africa (ICWEA). “All candidates s</span><span style="background: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">eeking elective positions should pronounce
themselves on these 10 points. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<span style="background: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We commit to empowering citizens to choose
leaders whose manifestos speak to these demands—we will hold them accountable
from the national level right down to the grassroots.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<span style="background: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The coalition pointed out that the
most repeated excuse—lack of funding—is not credible, since other priorities
receive funding when considered politically beneficial. For example, Parliament
received 2 billion shillings to debate during a recent 2-day special sitting;
State House spends more than 600 million shillings each day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<span style="background: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<span style="background: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“As citizens of
Uganda our fate is in our hands—every five years we have a special power to
raise the bar on health service delivery by making our demands known and making
use of our vote. We pledge to do that now,” said Lilian Mworeko, Executive
Director of ICWEA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
are tired of politicians prioritizing infrastructure and telling us health must
wait,” said William Kidega of PATH. “Health cannot wait—not when our public
health facilities routinely report stock outs, pregnant women suffer and die of
totally preventable causes, and drug-resistant TB is on the rise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Investing in
health service delivery means investing in social infrastructure that is the
only path to equitable economic development for ordinary Ugandans. This is
non-negotiable.” </span><span style="background: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A recent poll
conducted in August 2014 by Columbia University reported </span><span style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">that
healthcare is the <i>most important </i>issue
for Ugandan voters. Across two large public opinion surveys conducted in 2011
and in 2014, voters said healthcare was the most important issue for Parliament
to address of these data showed that </span><span style="border: none; color: #141414; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">health, according to
voters, is far more important than joblessness, education, or crime (Source:
Columbia University 2014).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Uganda’s
general election campaigns start October 25. “Between now and the start of
general elections we expect all candidates to adopt these 10 points in their
manifestos,” said Dennis Odwe of AGHA Uganda.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “We will meet with each party
individually as well as Independent candidates to deliver this demand.” </span><span style="background: white; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Civil society members intend to
work in key constituencies to support grassroots health rights activists to
demand accountability from political candidates, and engage on health crises
that have too long gone ignored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ENDS
</span><span style="border: none; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-50298366944584435692015-09-17T00:58:00.001-07:002015-09-17T00:58:50.874-07:00Mpigi appeals to government for more CD4 Count Machines<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People Living with HIV
and AIDS in Mpigi have appealed to the government of Uganda to give them more
CD4 count machines. This took place during a stakeholders meeting held at </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mpigi
district main hall to come up with solutions on clotting of CD4 test blood
samples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fred Sewanyana,
Secretary of Mpigi Network of AIDS Service Organisations, said that clients
from 20 ART sites depend on one machine based at Mpigi health center IV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JS4OYWjLMRU/Vfpt7-xulBI/AAAAAAAAAxs/4fqqbqceTic/s1600/_MG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JS4OYWjLMRU/Vfpt7-xulBI/AAAAAAAAAxs/4fqqbqceTic/s640/_MG_1663.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadat Ssemand, Laboratory Technician explaining the need for more CD4 machines. Photo|Esther Namirimu</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Maiandra GD', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The number of clients
in ART care who need to get their CD4 tests before they can access
antiretroviral therapy is overwhelming and many times blood samples clot before
they are tested,” he added.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadat Ssemanda,
Laboratory Technician at Mpigi HC IV, said that on average there are 100 blood
samples to be tested for CD4 count but the machine can only work on 50 samples
daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The huge number of blood
samples overwhelms the hub which results into blood clotting due to failure to
run all the CD4 tests within the required 24 hours,” he added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ssemanda noted that the
sometimes blood clots due to poor transportation, or lack of lack electricity
at health facility and requested the government give the district more
machines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_srvQmDgdPA/Vfpxg-FJ_HI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4Riyz7LB8Ak/s1600/_MG_1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_srvQmDgdPA/Vfpxg-FJ_HI/AAAAAAAAAx4/4Riyz7LB8Ak/s640/_MG_1696.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mpigi Woman Member of Parliament</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">David Ssebisubi,
Program Coordinator of Muduma Health Initiative Association, said that the whole
of Mpigi district has only two machines; one at Mpigi health center IV and
Nkozi hospital and one mini CD4 machine at Buwama health center III.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“At Buwama health
center III, 40 clients take CD4 test but the mini machine can only do 9-15
tests per day. All remaining samples are transferred to Mpigi health center,”
he added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ssebisubi said that if
more machines are given to the district more people will get their CD4 counted
and get eligible for ART.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Siana Nakazibwe,
Finance Manager of the Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organizations, advised
the participants to use the opportunity of the political period and start a
strong campaign so that they can get the machines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HvG42tzRFmU/VfptyCOkuSI/AAAAAAAAAxg/7mgXFC5ivzc/s1600/_MG_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HvG42tzRFmU/VfptyCOkuSI/AAAAAAAAAxg/7mgXFC5ivzc/s640/_MG_1676.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Siana Nazibwe Finance Manger of UNASO together with Ms. Cathy Nanyanzi(purple t-shirt) advised people of Mpigi to utilize the political period to get the machines from politicians. Photo|Esther Namirimu</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“You can make those
politicians pledge to contribute to buying the machines,” she advised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According to the Health
Management Information System report (July 2014-March 2015) the number of clients
on ART care in Mpigi increased from 7051 to 7777.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those initiated on ART
increased by 1514 from 6063. Out of those active on ART only 3467 were tested
for CD4.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The report also
indicates that HIV prevalence rate of Mpigi is at 8% way above the national
rate of 7.3%; with people living in Buwama, Nkozi, Kammengo and Mpigi town
council being at a high risk of getting HIV because most people are risk like
fisher folks and trucker drivers live in these areas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BY
Esther Namirimu|Communications Officer of UNASO.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-87422920681150718752015-07-29T02:00:00.002-07:002015-07-29T02:02:19.131-07:00UNASO facilitates Community Dialogue at Ochero HC III,Kaberamaido<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">With financial support from UNDP, UNASO facilitated a community dialogue at Ochero Health Center III. The dialogue was a follow up on the Community Scorecard that was done in the area in 2013. The meeting was attended by community members, area leaders and health workers. Participants raised concerns about issues still challenging them;</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Inadequate staff housing,f</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">ew staff, n</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">o room for </span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">laboratory,</span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">lack of transport means,n</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">ot received Primary Health Care funds for a year,i</span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">nadequate</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> water supply, l</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">ack of beds in the general ward, l</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">ack of funds to fuel </span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">motorcycle.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Achievement</span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">s</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">1. Two staff houses were built</span></div>
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2. The construction of the general ward is complete</div>
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3.Hon. Kenneth Omona donated a tri-cycle (Ajegere) to act as an ambulance</div>
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4.Home based care with support from Baylor College of Medicine</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
5.Communities access condoms from the Health Center and Village Health Teams</div>
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6.Safe Male Circumcision camps every month</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>General ward of Ochero Health Center III. Photo| Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> Priest Church of Uganda, Eyimu Elijah translating from Kuman to English. Photo |Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ms. Sylvia Nakasi, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer of UNASO addressing participant. Photo|Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Health workers were among the participants in the Community dialogue held at Ochero Health Center III. <br />Photo|Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Patrick Ojok, working with Baylor College of Medicine at Ochero Health Center III. Photo|Esther Namirimu</b>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Community Health Advocates at Ochero Health Center III. Photo|Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This tricycle locally nicknamed Ajegere meaning old woman is the only ambulance at Ochero Health Center III. Photo | Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Old kitchen at Ochero Health Center III. Photo |Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>New kitchen at Ochero Health center III. Photo by Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Old staff house at Ochero Health Center III. Photo | Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>New staff house which accommodates two health workers. Photo |Esther Namirimu</b></td></tr>
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<b>Written by Esther Namirimu | Communications Officer |UNASO</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-8733627950736966482015-07-29T01:19:00.001-07:002015-07-29T01:21:26.793-07:00UNASO facilitates a Stakeholders dialogue in Kaberamaido<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">UNASO with financial support from UNDP held a stakeholders meeting to discuss issues that were raised during the Community dialogues at Ochero Health Center III and Kaberamaido Health Center IV.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Ms. Sylvia Nakasi, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer of UNASO, informed the participants about issues affecting the quality service delivery in Ochero and Kaberamaido health center. The issues included lack of safe water, lack of transport, no Primary Health Care funds at Ochero Health Center for a year, inadequate accommodation for staff, no uniforms for health workers and sign posts at Kaberamadio health center IV, lack of beds in Ochero general ward and many others.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYbQff34V1A/VbiDuyO3yiI/AAAAAAAAAs4/ufZR_xgHaOc/s1600/_MG_1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYbQff34V1A/VbiDuyO3yiI/AAAAAAAAAs4/ufZR_xgHaOc/s640/_MG_1684.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><b><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Ms. Sylvia Nakasi, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer of UNASO reminding </span>participants<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> about the Community Scorecard that was done in 2013. Photo/Esther Namirimu</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Mr. Francis Oluka, Chief Administrative Officer, said that the district leaders are doing their best to improve health service delivery in Kaberamaido; medical equipment was procured and 8 beds will be delivered to Ochero health center III in two weeks time. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Kaberamaido Health center IV is going to be upgraded to Hospital status. The government gave the district Ugx700m to renovate and build more buildings at the facility. The facility is now fenced from the general community and more staff have been recruited.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNJ4nrnrXWI/VbiEE8dk2oI/AAAAAAAAAtY/nRHXmTyEBCg/s1600/_MG_1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uNJ4nrnrXWI/VbiEE8dk2oI/AAAAAAAAAtY/nRHXmTyEBCg/s640/_MG_1866.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: start;"> Mr. Francis Oluka, Chief Administrative</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: start;"> Officer of Kaberamaido district.<br />Photo/Esther Namirimu</span></b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Salim Kumakech, Resident District Commissioner of Kaberamaido, said that he has been following the work done by Kaberamaido district network in the HIV response and he is proud of it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">He noted that district's prevalence is higher than the national prevalence. He appealed to concerned partners to work with government and fight HIV and AIDS.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">"Health centers need to continuously support people working in ART clinics especially in Ochero, Arau and Otuboi," he added. </span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ix2HNZdp3WI/VbiD8liSWOI/AAAAAAAAAtI/XWXNnuAeazA/s1600/_MG_1661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ix2HNZdp3WI/VbiD8liSWOI/AAAAAAAAAtI/XWXNnuAeazA/s640/_MG_1661.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i><b>Mr. Salim Kumakech, District Resident Commissioner of Kaberamaido district. Photo/Esther Namirimu</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Emmy Ejuku, Deputy </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Chief Administrative Officer, said that most people in Kaberamaido depend on subsistence farming and therefore there is a challenge of poverty. Young girls drop out of school at the age of 14 years and find themselves in trading centers like Otuboi selling their bodies to truck drivers.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pIkSUXp1dM/VbiD1fzUk6I/AAAAAAAAAtA/JmjAwunnAPs/s1600/_MG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pIkSUXp1dM/VbiD1fzUk6I/AAAAAAAAAtA/JmjAwunnAPs/s640/_MG_1686.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Mr. Moses Odeke, Finance and Programme Coordinator of Kaberamaido District Network. Photo by Esther Namirimu</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUmOPWVitaM/VbiD-PycR6I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/AzC83JZ6LzQ/s1600/_MG_1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUmOPWVitaM/VbiD-PycR6I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/AzC83JZ6LzQ/s640/_MG_1687.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Regina Omolo- retired nurse addressing participants. Photo/Esther Namirimu</i></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K-PXp775LU/VbiEK1MirgI/AAAAAAAAAtg/a1RAopsjz9s/s1600/_MG_1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K-PXp775LU/VbiEK1MirgI/AAAAAAAAAtg/a1RAopsjz9s/s640/_MG_1865.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>UNASO Team meeting the Chief Administrative Officer of Kaberamaido. Photo/Esther Namirimu.<br /><br /></b></i><br />
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<i><b>Story written by Esther Namirimu | Communications Officer | UNASO</b></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13067515151875064086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2680359180306733.post-81364556553970825722015-06-12T07:18:00.000-07:002015-06-12T07:18:01.504-07:00Health sector gets sh1.27 trillion
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Uganda’s Finance Minister, Matia
Kasaija, yesterday presented the national budget for the financial
year 2015/16 at Kampala Serena. Kasaija who was a junior minister took over
from Maria Kiwanuka in the March Cabinet reshuffle. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Hon. Kasaija said
that an allocation of sh1.270.8 trillion out of shs24 trillion, has been
approved to the health sector.</span><span lang="EN" style="-ms-layout-grid-mode: line; background: black; border: 1pt black; color: black; font-size: 0pt; mso-ansi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-border-alt: none black 0in; mso-fareast-language: X-NONE; mso-font-width: 0%; padding: 0in;"> </span><span style="-ms-layout-grid-mode: line; background: black; border: 1pt black; color: black; font-size: 0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-border-alt: none black 0in; mso-fareast-language: X-NONE; mso-font-width: 0%; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Uganda Minister of Finance, Hon
Matia Kasaija arriving at Kampala Serena to present the national budget for the
financial year 2015/16. Photo/NationFFM<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></strong><br />
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<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">He also noted that over a number of years, health service
delivery has improved as a result of Government interventions with the support
of our development partners. From</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> 2006 to 2014 antiretroviral therapy coverage
increased from 53 percent to 77 percent, and the Contraceptive Use Prevalence
Rate has increased from 24 percent to 30 percent. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The government has undertaken skills
development for health workers. Under a Bursary scheme, training and bonding
has taken place for 500 midwives, 200 health workers in medicines logistics
management, 107 in data management and 296 in integrated diseases surveillance.
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">He added that despite the progress being
registered, Uganda’s high population growth rate, driven by the high fertility
rate, poses challenges for health care delivery. Women and children remain the
most vulnerable groups to diseases. In order to reduce the disease burden faced
by Ugandans, Government has undertaken the following actions:- </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">“Developed a rapid response mechanism
outbreaks of epidemics such as Ebola, Marburg, Yellow fever, and Cholera, in
addition to establishing a Laboratory for diagnosis of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
and an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC),” he said. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">He noted that the government implemented an
aggressive Malaria Reduction Strategic Plan with a target to eliminate malaria
deaths and reduce incidences of malaria to 30 cases per 1000 population, by
2020. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Honorable Kasaija also said that there is a
decrease in HIV/AIDS new infections from 147,000 in 2011 to 137,000 in 2013.
HIV prevalence is now estimated at 7.3 percent. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">“Increased the number of health centers
offering Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) from 2,138 in 2013
to 3,248 facilities in 2014,” he said. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">He also noted that there is an increased the
proportion of pregnant women living with HIV accessing Anti-Retro Viral
treatment (ARVs) from 33 percent in 2007 to 87 percent in 2014 as a result of
Increased testing for HIV in pregnant women from 30 percent in 2008 to 95
percent in 2014. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">"Significantly reduced the number of HIV
infection in new born children from 28,000 in the year 2009 to a projected
8,000 as at the end 2014,” he added. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The Finance Minister also said that there is
an increased in the number of accredited health facilities that provide ARVs
from 475 in 2011 to 1,603 by December 2014; This includes 100 percent of public
hospitals, 91 percent Health Center IVs are providing ART and 87 percent of
Health Centre IVs are also providing pediatric ART. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Reduced by half the number of people dying
from Tuberculosis (TB) from 9,900 in 1990 to 4,700, thereby achieving the
Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Six target. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Government is also strengthening the capacity
of specialized health facilities such as the Uganda Heart Institute and the
Uganda Cancer Institute to tackle the increasing cases of medical conditions
that require specialized care, and reduce on the cost of referrals for medical
treatment abroad. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Hon Kasaija said that in the next year, an
allocation of Shs. 1,270.8 billion has been approved to the Health Sector.
Interventions in the Health will include construction of specialized Maternal
and Neonatal unit in Mulago hospital with funding from the Islamic Development
Bank (IDB). </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">“Continue the construction, expansion,
rehabilitation and equipping of Mulago Hospital will continue and expected to
be completed by December 2016,” he added. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The government will procure ten (10)
ambulances for the planned Ambulance System for Kampala metropolitan area. </span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">He added that government will rehabilitate
and upgrade Rukunyu, Maracha, Kansunganyanja, and Rwashamaire health centers; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An illustration of the budget
allocation for 2015/16 . Courtesy of New Vision<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Procure assorted essential medical equipment
and furniture for ten (10) General Hospitals, 10 Health Centre IVs, 30 Health
Centre IIIs and 20 Health Centre IIs countrywide; </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">With support from the Italian Government, we
shall construct 69 housing units at Health Centre IIIs in districts of Kaabong,
Abim, Kotido, Moroto, Amudat, Napak and Nakapiripirit in the Karamoja region; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Continue rehabilitation of the following hospitals:-Adjumani,
Kitgum, Kabarole, Kiboga. Kapchorwa, Kamwenge Pallisa, Itojo, Kitagata Bugiri,
Atutur, Apac, Abim, Bundibugyo, Kaberamaido and Masindi.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Reconstruct Kawolo and Busolwe Hospitals with
the aid of a Spanish Debt Swap Grant; This will include extensions of Out
Patient/Casualty units, building obstetric theatres, expansion of the delivery
suites, and improvement of maternity wards; </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Rehabilitate expand and equip Yumbe and
Kayunga Hospitals with support from the Saudi Fund/Opec Fund for International
Development (OFID) and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
This will include construction of Staff houses and provision of ambulances. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Enhance the treatment against
Hepatitis B with an allocation of Shs. 10 billion. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Government will directly seek to address the
health of mothers and children. Providing comprehensive antenatal care and
malaria prevention for pregnant women, in addition to HIV voluntary counseling
and testing services and nutritional supplements will go a long way in this
quest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">With the enhanced provision of Emergency
Obstetric Care medical supplies, in addition to improving referral and support
supervision, maternal mortality rates are projected to fall from 438 per
100,000 live births to 220 per 100,000 live births with these interventions.
Government also aims reduce infant mortality rates from 54 per 1,000 live
births to 44 per 1,000 live births. <strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Written by Esther Namirimu<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Communications Officer of UNASO<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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