Uganda in HIV testing initiative

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-01-2008 08:27

World AIDS Day on December the first is dedicated to raising public awareness of the pandemic. An initiative has been underway to get as many people as possible tested for HIV. Uganda is part of the worldwide test drive.

An initiative has been underway to get as many people as possible tested for HIV. Uganda is part of the worldwide  test drive.

In this small town of Masaka, an hour's drive from the capital Kampala, people gather in tents to take the brief one-minute test that may determine the rest of their lives.

Masaka sports enthusiast Ndagire Mirriam took the simple test on Friday. After a nerve-racking wait, the test came back. She was HIV-negative.

In an effort to get more people tested, special councilors were on hand to encourage people to take the test, and also advise them on their course of action following the receipt of results.

According to the World Health Organization, Uganda is one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to experience the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, but also to take action to control the epidemic.

The action is one of the rare success stories in the sub-Saharan region, which has been ravaged by the epidemic.