The AIDS Pandemic in Uganda

AIDS is registered as one of the major human
catastrophes facing the world today, its
consequences far reaching. In Uganda successful
fight against
HIV/AIDS is well recognised. By 1991 Uganda s
HIV/AIDS prevalence stood at about 30% in some parts
of the country. This had reduced to about 5% by

2001. This success largely depended on the social
      and interpersonal networks referred to as social
      capital. The book documents the role of NGOs in
      mobilising social capital at different levels and
      its effect on HIV/AIDS challenges in Uganda. A major
      finding in the book is that the ways
      individuals and groups are connected and interact
      with each other are important mechanisms for
      alleviating HIV/AIDS. From Uganda s story there are
      three lessons learned; 1. Earlier contextual
      explanations such as witchcraft
      as the cause of the disease which had dominated
      community approaches to HIV/AIDS are demystified;2.
      Fighting HIV/AIDS goes beyond the
      medical profession to include the social
      approaches;3. Emerging issues such as
      religious fundamentalism have negative impact on
      Uganda s success story and may explain new trends in
      HIV/AIDS prevalence

      Autorentext
      Dr. Muriisa is Associate Dean/HOD, and Lecturer, at the Faculty
      of Development Studies, Mbarara University of Science and
      Technology, Uganda. Was guest researcher under Nile Basin
      Research Program (NBRP), University of Bergen, with a team
      working on the
      theme "Reshaping Research Universities"- Autumn 2008.