17:30 19.08.2008 | All news from "AIDS/HIV"
Uganda: Taso Urges Positive Living
The Aids Support Organisation (TASO) Uganda director of special duties and one of the eight founder members, Peter Ssebanga, said the disease should be fought to prevent new infections.
"When TASO was formed in 1987 our aim was to ensure that the people who were infected got medical care. We focused on seeing an HIV-free country in a few years but our dream has not come true because statistics show that many people are still being infected," he said.
"It is the responsibility every one to guard their lives to prevent catching the disease and spreading it," Ssebanga added.
Ssebanga, who represented the executive director, Robert Ochai, made the remarks at the 12th annual general meeting of TASO's Jinja branch on Saturday.
He called on the staff and clients of TASO to maintain the organisation's culture by upholding its values.
Bunya West MP Aggrey Bagire, who was the chief guest, lamented that some people have not realised the importance of protecting themselves from AIDS.
"Some people refuse to admit that they are suffering from HIV even when their bodies clearly show it. When they fall sick, they think they are being bewitched and run to traditional healers instead of seeking medical help," he said.
He revealed that this financial year, the Government had allocated more funds for the provision of anti-retroviral drugs.
The programme manager, Simon Zabwe, said their clients had increased in number from 19,210 in August last year to 20,719 July 2008.
He, however, observed that the organisation had registered few male clients. He advised men to stop being shy and seek treatment.
TASO regional manager Mrs. Rose Muloni also attended.http://allafrica.com/