There is
inadequate awareness about HIV-related issues in viable ICTs, including
prevention of the disease and living a productive life with HIV in Uganda.
Whereas
urban areas constitute the highest numbers of MARPS as well the highest HIV
prevalence in the country, access to comprehensive HIV and AIDS care, support,
prevention and treatment services[3] by
MARPS remain a very big challenge. The MoT (2008) report shows that the average
incidence among 13 MARPS groups was 7.7% of the total incidence in the
population. The HIV prevalence in urban areas is higher (8.3%) compared to the
national average of 7.3% among adults aged 15-49 (UAIS, 2011). The Joint
Evaluation of Support to the National Response to HIV&AIDS in Uganda shows
that HIV and AIDS care, treatment, prevention and support interventions
targeting the MARPS are insufficient in Kabarole and other urban areas compared
to the threat they pose in driving the epidemic. A recent MARPS Baseline Survey
(RIDE AFRICA, 2011) covering 5 urban local governments confirmed that
addressing HIV among MARPS remains one of the biggest challenges in the
national HIV and AIDS response in general and in the urban areas in particular.
