INFECTION RATE 80% DOWN IN UGANDA

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PaulKing - 26 Jul 2004 22:12 GMT

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, HIV prevalence in adults aged 15 to 49
in Uganda was estimated as high as 30 percent; now HIV prevalence is
estimated at 5 percent. But now many no longer believe the 30 percent
figure, raising questions about the true impact of Uganda's much-touted
prevention program. Said Ghys: "If we recast our estimates, it wasn't 30
percent, it was maybe 22 or something." "

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GMCarter - 26 Jul 2004 23:57 GMT

>In the late 1980s and early 1990s, HIV prevalence in adults aged 15 to 49
>in Uganda was estimated as high as 30 percent; now HIV prevalence is
>estimated at 5 percent. But now many no longer believe the 30 percent
>figure, raising questions about the true impact of Uganda's much-touted
>prevention program. Said Ghys: "If we recast our estimates, it wasn't 30
>percent, it was maybe 22 or something." "

It was high. It dropped. Because they instituted programs teaching
about condoms a LOT. And Museveni, not that I'm so keen on the guy, to
his credit made a lot of noise about the threat HIV/AIDS posed. 22% is
still HORRIBLE--and to bring it down that much is marvelous! Whether
from 30 or 22 down to 5%? That needs to be replicated throughout
Africa and the world.

George M. Carter

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PaulKing - 27 Jul 2004 05:46 GMT

"Because they instituted programs teaching
about condoms a LOT.'

Give us a break. Even you don't believe that.

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GMCarter - 27 Jul 2004 09:48 GMT

>"Because they instituted programs teaching
>about condoms a LOT.'
>
>Give us a break. Even you don't believe that.

Wow! Psychic man reaches into my brain to determine what I believe!

Hey! Clue! Your psychic powers are about as rigorous as your powers of
logic.

The fact is, they DO a lot of teaching about condoms and their use.
They also encourage abstinence and fidelity, great ideas in and of
themselves but wholly inadequate in the real world (esp. for women).
But as a result of such vigorous, multi-faceted programs and the
willingness to discuss sex, encourage condom use, etc., the HIV
incidence has plummeted in places--also like Thailand--where these
kinds of programs exist.

So, sorry to put a damper on your telepathic enthusiasm, but I do
believe this. I have also seen it happen--and what happens when it
fails (partly, unfortunately, due to cryptofascist folks who spread
the notion that f.cking without a condom is fine).

George M. Carter

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