Uganda AIDS Commission, Uganda

The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) was established in 1992 to coordinate the implementation of the multi-sectoral policy which was adopted by Government in 1990 as the national strategy to combat HIV/AIDS. The multi-sectoral approach calls for the active contribution to the national effort by all public and private sectors of society where each has relative advantage.

The mission of the UAC is to enhance HIV/AIDS activities throughout the country. The main functions of the Commission, operating through its Secretariat, are: policy formulation; planning; information dissemination; resource mobilisation; and national conscientization.

As major attainments the UAC has, through consensus building processes, developed a National Operation Plan for 1994-98; formulated policies on major HIV/AIDS issues; prepared National Guidelines for the Clinical Management of HIV Infection; for HIV/AIDS Research, Development and Evaluation; and established a National AIDS Documentation and Information Centre. In addition, as a result of Uganda's all-inclusive and participatory policy and with UAC's coordination efforts, over 600 organisations are involved in HIV/AIDS activities countrywide. These include: religious bodies, NGOs, local and international agencies. To achieve greater community involvement, District AIDS Coordination Committees are being developed at district (regional) and lower administrative levels. In addition to the AIDS Control Programme (ACP) in the Health Ministry, twelve other ACPs have been created by the UAC in different government line ministries, in order to institutionalise the multi-sectoral strategy.

Current interventions are focusing on gender issues, children and youth, risky environments and the grassroots community. The Commission's strength derives from the goodwill created by Uganda's attitude of openness about HIV/AIDS and strong commitment by the political leadership to fight the epidemic.

Major obstacles have arisen from lack of understanding of the Commission's coordination roles by some partners. Inadequate funding has been another significant constraint to further achievements. Revitalisation of advocacy and greater consensus seeking strategies have been undertaken periodically to meet these challenges and a new, more dynamic and clearer vision now prevails.

Future prevention and care strategies will emphasise incorporation of critical sectors including the legal profession, the media, academia, traditional practices and people living with HIV/AIDS. As the central reference point for all HIV/AIDS activities in the country, the UAC will be the focal point for liaison with the new UN co-sponsored Programme on AIDS. The challenge still remains to ensure optimal coordination of the numerous initiatives and programmes mushrooming in the country.