HIV AIDS-related stigma has been singled out as one of the major challenges facing the fight against the pandemic in Lakes State.
Various speakers expressed concern at the end of a workshop on home care services for HIV positive patients that stigma is slowing down the implementation of anti-AIDS initiatives in Lakes State.Facilitator Grace Isabiriye told participants, NGO representatives and health officials that stigma is contributing to HIV prevalence, calling on the state Government to use all possible ways to fight it.
Director for HIV AIDS Programs in the Ministry of health, David Deng Yaak, said stigma forced people in Lakes State to hide their HIV status.
He explained that most people living with the virus fear to be labelled as prostitutes or evil doers.
Mr Yaak said that the Ministry of Health is looking forward to deal with the stigma challenge through awareness campaigns.
Participant John Marongo Lual said that the trainees were willing to pass the information acquired at the training to other members of community.
He requested the Ministry of Health to support them with transport and a motivation package.
Lakes State Minister for Health David Gumwel Nhomabur said the Ministry is currently not in a position to give any money out due to the austerity budget.
He promised to avail means of transport, including his own vehicle, on condition that there is prior planning.
Over 30 participants took part in a ten-day workshop that aimed at developing the skills of home care service providers in their delivery and transfer of nursing skills to primary care givers and people living with HIV AIDS.
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