The SAN project now called HIV/AIDS workplace policy, a project at ACCORD works with 76 civil society organisations (CSOs) in Uganda helping them to integrate and monitor HIV/AIDS  in the work enviroment.

On 14^th May 2010 during the two and a half hour session at Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), Mr. Ayebazibwe Ganaafa the project coordinator ACCORD CSF project  introduced  Mr. Mwesigye Nelson who works with National Council of Science and Technology (mainly  dealing with Malaria, HIV and TB) as the resource person who was recommended by ACCORD to facilitate this two hour session.  The session was mainly internal and meant for WOUGNET staff members.

Purpose of the Session

The main purpose of this support visit was to teach WOUGNET staff about the basics of HIV/AIDS, the current situation of HIV/AIDS in Uganda with particular emphasis on the importance of ART in the management of HIV/AIDS.

During the session, HIV/AIDS was defined, the mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS was explained , the preventive methods were also discussed and lastly, the importance of ART in the management of HIV/AIDS. The key terminologies defined were: AIDS(Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), HIV(Human Immune Deficiency virus), CD4 Count (Number of Lymphotes that carry the CD4-Cluster of differentials). Viral Load (This is the quantity of the virus present in circulation of the infected person).

Modes of Transmission

Mr. Mwesigye Nelson mentioned that HIV antibody test-shows that one has developed antibodies to the virus. If It is positive, it indicates that the person has been infected by HIV.  The most common mode of transmission is Sexual intercourse which accounts for 84%, Mother-child  transmission (MTCT) accounts for 14% without intervention (in Utero, during delivery, breastmilk), lastly, blood transfusion and use of contaminated surgical instruments which accounts for 2% of the mode of transmission.

In addition to the mode of transmission, he mentioned the factors exposing us to HIV infection which included but are not limited to: The nature of Occupation, Literacy barriers, Disability(visual, deaf), risky lifestyle, unfaithfulness etc.

The preventive measures mentioned included ;Awareness creation, prevention of sexual transmission, practicing (ABCD), establishment of youth friendly centers advocacy and behavior change.

Question and Answer session

1.Qn: (WOUGNET staff): How is infection prevented between mother and child?

Ans:(Resource Person):  The infected mother is given ARVs 2hrs before birth. Then while cutting the umbilical code, two pairs of scissors are used and the uncontaminated one scissor is used for the baby.

2. Qn: (WOUGNET staff): How is it possible that a baby does not get infected while still in the womb?

Ans:(Resource Person):  Once a baby is in the uterus, it is HIV free. The Placenta Barrier prevents this infection.

3. Qn: (WOUGNET staff): Why is it that HIV/AIDS manifests itself in different forms say a rash, scanty hair , diahorea etc?

Ans:(Resource Person):  HIV has different strains  and they compete for the CD4 and destroy it.

Those were just some of the questions asked by WOUGNET staff during the two and a half hour session. Other issues discussed included Progression of HIV in the individual from initial time of infection, the principle of ART Therapy, steps to follow when initating ARVS therapy, when one should start treatment, monitoring among others

Conclusion

Since WOUGNET implemented the HIV/AIDS workplace policy on 27^th September 2007, an informative and educative session of this nature had never been conducted  for staff at WOUGNET.  The purpose of the workplace policy is to minimize, monitor the policy responses and manage the spread and impact  of HIV and AIDS on the employees and operations of WOUGNET including the employees, close family members of WOUGNET.

For details about SAN project and HIV/AIDS internal sessions, please contact:

Ayebazibwe Ganaafa [ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ] or Mr. Mwesige Nelson [ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ]

Writen by Maureen Agena (Information officer and a Participant during the session).