Finally, an LGBT voice on Uganda's anti-HIV panel

ERASING 76 CRIMES
Colin Stewart
Original Article:  bit.ly/1aODGDn

People most at risk for HIV infection finally have a voice on the Ugandan  health policy panel that makes crucial decisions about anti-AIDS projects.

Following an election process that ran from Dec. 10 to Feb. 18, Kikonyogo Kivumbi today took a seat on the Uganda Country Coordinating Mechanism (UCCM) panel as a representative for LGBT people, sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM) and intravenous drug users.

Bulletin board at New Hope Clinic in Uganda promotes a combination of Jesus, Mary and “HIV meds” in the battle against HIV. (Andy Kopsa photo courtesy of The Nation)

Jude Ayebare was also elected as an alternate on the UCCM panel to speak for people whose livelihoods make them vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, including fishing communities, truckers and uniformed services personnel.

The goal is to improve anti-AIDS efforts among key affected populations (KAPs), which have often been ignored or excluded from past HIV education and services programs that the UCCM panel oversees.

Full text of article available at link below:  bit.ly/1aODGDn