Uganda AIDS Commission The ABC Approach to AIDS

Uganda AIDS Commission: The ABC Approach to AIDS Prevention Nick Mark, Selena Nelson-Salcedo, Wendy Suiter, Stephen Ulrich

HIV/AIDS Epidemic § Worldwide: § § § 57. 8 million cases to date 20 million deaths 37. 8 million living with AIDS § Uganda: § § § Est. 1 million infections Highest prevalence 70% drop in prevalence since ’ 90 s

Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) Background § First HIV/AIDS Case in Uganda: 1982 § President Museveni establishes AIDS Control Program: 1986 § Multi-Sectoral Approach and Uganda AIDS Commission Developed: 1992

Stakeholder Analysis/ Voluntary Failure § Identification of partners at all levels and sectors § Ongoing relationships § “Top-down” system not feasible § Coordination of existing agencies

Why are we talking about the Uganda AIDS Commission?

ABC Approach to AIDS Prevention § Part of the prevention aspect § Behavioral approach § A: Abstain from Sexual Activity § B: Be Faithful § C: Condom Use

Managing “Out” § People living with AIDS/HIV § Families, orphans § General public

Symbolic Value of ABC § Simple, Clear Story § Reduces confusion § Effective even with high rates of illiteracy § Unifying Symbolism § Advocated by populist leader § Creates a sense of shared mission

Managing “Up” § Talking to Partners § Internal and External Groups: § USAID, WHO, UNAIDS, Save the Children, etc

ABC and Managing “Up” § § § Symbolic Value Non-Consensus Approach Political Value

Managing “Down” § § § Local clinics, schools District Coordinators Local leaders

Managing “Down” to Grassroots Efforts § Symbolism § Human Resources § Matches Organizational Efforts to Organizational style

Wait a minute!

Disconnected

Lessons from the UAC § ABC: Utility of Symbolism and Political Activity § Coordination is Key § Importance of Structure § Utility of Regular Self-Assessment