THE UGANDA HIV PREVENTION RESEARCH COALITION NEWSLETTER (August to December 2020) GREETINGS!! Welcome to this issue of our newsletter. This newsle�er documents the HIV preven�on work of various advocates (individuals and ins�- tu�ons) both in Uganda and in other countries. In this issue, among other stories, we bring you an update on the Medi- cally Assisted Therapy (MAT) program in Uganda and recogni�on of the vari- ous individuals and ins�tu�ons that have contributed greatly to the HIV/AIDS fight in Uganda over the decades. We hope you will find the articles resourceful. Please read on and enjoy! UGANDA NETWORK OF AIDS SERVICE ORGANISATIONS (UNASO) 11 Introduction of are medically managed to get off the MEDICALLY drugs and to reduce risky behaviors. The ASSISTED THERAPY (MAT) Government of Uganda has acknowledged Program in Uganda, seen the existence of injecting drug use and as a beacon of hope to the this has led to the inclusion of MAT (Buprenorphine and naloxone) to the communities. Uganda’s Essential Medical Supplies list. Uganda started offering Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) to people who inject with drugs at Butabika National Referral Hospital on 14th September 2020. With the introduction of Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) in Kampala, the pilot district is now seen as a beacon of hope to communities that have been left behind for far too long. Currently we (UHRN) have screened 150 clients for MAT and 33 clients have been successfully By enrolled on treatment. Stanley Nsubuga ganda has seen increasing numbers of people who use drugs (PWUD) with recent estimates at approximately U45,000 (UHRN programs data, 2019). As a result of increase in drug use and risks associated with use of drugs, interventions to reduce the harms associated with injection drug use and drug related sexual risk are just beginning to be developed and implemented in Uganda. The MAT site established at Butabika National Referral Hospital The UNAIDS fast-track plan calls for rapid acceleration of HIV treatment and Under the Medically Assisted Therapy prevention services by high HIV burdened program, UHRN is responsible for countries such as Uganda and this is to be creating demand at the community level, achieved through roll out of comprehensive mobilizing clients for MAT, providing HIV combination prevention services that patient education, providing patient include Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) screening and initial preparation, referral for people who inject drugs and leaving no and linkage of eligible MAT clients, and one behind. supporting continuation of psychosocial support services once referred from the Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN) MAT clinic. continues to advocate for a responsive treatment which encompasses the 9 “We are now confident that MAT essential harm reduction interventions will change our lives and those of including Medically Assisted Therapy for our peers” UHRN peer educator people grappling with opioid dependence. voice UHRN is also advocating for inclusion of harm reduction interventions in the We hope that with the introduction and national polices and guidelines. set up a Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) center to provide drug treatment services People who inject with drugs (PWID) for PWID, it will reduce criminality and 2 petty crimes in geographies where MAT will be implemented, provide an avenue Uganda Commemorates for diversion of petty offenders from the criminal justice system and reduce the cost World AIDS Day of incarceration since it is a cheaper option for rehabilitation. 2020 In this journey, MAT being a new intervention in the country, we need; 1. A high level of engagement of law enforcers and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for PWID service delivery. This has a big role in violence prevention and response services which are key to increasing access to MAT services, and they should use a humane approach while dealing with MAT clients. “MAT clients are reformed people or in the ganda has made significant progress process of reforming and need support in in fighting the HIV epidemic over the their journey to recovery, they do not need Ulast 3 decades. According to the Uganda to be arrested for taking drugs, and rather Population-based HIV Impact Assessment should be referred and supported to access (UPHIA 2016), the HIV epidemic is coming MAT treatment” under control in Uganda. HIV prevalence Wamala Twaibu, Executive Director UHRN was at 6.0% in 2016 down from 7.3% in 2011. Inspite of this progress, the HIV and 2. Based on the principle of ‘nothing for AIDS epidemic remains a major public us without us’ – the drug user’s involvement health threat in Uganda with an estimated at all HIV/drug use programs is essential. 1.4 million people living with HIV, 53,000 Meaningful and effective participation of new HIV cases registered annually, and an drug users should be promoted and ensured estimated 21,000 Ugandans having died at all levels since they are best able to of AIDS-related illnesses (UNAIDS 2019). know what approaches and interventions Women and young women in particular will work in their own community. are disproportionately affected and this In conclusion, we call upon every duty is threatening the attainment of the bearer and development partner to Sustainable Development Goals. augment the existing efforts by starting, maintaining and increasing specific On December 1st 2020, Uganda interventions that will effectively prevent commemorated World AIDS Day. The HIV transmission among PWIDs and assist Global World AIDS Day 2020 theme was in the treatment, care and support of PWID Global solidarity, shared responsibility. living with HIV/AIDS. COVID-19 has demonstrated that, during a pandemic, no one is safe until everyone Special thanks to the Ministry of Health is safe. Uganda in responding to COVID- in Uganda for their active participation 19 and the effects that it is imposing on and support throughout this process. the national response to HIV and AIDS We appreciate the Medically Assisted tailored the theme for 2020 to: National Therapy taskforce members who include: solidarity and a shared responsibility MAUL, CDC, IDI, UNAIDS, Butabika Referral towards ending AIDS. Hospital and Uganda Police. Among others, speakers called for Stanley is the Advocacy and increased national and global solidarity in Communications Officer at Uganda the commitment to end AIDS as a public Harm Reduction Network (UHRN) health threat by 2030. 3 ............................................................................................................................................ LEADERS ON THE HIV AIDS FRONTLI/NE Edited and updated by the late Philly Lutaaya, Christine Kaleeba Prof. Francis Miiro, Dr. Sam Okware, An article by Elvis Basudde, a Beatrice Were New Vision Reporter, added and Dr. Noerine Kaleeba. to The New Vision Website as Others are Dr. Mariam Duggan, global HIV response but were part of the World AIDS Day Dr. Elly Katabira, never included on the original Supplement on 5th December Dr. Anthony Lwegaba, list of 22. 2011 02:44 PM Prof. Can. Gideon Byamugisha, There are a number of persons Dr Stephen Watiti, who have played a key role in Prof. Nelson Sewankambo, the HIV/AIDS response but could s Uganda plans to mark Dr. Cathy Watson, not all fit on this list; therefore, World AIDS Day 2020, it is late Dr. Lucille Teasdale, the list is not exhaustive. that time of year when we Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli, Some of these heroes include: Areflect on the journey thus far and late Bishop Misairi Kawuma and Lillian Mworeko, in particular recognize the efforts of Major Rubaramira Ruranga. Jane Mwirimubi, those who have sacrificed selflessly Others include Dr. Elvis Basudde Aloysius Matovu Joy, in the national response to HIV/ Kyeyune, Moses Supercharger Nsubuga, AIDS. Prof. Peter Mugyenyi, Johnson Masiko, Ms. Milly Katana and Hon. Dr. Joshua Musinguzi, Uganda’s record over the past Beatrice Were Sarah Nakku, decades as a global leader in the Dr. Nelson Musoba, fight against HIV is undisputable. Institutions that were hailed Dr. Karusa Kiragu, Uganda has come a long way in include the US government, Sylvia Nakasi, fighting this pandemic and behind Rakai Health Science Elizabeth Mushabe, this success are several individuals Programme, Mildmay Centre, Bharam Namanya, and organizations that have played the AIDS Information Centre, Betty Kwagala, unprecedented and selfless roles Uganda Blood Transmission Flavia Kyomukama, in different aspects against the Services, the STD/AIDS Control Florence Buluba, disease. In 2010, Parliament Programme, the Uganda AIDS Dorothy Namutamba, commended 22 individuals and Commission and Kitovu Mobile Dora Musinguzi, organizations for their contribution Clinic. Margret Happy, to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Stella Kentutsi, As World AIDS Day 2020 draws Fred Barongo, closer, we bring you these leaders Since August 2020, with the Sam Ochen, here again. recommendation from Civil Jacquelyne Alesi, Society advocates, UNASO has Bridgette Diana Ndagire, They include, been recognizing additional Peace Baguma, President Yoweri Museveni and his heroes that have had a significant Prossy Namakula, wife Janet, contribution to the national and Prof. Francis Miiro, 44 Tezra Lutaaya, When the victim leaves, they are Kenneth Mwehonge, “WHY IS IT HARD taking control and threatening Salome Atim, the abusive partner’s power, Richard Sserunkuuma, FOR A WOMAN TO which could cause the abusive Dr. Piero Corti of Lacor Hospital partner to retaliate in very in Gulu, LEAVE AN ABUSIVE destructive