Uganda's HIV/AIDS Progress Possibly Exaggerated

The HIV/AIDS "miracle" in Uganda was not faked, but it was possibly exaggerated and should be subjected to further investigation, according to the Economist. In a viewpoint article published in July in Lancet (2002;360:78-80) and reprinted in August in the Ugandan Monitor, Justin Parkhurst of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine wrote that although there is little doubt that Uganda has been successful in reducing its HIV rate, it is unlikely that the rate fell from 30 percent to 10 percent over the last decade, as the government claims. Parkhurst acknowledged there are lessons to be learned from Uganda's success, but he said the outcomes have been exaggerated, most likely to present an image of success and thus retain international donor funding. Parkhurst says the international community has perhaps not investigated the nation's claims more thoroughly because it also feels pressure to present successful examples of HIV prevention.

Back to other CDC news for September 27, 2002

Previous Updates