Internally Displaced in Uganda Not Getting Care for HIV/AIDS

In recent years, millions of Ugandans have fled their homes to escape the brutal Lord's Resistance Army rebels. It is estimated that 1.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) still live in refugee camps. Now, a new study by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) finds that many Ugandan IDPs with HIV/AIDS are not getting treatment.

"All the IDPs in the camps are finding major problems in accessing assistance, such as HIV/AIDS counseling, treatment, care, and support," said Jemini Pandya, an IOM spokesperson. "A particular problem is the provision of care and support for orphans and vulnerable children and people living with HIV and AIDS."

Pandya said HIV prevalence rates in north-central Uganda, where data were gathered from seven districts for the study, are among the nation's highest.

"IDPs, particularly women and girls, are amongst the most vulnerable populations to HIV," Pandya said, due to the insecure nature of life in refugee camps. In addition, information is lacking, with people unsure what services are available. IOM is working with local authorities to address these problems, Pandya said.

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