Uganda Opens first HIV Museum in Kampala, grants free access
In a bid to reinforce the fight against HIV/AIDS the Embassy of Ireland has invested in yet a major milestone- the HIV museum, that is aimed at taking stock of Uganda’s strides towards the HIV scourge.
Speaking at the launch of Museum, the Ireland Ambassador William Carlos, noted that this will house key research, success stories, among other diverse channels of advocacy since the first diagnosis of HIV in Uganda.
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While Uganda’s HIV prevalence has dropped from 16 to 6 over the years, there are fears that this could instead be putting the population at risk.
According to the Uganda Aid Commission the country records 950 new infections daily many of whom are not even recorded for medication with many of the affected not knowing their HIV status.
“We need to turn off the tap of new HIV infections and put all HIV positive people on treatment,” Esther Mbayo, the minister for Presidency said.
Ambassador William Carlos noted that to get results, the country had to focus on seeking to bring together research and lived experiences of those affected or infected by HIV to the face of many in places convenient
“It is important to understand the history of HIV, Uganda has led the way in this its important that we understand where we are and that’s what the museum will exhibit,” he said.
Dr Andrew Kambugu, the Executive Director Infectious Diseases Institute explains that while strides had been restored in the HIV struggle, there is immense complacency that needs to be addressed.
“We have not added new things to the museum but we need to remind Ugandans of how far we have moved to be able to achieve set goals in the HIV struggle."
Targeting the youths who also the risky population, the museum will also host daily physicians equipped to carryout HIV tests. The Ambassador Carlos William led by example at a public testing.
The government of Ireland maintains that the museum will be accessed by the public at no cost from December 1 to December 21
The HIV museum is hosted at the Uganda National Museum now home to Uganda’s HIV history.
