The Effects Of Hiv/Aids On Economic Development Of People; Acase Study Of Acam Toona Group In Kiryanydongo District

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in Kiryandongo District, The purpose of the study was to look at how

HIV/AIDS is impacting on economic development of People Living with HIV/AIDS. Other

specific areas of interest in the study were: factors perpetuating spread of HIV/AIDS in the area,

different economic aotivities undertaken by PLWHA as well as how economic development of

PLWHA can be enhanced.

The study was quantitative in approach. A total of fifly (50) respondents were involved in the

study. They included PLWHA, Acam toona group leaders, health workers as well as local

leaders.

The main economic activity or livelihood source identified is agriculture entailing both crop and

animal production. However, there is also an increase in petty trade and casual laboring. These

constitute main sources of livelihoods.

The impacts of HIV/AIDS were found to be very adverse on economic development of the

PLWHA. This is seen in the increased dependency burden created, high health costs that drain

incomes and savings, loss of human capital due to death and loss of productive time due to

sickness and caring for the sick.

The study recommends strengthening poverty reduction measure to bring high impacts, for

instance the NAADS programme and specific package for PLWHA should be designed. The

costs of agricultural inputs should be subsidized by government, health services should also be

improved with special focus on strengthening HIV/AIDS related health care services. Other stakeholders such as the NGO should focus more attention on strengthening economic position of PLWHA through introduction of more income generating projects.