The Impacts Of Hiv/Aids On Children In Northern Uganda, A Case Study Of Gulu Municipality, Gulu District

ABSTRACT

HIV/ AIDS has the potential to create severe economic impacts in many African countries. It is different from most other diseases because it strikes people in the most productive age. According to an article that appeared in the New Vison

Newspaper on May 25th 2010 written by Chris Ocowun, there is an upsurge inv HIV/AIDS prevalence in Gulu district from 9.4% in 2008, to 16% in 2009, with Gulu Municipality health sub-district leading with 22.1 %. The pandemic HIV virus and the

subsequent spread of AIDS has weakened the society, especially its population and its social structures. This study, which was done in Gulu Municipality, was cross-sectional employing both

quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The researcher conducted interviews with people who are infected and affected by HIV/ AIDS and also

interviewed some key officials from some organizations dealing with the HIV/AID scourge. Majority of the respondents 60% (150) said they were from Child-Headed

households while the other 40% (100) said they were not. Some children have been forced to drop out of school to fend for their siblings. In some of the child-headed households, the girls due to poverty are engaging in risky activities such as prostitution in order to earn a living. Some people living with HIV/AIDS are being discriminated against due to their positive status.

Gulu Municipality has made a considerable dent in the progress of the epidemic. However, compared to the magnitude of the epidemic, this can only be regarded as modest progress not 'success". There is therefore no room for complacency. There

are still more gaps. AIDS must be a priority in all social and economic development

efforts. Substantial progress can only be achieved through expanding intervention and

service coverage to all corners of the country by bringing all potential sectors and actors on board to fight the epidemic.