BRIGHTER

LIFE
FOR ALL
Advocacy strategy
for Adolescent and
young people living
with HIV in Uganda
2015-2017

Brighter Life for All

Advocacy strategy for Adolescent and young
1
people living with HIV in Uganda 2015-2017
BRIGHTER
LIFE
FOR ALL
Advocacy Strategy
to Increase Access to
Quality Health Services
for Adolescents and
Young People Living
with HIV in Uganda.
2015 - 2017

Brighter Life for All

Advocacy strategy for Adolescent and young
1
people living with HIV in Uganda 2015-2017
 Contents

Definition of Terms and Phrases 3

Acronyms 4

Foreword 5

Acknowledgement 6

The Process of Development of the Advocacy Strategy 7

Background and Context of Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV 8

Rationale and Justification 11

Advocacy Directions 12

The Issues 12

The Approaches for various audiences/Expanded 15

The Log Frame for the Strategy 15

Uganda Advocacy Strategy Implementation Plan 17

Some Resources for HIV Communication 21

References 21

Annex 1 Participant list 22

Annex 2 Validation workshop 23

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Definition of Terms and Phrases

In order to have a common interpretation the following Key words/phrases have been utilized;
these phrases have been derived variously from the usages and general application across the
world. In this case they mean as expressed below:

• Adolescent: Person aged 10 to 19 years

• Child: Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, a child is a person under
18 years of age, unless under domestic law the child reaches majority at an earlier age.
• Constituency: a group or people, often with similar backgrounds, ties, interests, and
priorities, which is represented on a decision-making body. Representatives are often
elected by the entire group, but they may also be selected through other mechanisms (by
appointment, for example).
• Discrimination: The unfair and unjust treatment of an individual based on his or her real
or perceived HIV status. Both Stigma and discrimination breach fundamental human rights
and can occur at a number of different levels, including economic, institutional, political,
psychological, and social levels.
• Gatekeeper: The person who controls access to information or services within a community.
For example, the person within a group or community who makes the final decision as
to whether to allow the SRHR services to the youth/adolescents. The task of gatekeeping
entails making judgments about issues affecting members of group or community.
• Stakeholder/stakeholder group: individuals or organizations that have a vested interest
in HIV prevention, quality health for Young People Living with HIV and youth in general.
Key stakeholders in this context include YPLHIV and their families and communities; CSOs
in the HIV & AIDS field; Heath Service(s) providers, public health policymakers.
• Stigma: According to UNAIDS, it as a “process of devaluation” of people either living with or
associated with HIV and AIDS.
• Tokenism: refers primarily to policies and practices that make only symbolic efforts, to
effect change or inclusion. For instance this might include inviting YPLHIV to participate
in a meeting when they cannot speak the working language. This may outwardly give the
impression that those organizing the meeting are making an effort to consult with YPLHIV,
but in reality YPLHIV are invited to be ‘seen and not heard’.
• Young person: This is used contextually and tends to refer to person aged 10 – 24 years.
• Youth: is best understood as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood
to adulthood’s independence and awareness of our interdependence as members of a
community. Youth is a more fluid category than a fixed age-group. The UN, for statistical
consistency across regions, defines ‘youth’, as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24
years, without prejudice to other definitions by Member States. However, most countries
including Uganda use the definition given in the African Youth Charter where “youth”
means “every person between the ages of 15 and 35 years”.

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 Acronyms

AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

ALHIV: Adolescents Living with HIV
ART: Antiretroviral Therapy
ARV: Antiretroviral
CBO: Community-Based Organization
CBV: Community-Based Volunteer
FP: Family Planning
HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
IEC: Information, Education and Communication
MoH: Ministry of Health
NGOs: Non-Governmental Organizations
NSP: National Strategic Plan
PLHIV: People Living with HIV
SRH: Sexual and Reproductive Health
SRHR: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
STI: Sexually Transmitted Infections
TASO: The AIDS Support Organization
UAC: Uganda AIDS Commission
UNFPA: United Nations Fund for Population Activities
WHO: World Health Organization
YPLHIV: Young People Living with HIV

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Foreword:

The Ugandan National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2011/12-2014/15 sets a target of 30%
reduction in the new infections by 2015. To achieve this ambitious goal, the plan prioritize
addressing stigma and discrimination by envisioning “A Uganda where new HIV infections are
rare, and where everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status has
uninterrupted access to high quality and effective HIV prevention services free from stigma
and discrimination”

Uganda, like many African countries in the Sub-Sahara region has experienced a growing
population of adolescents and youth who are living with HIV but with minimal prevention
and treatment efforts. The Uganda government, development partners, the civil society
organizations and communities must therefore rally together to change the tide and end
adolescent and youth AIDS.
.
This Advocacy Strategy focuses on reducing barriers facing Adolescents and Youth Living
with HIV for improved quality of life. It emphasizes three interlinked objectives to 1) promote
positive and dignified lives for AYLHIV free from stigma and discrimination; 2) enhance access
to psychosocial support services; 3) increase access and utilization of friendly comprehensive
package of services; and 4) improve Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention (PHDP). This
holistic approach will ensure an equitable HIV response that ensures no adolescent/youth is
left behind.

This advocacy strategy recognizes the centrality of a multi-sectoral response to HIV among
adolescents and youth in Uganda and outlines roles and expected actions from different
sectors and actors. While the strategy has been developed by civil society organizations and
networks of youth infected and affected, it is hoped that the Ugandan Government through
the Ugandan AIDS Commission will take a leading role in the co-ordination and governance
structure to lead the campaign to end Adolescent and Youth AIDS. It will be incumbent upon
the actors to increase and sustain financing for HIV services and stigma reduction as a priority
for the tide to change among this inadequately served population.

I therefore thank all the stakeholders involved in the process led by UNYPA, Robert Carr civil
society Network Fund for the funding through Africa Capacity Alliance. I believe the strategy will
contribute to the progress made so far through decades of hard work; unity of purpose, courage
and commitment towards ending the AIDS pandemic among the adolescents and youth.

Signed:

Philip Waweru Mbugua

Executive Director-Nope

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 Acknowledgement

The development and production of Brighter Life for All Advocacy Strategy to Increase Access
to Quality Health Services for Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV in Uganda was
realized as a result of the effort of many stakeholders. We wish to acknowledge that the process
was made possible through the funding from Robert Carr Civil Society Fund under the project
Capacity Building for Inadequately Served Populations (CB4ISP) that came through the African
Capacity Alliance (ACA).

Special thanks to all the members of the national stakeholder forum who gave invaluable
contribution to the process. In appreciate the Ministry of Health and Uganda AIDS Commission
whose strategies and other documents were reviewed from the outset as background to
context of HIV response and programming in Uganda. Their presence in the national forums
is also highly appreciated; the other organizations and Institutions who provided technical
directions include MARIESTOPES, MARPS NETWORK, FXB, LMB, AIDS Information Centre, WAFC,
NTC KALIRO, GHFAI, Reachout Mbuya, UYP, IN UG, MEDIA Impact FM, and Media Record TV.

Alex Hafasha was instrumental in mobilizing various university student leaders under the
auspices of the Generation Free of HIV/AIDS Awareness Initiative (GFHAI). The students
provided eye opening perspectives about the HIV scenario from their perspective and the
interventions utilized.

The Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV&AIDS (UNYPA) provided tremendous
support and mobilized the adolescents and Youth across the country through the network.
Additionally, UNYPA under the leadership of Jacqueline Alesi, provided facilitators and space
to conduct consultative forums with various participants.

We wish to thank the team from National Organization of Peer Educators (NOPE) who led the
initial consultations with Key Informants, and youth and adolescents living with HIV. Teddy
Namugambe coordinated the mobilization as team leader in Uganda. Peter Onyancha and Job
Akuno provided technical leadership.

Jacquelyne Alesi
Director -UNYPA

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The Process of
Developing the
Strategy
The Process of Developing the Strategy
This document is the product of numerous consultations and input of young people living with
HIV (YPLHIV), the Ministry of Health, Uganda AIDS Commission, Civil Society Organizations,
and Adolescents in and out of school, Advocacy experts and behavioral scientists. A complete
list of some key participants has been attached in the annexes.

Forty Adolescents and young People Living with HIV were consulted using structured
questionnaire and responses consolidated to inform the strategy. The YPLHIV provided
additional anecdotes expressing the stigma environment and wished that the narratives are
shared to all duty bearers or decision makers. They also identified aspects that should target
the YPLHIV themselves, health service providers, policy makers and the general public. Another
team of selected student leaders from across 4 universities (Kambogo University, Kampala
International University, Kampala University, and Makerere) were also interviewed.

There were key informant interviews (KII) conducted with technical officer from various CSOs
((including AIDS Information Center (AIC); Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV
(UNYPA); Generation Free of HIV & AIDS Awareness Initiative (GFHAI); MARPS Uganda; and FXB
Uganda)), Ministry of Health, Uganda AIDS Commission, Behavioral Science academics and
Youth Leaders.

Finally, there was a national working group that was put in place comprising of individuals
from diverse backgrounds. The team provided feedback to each draft that was sent out and
made invaluable reviews towards the final product.

There was literature review including World Health Organization (WHO) HIV treatment
Guidelines 2013, UNAIDS Global Report, 2013; National HIV & AIDS Strategic Plan 2011/12 –
2014/15; National HIV Prevention Strategy 2011-2015; HIV and AIDS Uganda Country Progress
Report, 2013; and A Guide to YPLHIV Involvement in Country Coordinating Mechanisms; Sexual
and Reproductive Health Needs of adolescents Perinatally infected with HIV in Uganda, 2008.

“When I went to class, to my shock all my tablets

were displayed like a criminal exhibit at the
chalkboard by the teacher and then taken in front
of the whole assembly for students. I was then
called to the front and asked to respond to the question,
“What are these?” I felt extremely humiliated; I can’t put
it in words. It was terrible. I felt distressed. I called my
guardian and stayed home for a period of 5 months after
which I then changed schools.”
- A Young YPLHIV

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 Background and Context
of Adolescents and Young
People Living with HIV
Background and Context of
Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV
The HIV prevalence in Uganda has ranged between 6-7% in the general population for the
past 10 years, though recent reports have indicated that there is a rise in the prevalence rates
i.e. proportion of Ugandans, age 15-49, who are infected has risen and now stands at 7.3%
(and even higher in women at 8.3%), up from 6.4% in the 2004-05 survey. The estimated
number of new infections has been rising steadily: from 124,000 in 2009; 128,000 in 2010; to
now 130,000 in 2012.

The National target is to have a 30% reduction in the new infections by 2015 according to
the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2011/12-2014/15. To achieve this, the National HIV/AIDS
Strategic Plan has prioritized addressing stigma and discrimination by envisioning “A Uganda
where new HIV infections are rare, and where everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or
socioeconomic status has uninterrupted access to high quality and effective HIV prevention
services free from stigma and discrimination”

The Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey 2011 suggests that stigma and discrimination still remain
as major barriers to achieving an AIDS Free Generation in the country. There is evidence that
stigma reduction improves health outcomes for PLHIV and their partners. A study conducted
among HIV-infected men and women who were clients of The AIDS Support Organization
(TASO) to determine the social predictors of disclosure as well as to explore and describe
the process, experiences and outcomes related to disclosure revealed that disclosure of HIV
serostatus to sexual partners supports risk reduction and facilitates access to prevention and
care services for People Living with HIV/AIDS.

According to the report, The People Living with HIV Stigma Index (2013), stigma is still prevalent,
though its manifestation and continuum has changed from widespread social exclusion as
was the case before advent of antiretroviral therapy. The commonest forms of stigma and
discrimination are gossip 60% (666) followed by verbal harassment, insults and or threats 37%
(411). The Uganda findings are consistent with findings from other African countries that have
recently rolled out the PLHIV Stigma Index. Social exclusion is still prevalent at different levels,
for instance exclusion at social gathering was reported at 16%, at religious functions; 7% and
at family activities; 10% within the last 12 months of the survey.

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While there has been gains made in the response to HIV and stigma reduction in the general
population, the Ugandan young population, with one quarter being made up of adolescents
(MOH, 2000) has not received as much attention. The tables below best represent the situation
of HIV and AIDS response among the adolescents and youth living with HIV in Uganda.

There is an obvious trend of female adolescents getting into care with very low enrolment into
care by male counterparts as the table below depicts:-

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 Worse still, overall enrolment into care remains largely insignificant among the ALWHIV.

There is very low enrollment and adherence by youth to ART programs, which point to a greater
need to reverse the trends. This will require shifts both in terms of service delivery as well as
policy guidelines. More importantly, there will be greater need for community mobilization
to address the behavioral and demand side targeted at stigma and discrimination reduction.

Challenges to YPLHIV Programming:

Perinatally infected Acquired HIV during adolescence

More likely to be in advanced stages of HIV Earlier stages of HIV

More likely to have opportunistic infections Fewer opportunistic infections

More likely to not be on first-line drugs and Less likely to need ART or more likely to be
in need of complex ART regimens on First-line regimens

Higher risks of complications during Lower risks of complications during

pregnancy pregnancy

Higher mortality rates Lower mortality rates

Less likely to know HIV status, although may If accessing HIV-related services, likely to
have been on treatment for longer periods know their status

More likely to have experienced multiples More likely to lack familial, clinical, and
losses related to HIV (parents, siblings, etc.) social support systems

Higher risk of long-term chronic diseases Higher risk of long-term chronic diseases
early in life later in life

Experience stigma early on in life: in family, Experience stigma later, usually post-
at healthcare settings, schools, etc. diagnosis but exacerbated by social
stigma related to drug use, sex work or sex
between men and repressive laws/ legal
environments if they practice any of these
behaviours

Adapted from USAID & PEPFAR, Transitioning of Care and other Services for Adolescents Living with HIV in Sub Saharan
Africa, Technical brief, 2012.

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Rationale and
Justification
Rationale and Justification
The Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Adolescents Perinatally Infected with HIV in
Uganda (Population Council, 2008) identifies the needs and recommendation to better
the quality of life of YPLHIV with deep analysis of the situations. The recommendation can
be summarized as follows: Strengthen preventive services; Make pregnancy safer for HIV
positive adolescents; Involve parents to openly discuss sexuality; Re-orient service providers/
counselors; Establish transition clinics; Strengthen support groups; Improve life skills for
HIV positive adolescents to - understand their sexuality as they grow, practically deal with
the identity of being HIV positive at an early age and negotiate vital aspects of their lives,
especially disclosing their status, enjoy positive lifestyles and avoid undesired consequences
such as unintended pregnancies and infection of others, and make informed choices and
balance responsibility with sexual and reproductive desires. Presently, the same concerns are
strongly expressed by YPLHIV several years later.

This points out for the need to initiate and implement advocacy interventions at multiple
levels and with multiple players to address the gaps. It is presently instructive that HIV should
NOT be barrier to living quality life. The premise for this advocacy strategy is to ensure that
all young people access quality health services and opportunity to realize their full potential.
A lot of literature, corroborated by interviews by Young People Living with HIV describes the
need to step up efforts to support better health service delivery to YPLHIV and create a more
supportive environment for dignified life.

Some key policy gaps identified from literature include:

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 Advocacy
Directions
Advocacy Directions
General Objective: To reduce barriers facing ALHIV/YLHIV for improved quality of life.

Specific Objectives:
1. To promote positive and dignified lives for YLHIV/ALWHIV free from Stigma and
Discrimination
2. To enhance access to Psychosocial Support Services for YLWHIV and ALWHIV
3. To increase access and utilization of friendly comprehensive package of services by
YPLHIV/ALWHIV.
4. To improve positive health, dignity and prevention among ALWHIV/YPLHIV.

The Issues
The Issues
It Identifies the Priority areas affecting YPLHIV and responses that will be appropriate to
address the issues. The recommendations deduced from literature reviews, suggestions of
adolescents, doctors, nurses, social workers and caregivers, among other people who interact
with the context on a day-to-day basis. Noticeably the most dominant yet devastating concern
is the high levels of stigma and discrimination in health facilities, communities, schools and
families. This has ramifications that lead to many young people living with HIV, their families
and partners missing out essential treatment, care, support and prevention. Consequently,
this results in preventable morbidity and mortality. There are several but related issues that
have been summarized into the following four for advocacy:
1) High levels of stigma and Discrimination
2) Inadequate Comprehensive Psychosocial Support Services
3) Services that are not friendly to YPLHIV
4) Social and behavioral factors among YPLHIV.

The table below discusses the various manifestations of the issues and the programmatic
implication.

When I went for medication, the nurse asked me, “Do

you have a boyfriend” and said yes. She went on, “Is he
HIV positive or negative?” to which I told her he was
negative. After that she raised her voice and started
admonishing me, “So you want to kill the innocent young man…”
She went on reprimanding without asking how we were relating,
until other people turned to listen in
– A Young YPLHIV narrates her story
when she visited a clinic in Kampala

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Issues Manifestation and Programmatic Implication

Stigma and • The conservative religious leaders are hesitant to give support;
Discrimination especially those who believe that HIV infection is God’s response to
promiscuity and that provision of any support is support to sexual
immorality.
• Negative by Peers who insist that the YPLHIV are a constituent group of
individuals who lived their lives recklessly.
• The YPLHIV are also sexually active and seldom want to disclose their
statuses to their sexual partner(s)
• Unlike other young people YPLHIV are not often free to determine
where to live hence end up living where they are discriminated.
• HIV negative people think that YPLHIV deserve their condition and that
they should be avoided.
• Being stigmatized by colleagues, workmates and fellow students which
cause resentment to the HIV positive adolescent.
• Weak Representation of YPLHIV at Decision Making Forums like the
CCM.

Inadequate • Lack of familial and psychosocial social support

Comprehensive
psychosocial • Unavailable or inconsistent access to Health Care including health
Support insurance and incumbent risks of inadvertent parental disclosure of the
Services youth’s HIV infection status if parental health insurance is used.
• Treatment needs remain unmet and young people face particular
barriers to access treatment. The needs of young people living with HIV
& AIDS are “underestimated and largely unmet”.
• Because HIV-positive young people may have weakened immune
systems, co-infections with tuberculosis or malaria can threaten their
health.
• Impatience from health care providers; some doctors generally harass
patients and demonstrate an “I don’t care” attitude.
• There are few psychosocial support opportunities and those that are
available are known to few
• Anti-AIDS clubs are not well structured and do not have the capacity to
deal with the needs of the YPLHIV.
• The YPLHIV want to get married and be guided and accepted in society
but they lack the structures to facilitate that process
• Parents do not talk freely about positive living, contraception, FP,
protection of others from HIV infection and how to have a healthy life.
• Psychosocial support groups do not provide for livelihood and
economic empowerment for YPLHIV. There is little or inadequate
resources available for such an interventions.

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 Health Services • Poor communication between the Health Service Providers and
not Friendly to youth especially at referral sites outside of the ART Clinics.
YPLHIV
• Insensitivity to cultural and gender issues around health services
delivery, (like male providers screening for cancer among young girls;
age appropriateness; patronizing attitudes by elderly providers).
• Inadequate facilities for youth in the health centers or lack of youth
corners in some of the centers.
• Violations of the YPLHIV rights (Eg coerced sterilization, cruelty and
rudeness)
• No confidentiality since the health centers are used by both adults
and the youth.
• Expensive medication. That is lack of proper basic needs mostly in
finances with our daily lives. For example transport to health centers
and the high cost on laboratory tests when one is not working.
• Exploitation by the health workers forcing the youth to disclose their
status when not ready
• Disinformation and misinformation by service providers including
issues about Sexual and Reproductive Health and medication.
• Lack of other services such as cervical cancer screening, family
planning in the health centers. There are also some HIV services
lacking like viral load testing, drug resistance and nutritional
supplements for adolescents.
• Low uptake and utilization of health services, including enrollment
and retention on treatment by boys and young men.

Social and • Lack of or inadequate information on treatment (misconceptions

behavioral around treatment literacy)
factors among
YPLHIV • Poor adherence and defaulting to medication due to personal or
situational factors.
• Inability by YPLHIV to afford nutrition and other commodities that
affect their well-being.
• Disclosure challenges
• Lack of social and life skills that increases vulnerabilities.
• Engaging in risky behaviors including unprotected sex and drug use
and abuse.
• Less targeted interventions for boys and young men

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The Approaches for
various audiences/
Expanded
The Approaches for various audiences/Expanded
Policy Makers/implementers/leadership of the Private Sector
Approaches are to enable the policy makers to appreciate comprehensively the situations/
issues of the young people living with HIV and the varying contexts that promote vulnerabilities
and the consequences of silence.
a. Policy Briefs, Position papers

b. Breakfast meetings, High Tea meetings

c. Round table and face to face meeting

d. Fact Sheets, Posters, and Brochures

e. Popular versions of exiting guidelines/standards (The National Youth Policy; School

Health Policy; the Uganda National Plan for eMTCT; National SRH/HIV Linkages and
Integration strategy; National Condom Strategy 2013-2015; National Comprehensive
Condom Programming Strategy; Leadership Advocacy Strategy on HIV and AIDS; and
Guidelines for HIV & AIDS Coordination at Decentralized levels in Uganda, 2013)

The Civil Society Organization

Ensure that guidelines, policies are developed; in the cases where guidelines exist, utilize
techniques that will improve dissemination to the relevant stakeholder while using effective
channels. The CSO community should further mobilize resources and create relevant forums
that are relevant for dissemination of information.

Young People Living with HIV

The focus will be building their capacity so that they understand their rights and their roles etc
a. Trainings (Human rights, stigma, self -determination, participation in policy
development, fighting stigma, peer support, development of position papers)
b. Expert talks/interviews (the experts include those in the areas of: health, law, constitution,
behavior, stakeholder engagement, career, presentation skills, etc)
c. FGDs (among YPLHIV to discuss key issues and various approaches, developing position
papers, reviewing existing guidelines etc )

Local Communities
There will be community wide actions that will present anti-stigma and discrimination
messages.

a. Advocacy Dialogues (the issues to be discussed include PHDP, Stigma and discrimination,
Human rights for YPLHIV, role of communities, the law and its implication, supportive
environment, need for knowledge of HIV status, Care and Support, resource mobilization.)

b. Radio programs (the issues to be discussed include PHDP, Stigma and discrimination,
Human rights for YPLHIV, role of communities, the law and its implication, supportive
environment, need for knowledge of HIV status, Care and Support, resource mobilization.)

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 c. Community theatre (scripts for community participation in supporting YPLHIV, Simulation
of the law and enforcement, identify key dramatic moments that empower YPLHIV)

d. Audio-visual materials (Develop and involve IEC/BCC committees to approve materials;

circulate them in social media – twitter, facebook, whatsapp,)

e. Social media debates (sustain dialogues and utilize the forums to develop position
papers, and make presentations)

f. Barazas: (the issues to be discussed include PHDP, Stigma and discrimination, Human
rights for YPLHIV, role of communities, the law and its implication, supportive
environment, need for knowledge of HIV status, Care and Support, resource mobilization.)

g. Posters and leaflets

Media (Electronic and Print)

Various approaches can make the use media for advocacy quite effective. The rationale is to
ensure a wide coverage and a sense of feedback from the community. The approaches will
include the following:
a. Press Briefings (provide air time for the press items)

b. Opinion Editorials and features (increase participation of YPLHIV and CSO to develop
thematic Op Ed; utilize popular papers to maximize on readership)

c. Radio talks (identify radio stations that have wide coverage and uses local dialects,
utilize prime time to discuss matters affecting YPLHIV systematically )

d. TV production (Identify popular stations with wide coverage and utilize features and
documentaries, with the subjects on Human Rights, Stigma, Law, The plight of YPLHIV,
Knowledge of HIV status, the role of each stakeholder in HIV prevention, religious
perspective in the face of fighting stigma and shaping attitudes, incorporate some of
the major stories the bulletins)

e. Media awards (The award is developed for journalists who provide anti-stigma message,
provision of accurate information about living positively, and developing stories from
an innovative perspective; This will involve YPLHIV and CBOs/NGOs in the HIV industry)

f. Field trip (Conduct field visits to areas of high prevalence and develop human interest stories)

g. Electronic newsletter (This will provide regular updates on HIV interventions, success
stories, innovations, emerging issues, stories on indicting stigma)

Social Media utilisation

There will be social media strategy that utilizes new media including:
a. Websites (CSOs in HIV prevention, Development partners, Ministry of Health, UAC,
University websites, judiciary and police sites)

b. Blogs (views posted and responses strategically developed and include expert opinion)

c. Twitter, whatsapp, facebook(views posted and responses strategically developed and

Conduct systematic campaign; also include expert opinion)

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 Uganda Advocacy Strategy
Implementation Plan

Uganda Advocacy Strategy Implementation Plan

OVERALL STRATEGY GOAL
To reduce barriers facing ALHIV/YLHIV for improved quality of life.

Strategy Outcome Lead Indicative Activities Indicators Time- $$$

Objectives Agency/ frames
Other
agencies
1. To promote positive • Caring and sensitive environment for • Prepare Position papers • # of position papers submitted
and dignified lives YPLHIV where they are treated with • Hold meetings with MoH and UAC • # of meetings held with MoH &UAC
for YLHIV/ALWHIV dignity and respect • Hold Annual conference on the responses to the needs of • Annual conference held
free from Stigma • Increased accessibility of Health YPLHIV in Uganda • # of bi-annual meetings with
and Discrimination Services including Mobile ART Clinic • Hold bi-annual meetings with donors of responses to the donors held
• Increased confidence in services due to needs of YPLHIV in Uganda • Policy on integrated service
confidentiality and privacy. • Develop/Disseminate Policy on integrated service provision at facility level
• Increased availability of health centers provision at facility level • # of opinion editorials conducted
that provide YPLHIV friendly services • Quarterly Opinion Editorials on quality of services • # of IEC advocacy materials
• Increased comprehensiveness of all • IEC and advocacy material development developed & disseminated
related services in a single facility • Training for the Health Care providers on Positive Health • # of HCPs trained on PHDP
(viral load, CD4, Family Planning, STI Dignity and Prevention (PHDP) • # of PHDP guidelines dissemination
screening, Cervical Cancer screening, • Disseminate guidelines for PHDP addressing sexual forums conducted
IEC materials, guidelines, PSS, General transmission of HIV among YPLHIV. • A distribution plan for IEC materials
Counseling) • MoH and UAC to develop an effective distribution plan • A comprehensive package for HIV
• Meaningful involvement of persons for existing IEC material. literacy
living with HIV (MIPA) • Develop a comprehensive package for HIV literacy to • # of schools and higher learning
• Strengthened integration of TB/HIV and include issues of prevention, care and treatment, as well institutions labeled centers for
SRHR information and services. as to the rights of YPLHIV integrated service delivery
• Develop schools and higher learning institutions to be

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centers for integrated service delivery

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 18
Strategy Outcome Lead Indicative Activities Indicators Time- $$$
Objectives Agency/ frames
Other
agencies
2. To enhance access • Reduced discrimination and stigma • Mass media campaign with all people participating • # of mass media campaigns

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to Psychosocial directed at PLHIV. regardless of their HIV status conducted
Support Services • Increased protection of right to • Develop IEC materials which will educate the YPLHIV • # of IEC materials developed on
for YLWHIV and confidentiality and privacy of YPLHIV about “Human Rights information” they should be human rights
ALWHIV • Supportive environment created for equipped with • # of Anti-AIDS Action Clubs whose
assisted and self-disclosure. • Build the capacity of Anti-AIDS Action Clubs to provide capacity is enhanced
• Promotion of Human Rights Based adequate information to students and the general public • # of stakeholders participating in

people living with HIV in Uganda 2015-2017

Advocacy strategy for Adolescent and young
Approach to policies and program for • Organize national NGO forum the national NGO forum
YPLHIV. • Disseminate Peer Education standards, guidelines and • # of peer education standards
• Enhanced capacity to respond strengthen the component that deals with Stigma and dissemination forums conducted
adequately when rights are violated discrimination • # of TV and Radio shows conducted
• Stronger Representation of YPLHIV at • Hold TV and Radio shows that demonstrate the adverse • # of People Living with HIV Stigma
Decision Making Forums like the CCM effects of stigma and discrimination Index dissemination forums
• Safer learning environments for • Award journalist who deliver on the fight against stigma conducted
learners living with HIV created and discrimination • # of bulletins on stigma index in
• Document and share the best practices • Disseminate the People Living with HIV Stigma Index Uganda
and lessons learnt in stigma and Report, 2013 • # of TOTs trained on handling
discrimination reduction. • Develop an annual bulletin that expresses the stigma stigma
index in Uganda • # of YPLHIV networks/
• Organize trainings for Trainer of Trainings on handling organizations trained
stigma • # of stories on stigma and
• Train YPLHIV networks/organizations on how to deal discrimination disseminated
with stigma • # of cases of prosecution cases
• Document the stories of stigma and discrimination and publicized
the damaging consequences.
• Publicize cases of prosecution on the basis of forced
disclosure, discrimination, breach of confidentiality, and
violence on the account of ones sero-positive status.
 Strategy Outcome Lead Indicative Activities Indicators Time- $$$
Objectives Agency/ frames
Other
agencies
• Train YPLHIV to know the procedures when their rights • # of YPLHIV trained on procedures
are violated when rights are violated
• Identify and advertise pro-bono legal team that will • Functional Pro-bono legal team
support the YPLHIV at district levels or even lower levels • Proportion of PEs retained
• Enforce anti-discrimination to prevent drop-out • # of campaigns held in academic
frequencies and increase retention. institutions
• Promote knowledge of HIV status through systematic • # of effective referrals conducted
campaigns involving high spirited networks of young • # of success stories documented
people living with HIV in the academic institutions.
• Promote effective referrals and document success stories

3. To increase access • Adoption of safer behavioral practices to • Capacity Building for YPLHIV to embrace behavioral • # of YPLHIV reached with capacity
and utilization avoid infections or reinfection practices that do not expose them to reinfection building on behavioral practices
of friendly • Increased self-efficacy and response • Champions that promote anti-self-stigma • # of champions promoting anti-
comprehensive efficacy communication self-stigma communication
package of services • Improved treatment literacy and drug • Participate in Radio and TV programs that promote • # of Radio and TV programs
by YPLHIV/ALWHIV. adherence specific behavioral practices for better and dignified conducted
• Improved positive health and dignity living • # of IEC materials on dignity
prevention practices • Development of IEC materials that promote dignity developed and dissemination
• Increased access to adequate, accurate • Develop and disseminate case stories of participation of • # of case stories disseminated
and appropriate health information YPLHIV in self-actualization and nation building • # of YPLHIV enrolled/reached
• Increased access and utilization of • Expand networks of YPLHIV for increased participation • # of social media actions
health services • Social Media Actions that promote messages • # of health facilities able to deliver
• Improved psychosocial support • Build the capacity of Health Facilities to deliver PHDP PHDP

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 20
Strategy Outcome Lead Indicative Activities Indicators Time- $$$
Objectives Agency/ frames
Other
agencies
1. To increase access • Operationalization of youth and • Strengthening learning institutions’ staff capacity in # of learning institutions staff trained

Brighter Life for All

and utilization SRHR policies at district level. Eg the counseling, making linkages and effective referrals in counseling, linkages and referrals
of friendly adolescent health policy. • Strengthen Anti-AIDS Clubs to address the encourage # of Anti AIDS clubs strengthened
comprehensive • Implementation of the PHDP as knowledge of HIV status and how to support the HIV # of parents trained on addressing HIV
package of services expressed in the National HIV positive student scenario
by YPLHIV/ALWHIV. Prevention Strategy • Train Parents on addressing HIV scenario with courage # of IEC materials on co-infections
• Integration of gender-based violence and building confidence in the YPLHIV. developed and disseminated

people living with HIV in Uganda 2015-2017

Advocacy strategy for Adolescent and young
in the PHDP and Psychosocial Service • Develop IEC materials to provide knowledge on co- # of editorials on psychosocial support
Package infections # of YPLHIV trained on handling
• Increased familial and psychosocial • Editorials on the value of Psychosocial support disclosure
social support • Training of Young YPLHIV in handling disclosure An active network for learners living
• Strengthened capacity of Parents/ adequately with HIV
guardian to address issues facing • Develop a network for Learners Living with HIV in # of experience sharing forums
YPLHIV. learning institutions conducted at district and national
• Increased knowledge on dealing with • Experience sharing forums at District and national levels levels
co-infections, despair, denial and • The Education sector to establish effective links and An effective referral system to support
harassment referral access to support services at local health care services at HCFs in the education
• Integration of livelihood and economic facilities. sector
empowerment interventions • Health staff to support learning institutions’ personnel # of dissemination forums on
• Established and/or strengthened in helping manage the disclosure confidentiality policy conducted
Psychosocial Support Groups/ Health • Develop and disseminate a confidentiality policy. % of young people reporting quality
Clubs in the universities and other • Improve the quality of counseling for all young people counseling during HIV tests
learning institutions. being tested for HIV # of active champions promoting
• Identify champions of positive living who would promote positive attitudes and lifestyles for
positive attitudes and lifestyles for YPLHIV YPLHIV
 Some Resources
for HIV
Communication
Some Resources for HIV Communication
a. Healthy, Happy and Hot (IPPF 2010). This is a guide for young people who are living
with HIV to help them understand their rights, and live healthy, happy and sexually
fulfilling lives. This guide is designed to support young people living with HIV to increase
sexual pleasure, improve health, and develop strong intimate relationships. It explores
how human rights and sexual well-being are related and suggests strategies to help
them make decisions about dating, relationships, sex and parenthood.
http://www.ippf.org/NR/rdonlyres/B4462DDE-4194-BOEO-193A04095819/0/HappyHealthyHot.pdf
b. Opportunity in Crisis, UNICEF (2011) – Global data on the HIV epidemic and how it is
affecting young people aged between 10 and 24 years of age.
1. Positive Learning: Meeting the needs of young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) in the
education sector, UNESCO 2012
2. UNESCO International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education Vols 1&2 (2009)
3. What do I do if I’m living with HIV (IPPF 2010) – This is a leaflet providing ideas for young
women who are living with HIV.
http://www.ippf.org/en/Resources/Guides-toolkits/what+do+I+do+if+I+am+living+with+HIV
4. YPLHIV Consultation Statement and Recommendations (2010). A statement from Young
People Living with HIV on their needs and recommendations for an improved HIV
response.
http://www.gnpplus.net/images/stories/Empowerment/youth/Statement_Eng.pdf

References
1. Ministry of Health (MOH) Kampala 2011, Uganda AIDS indicator survey, 2011.
2. Nakayiwa, S. Abang, B. Packel, l. Lifshay, J. Purcell, D.W. King, R. Children and pregnancy
risk behavior among HIV-Infected men and women in Uganda. AIDS Behavior, 2006
3. Piot, P. 2006. How to reduce the stigma of AIDS: Key note address, Symposium at the XVI
International AIDS Conference, Toronto
4. The People Living with HIV Stigma Index User Guide, developed by GNP+, ICW, IPPF
and UNAIDS
5. UNAIDS: UNAIDS Fact sheet on Stigma and Discrimination, 2003
6. The Uganda National HIV AIDS prevention Strategy, 2011-2015
7. National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Kenya (NEPHAK,
2011) Kenya PLHIV Stigma Index Assessment.
8. state.gov/index.php/site/entry/wold_aids_day_2012_pepfar_blueprint_aids_free_
generation 2012.
9. NAFOPHANU (2013), The PLHIV Stigma Index, Country Assessment, Uganda.

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people living with HIV in Uganda 2015-2017
 Annex 1

Participants in the Development of the

Advocacy Strategy

NAME ORGANISATION

BAGUMA CHRISTOPHER MARPS NETWORK JULIUS MUHUMUZA MEDIA IMPACT FM

DECEMBER WALTER MARPS NETWORK OPIO CHARLES ASSISTANT

SANYU HAJJARA BATTE LMB ZAINAB AKOL MOH

SHAMILAH BATTE M WAFC IRANYA JUSTINE MARIE STOPES

AISO JANE NTC KALIRO LIMILIMI NELDA NOPE UGANDA

KAGGWA BENJAMIN UNYPA ENGINYU SAMUEL MOH

ANGUYO ENOCK UNYPA MOSES BWIRE UNYPA

PETER ONYANCHA NOPE JOB AKUNO NOPE

ANGEL NTEGE UYP JACQUELYNE ALESI UNYPA

JERSEY MEDICAL/
BUYONDO NICHOLAS UYP SEKITO REBECCA
MUVUBUKA AGUNJUSE
BUKENYA LEWIS DENNIS NAGURU TEENAGE CENTRE SSENSALIRE BRIAN UNYPA

AGNES NAKANWAGI REACHOUT MBUYA NICHOLAS NIWAGABA UNYPA

ALEX KAMUKAMA MARPS NETWORK SANDRA OPIO BAYLOR

APOLOT SANDRA UYP TEDDY NAMUGAMBE NOPE UGANDA

AFRICAN CAPACITY
MUBIRU KURAISH UYP FRANCIS MWAURA
ALLIANCE
AFRICAN CAPACITY
BETU ANNA MOH DANIEL MWISUNJI
ALLIANCE
AFRICAN CAPACITY
HAFASHA ALEX GFHAI CAROLINE SIMUMBA
ALLIANCE
AFRICAN CAPACITY
AMULEN FRANCES MOES ENOCK BANDA
ALLIANCE
AFRICAN CAPACITY
HASSAN WASSWA MOH ROHIN ONYANGO
ALLIANCE
FEDARATION OF WOMEN
SSENSALIRE BRIAN UNYPA MICHELLE OYUGA
LAWYERS
AFRICAN CAPACITY
NALWANGA RESTY UNYPA LINET MUSUNGU
ALLIANCE
KABAMI ANNET GFHAI MERAB FIDA

AGNES SEBOWA MOH ANGELA NANTONGO NOPE UGANDA

NDAGIRE DIANA BRIDGET UYP JAMES KARONGO NOPE

SSAMULA FRANCIS MEDIA RECORD TV MARY KUIRA NOPE

WAMALA BOB IN UG ESTHER MURINGO NOPE

KAKOOZA PATRICK IN UG

22 Brighter Life for All

Advocacy strategy for Adolescent and young
people living with HIV in Uganda 2015-2017
 Registration Form
Name of the Activity: ___STAKEHOLDER VALIDATION WORKSHOP____ Date: ___26TH AUGUST, 2015__

Venue: _____FAIRWAY HOTEL, KAMPALA_______No of participants: Male _13_______Female___15______

No Name of Participant Sex Phone Number Email Address ID Number Organization Designation Signature
(m/f)
1 DOROTHY ADEKE F +256 782399745 Dorothy-ade@yahoo. Ministry Of Health P.O
co.uk
2 MOSES BWIRE M +256 703807574 bwire@unypa.org UNYPA RESOURCE
Annex 2

MOBILISATION AND
CAPACITY BUILDING
3 JOB AKUNO M +254 723850599 Jakuno@nope.or.ke 14667302 NOPE Manager
4 JACQUELYNE ALESI F +256 776597384 alesi@unypa.org UNYPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
5 SEKITO REBECCA F +256 712043026 beckysekit@yahoo.com Jersey medical/ COUNSELLOR/FIELD
muvubuka OFFICER
agunjuse
6 SSENSALIRE BRIAN M +256 751962574 ssensalire@unypa.org Unypa/10 UNYPA COMMUNITY
COORDINATOR
7 NICHOLAS NIWAGABA M +256 777236744 nniwagaba@unypa.org Unypa/12 UNYPA PROGRAMS
+256 704700740 MANAGER
8 SANDRA OPIO F +256 782456255 samodot@baylor.uganda. BCM 715 baylor MANAGER
org PSYCHOSOCIAL
SERVICES
9 TEDDY NAMUGAMBE F +256 772345888 tnamugambe@nope. NOPE UGANDA PROGRAms
or.ug

No Name of Participant Sex Phone Number Email Address ID Number Organization Designation Signature
(m/f)
10 PRAISE MWESIGA F +256 700970196 pmwesigwa@uyah.com UYAHF PROGRAMS OFFICER
SRHR
11 ALEX KAMUKAMA M +256 70142117 kamukama@gmail.com YOUTH LINK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
INITIATIVE
12 REVERAND FATHER ISABIRYE M +256 785424406 UGANDA DEAN PRIEST
ORTHODOX
CHURCH
13 IRENE NAMUYIGE F +256 776236041 namwirena@gmail.com BAYLOR

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23
 24
14 SENDI JOEL M +256 702148176 joelmackupak@yahoo. UGANDA YOUTH SECRETARY
com ALLIANCE FOR
FAMILY PLANNING
AND ADOLESCENT
HEALTH
15 DR. RITA NAKALEGA F +256 702442597 rnakalega@ REACH OUT ACTING DMS

Brighter Life for All

reachoutmbuya.org MBUYA

16 DR. MARY KICONCO F +256 776087108 mkiconco@ REACH OUT M.O

reachoutmbuya.org MBUYA
17 NASEJJE ROSIE F +256 701665263 nasejjer@gmail.com TASO MULAGO OVC psychological
+256 782665263 specialist
18 KANSIIME SUSAN F +256 777096934 Susankansiime@gmail. BAYLOR

people living with HIV in Uganda 2015-2017

Advocacy strategy for Adolescent and young
com
19 WILLIAM KIBAALYA M +256 72504181 naliwilliam@yahoo.com NOPE UGANDA BOARD MEMBER
20 MUKISA DAVIS M +256 70073452 mukisadevis@gmail.com UYAHF MEMBER

21 GIMOGOI REUBEN ANDREW M +256 787704467 agimogoi85@gmail.com UYAFPH MEMBER

22 HAFASHA ALEX M +256 712524601 hafashab@gmail.com GFHAI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

23 JAMES LULE M +256 712380676 jameslule@yahoo.com NHFOPHHANU COORDINATOR

24 LAAKI PHILIP M +256 701027841 laakiphilip@gmail.com UNYPA MEMBER

25 NAKATE ROSETTE F +256 784123252 Nakaterosett87@gmail. GFHAI D.G.M

com
26 CONSTANCE SHUMBA F +256 774534599 konstansezw@gmail.com UPMB RESEARCH AND
GRANTS MANAGER
27 NELDA LIMILIMI F +256 789872367 nlimilimi@nope.or.ug NOPE UGANDA COMMUNICATIONS
ASSISTANT
28 ANGELLA NANTONGO F +256 785615776 anantongo@nope.or.ug NOPE UGANDA PROGRAM ASSISTANT