Differences:
1.
In Uganda sharing needles is not too big of a
concern when it comes to HIV transmission. It seems there isn’t a whole lot of
IV drug use happening here. Everyone I’ve encountered has said this is almost a
non issue here. In the First Nations communities, particularly urban First
Nations populations it is estimated that IV drug use accounts for a high
percentage of new HIV transmissions.
2.
Mother to child transmission of HIV during
pregnancy, birth, and breast feeding is still a huge problem. There hasn’t been
a baby born HIV positive in British Columbia since 1989, while it’s an everyday
thing here in Uganda.
3.
People living with HIV or AIDS in Uganda are
seen as vulnerable and in need of assistance to overcome their situation. In
First Nations communities and Canada in general there is a view of “they did
this to themselves and should deal with it themselves”.
Similarities:
1.
There is still a lot of myths in First Nations
and rural Ugandan communities about how exactly HIV is transmitted. Some people
are still afraid that you can catch it doing daily activities such as sharing
utensils or a cigarette or playing sports or swimming with someone who is HIV
positive. This of course is untrue.
So
HIV 101:
Bodily Fluid that has HIV+ Direct Opening
into the Body + Activity = Possible Transmission of HIV
·
Only four bodily fluids can transmit HIV: blood,
semen/precum, vaginal fluids, and breast milk
·
Only direct opening into the body with receptor
sites: cervix, puncture, pee hole on penis, and anus
·
Activities: unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal
sex, blood to blood (such as needle sharing or transfusion), and mother to child
during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.
·
HIV can only survive for 7 seconds in open air
before the virus dies.
·
Waste fluids do NOT transmit HIV. You cannot get HIV from salvia, mucus, or pee. If
someone with HIV coughs or sneezes on you, YOU
ARE NOT AT RISK. Also mosquitoes cannot transmit HIV.
2.
Because of these myths there is still stigma in
both First Nations and rural Ugandan communities. I have to say though that
Uganda has come a long way in battling stigma. The government believes 80% of
the population is educated about HIV and does not stigmatize those with HIV. I
don’t know how true this is from my every day conversations with Ugandans, but
that’s the official word on the streets.
3.
Lack of adherence to ARV (anti-retro viral)
regimes. ARVs are medicine that can treat HIV but not cure it. In order for
these to be the most effective there needs to be 90% adherence rate. In Uganda
the challenge to adherence is access to ARVs, since there are frequent
shortages and people cannot always afford them. In the First Nations community
the biggest challenge is people not being in stable enough position to commit
to taking ARVs every day. In both countries there is a lack of buy-in about
ARVs effectiveness and benefits. ARVs have many side-effects and sometimes
people just don’t see the point, in both Uganda and First Nation communities.
4.
There is great work going on in both countries
about all aspects of HIV/AIDS. In Uganda there a lots of NGO’s and government
organizations working to assist those affected by HIV/AIDS. There are lots of
First Nations organizations working to improve the HIV/AIDS crisis.
a.
Examples of Uganda Organization:
i.
TASO
ii.
CAP AIDS
iii.
AIDS Information Centers
iv.
Baiylor Uganda
v.
ACET (AIDS Care, Education & Training)
vi.
Action Aid Uganda
b.
Examples of First Nations Organizations:
i.
Red Road HIV/AIDS Network
ii.
Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network
iii.
Youth Co
iv.
Healing Our Spirit
v.
Chee Mamuk
