The Alliance of Mayor’s Initiative for Community Action on AIDS at the Local Level (AMICAALL) with the support from Irish Aid commissioned SEDC out a comprehensive in-depth analysis of the socio-cultural practices that contribute to the steady increase in HIV prevalence in Karamoja region and the extent to which they impact on mitigation measures. This was intended to provide a baseline to inform future planning for HIV/AIDS interventions as well as ensure a more efficient and sustainable approach towards negative aspects of socio-cultural practices as part of reducing HIV infections in the region and in Uganda at large
PROJECT TITLE
Analysis of Socio-Cultural Practices that Impact on HIV/AIDS in Karamoja Region
To comprehensively assess the various socio-cultural practices in Karamoja region in order to identify those that accelerate HIV infection in the region
1. To identify and validate the socio-cultural practices in the region that impact on HIV/AIDS
2. To analyze the socio-cultural practices that fuel HIV infections, and those that can potentially contribute to the fight against HIV.
3. To identify behaviors and practices that hinder local communities from accessing HIV/AIDS services in the region.
4. To establish baseline data to inform future interventions targeting cultural practices that impact on HIV/AIDS
5. To assess the level of knowledge of the local communities on impact of the negative cultural practices vis-Ã -vis HIV infection, access and utilization of services.
6. To assess the current role and participation of local governments in responding to negative socio-cultural practices
7. To make appropriate recommendations to AMICAALL with regard to required action and neutralization of negative socio-cultural practices
This was a highly participatory study utilizing predominantly qualitative methods of study participant selection and data collection. This approach was supplemented by a scaled-down quantitative aspect. The qualitative methods were used to document and gain a deeper understanding of the various socio-cultural practices in the Karamoja region and the role played by the various stakeholders such as cultural leaders, local governments etc. in the neutralization of such practices. On the other hand, quantitative methods enabled generation of baseline data on the knowledge levels and experience of communities with the various socio-cultural practices.
