HIV High in Pader Camps
By Patrick Opio

April 25, 2006 -(AllAfrica) PADER district chairman Yakobo Komakech has decried the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among displaced persons in camps.

Addressing IDPs recently, Komakech said most camp dwellers were young mothers, girls and boys.

"This is the most sexually-active age group and highly vulnerable to HIV infection," he said, adding that the LRA insurgency had increased the spread of HIV in the north.

Komakech said the rebels raped women and infected them with HIV. He said such women and girls needed counselling and psychosocial support.

He urged the incoming district leadership and all partners to address the crisis.

He called for preventive measures to safeguard the vulnerable groups in the camps.

Komakech called upon the Government and NGOs involved in the provision of humanitarian assistance to incorporate HIV prevention, AIDS care and awareness campaigns into their projects.

He said the UPDF should also be sensitised about HIV/AIDS.

Komakech cited reports that some UPDF soldiers raped and defiled girls in camps.

"We must all take the necessary steps and efforts to raise awareness and deal with complex challenges in camps," Komakech said.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200604250356.html