October 5, 2007

Uganda’s President Calls Having HIV “Treason”

Members of the International Community of Women Living With HIV/AIDS (ICW) are outraged at recent comments by Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, who reportedly said "to die of AIDS is an act of treason."

"To die of AIDS is treason,” Museveni allegedly said in front of Student Guild Council officials from 12 national universities. “Why? Because you have betrayed your family, which had invested in you and [hoped] that you would help them."

The ICW, which represents more than 1,000 HIV-positive women around the world, says that his comments fueled ignorance, stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS. About 6.7 percent of Ugandan adults are living with HIV. The organization is calling on President Museveni to clarify his statement and work with ICW to develop a productive plan of action for tackling AIDS in the country.