Health Education

There is a general educational deficit in Uganda, but in particular significant dangers in the daily environment are largely unknown to the people. HIV is not the only widespread infectious disease and there is still a deficit in education and prevention. Eight out of ten Ugandan men interviewed reject condoms as a protection against infection and a contraceptive option.

However, hardly anyone has offered them the "femidom", the condom for women. Nine out of ten couples surveyed were prepared to try it out, seven out of these nine couples were positively surprised and want to continue using it in the future. None of the interviewees had been introduced or explained this contraceptive method before, none of them knew that or where these contraceptives were available. It becomes clear, how great the need for advice and education still is.

The ubiquitous burning of plastic and other plastics in and near residential buildings releases a lot of dioxin and other toxins that have been shown to cause many diseases. It is standard to cook with uncoated aluminium cooking vessels on very hot gas flames or on charcoal fires. This results in a high level of aluminium compounds in the daily diet.

Countering the lack of knowledge about the consequences of these toxins and providing information is not an easy task. The Ugandan government has remained inactive in this case for years. It would be time to draw up appropriate guidelines, as many neighbouring countries have been doing for years.