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AIDS and human rights activists fighting for maternal health justice in Uganda: the value of real synergies. G. Mushabe 3 , M . Mulumba 1 , A. Russell 2 , P. Kwagalah 1 , N.N. Musisi 1
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AIDS and human rights activists fighting for maternal health justice in Uganda: the value of real synergies G. Mushabe3,M. Mulumba1, A. Russell2, P. Kwagalah1, N.N. Musisi1 1Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), Kampala, Uganda, 2Health GAP (Global Access Project), 3The Bethesda Project (Uganda)
Context: HIV in Uganda • Unlike most other sub Saharan African countries with mature generalized epidemics, HIV incidence and rising HIV prevalence (UDHS 2012) • HIV prevalence in vulnerable populations 2-4x the national average • Including serodiscordant couples, MSM, sex workers, fishing communities, migrant populations, women and girls • Prevention strategies don’t match drivers of epidemic • Interconnected epidemics of maternal mortality and HIV
Coalition to Stop Maternal Mortality in Uganda • Started in 2011 to advocate for an end to preventable maternal mortality in Uganda • Coordinated by CEHURD (Center for Health, Human Rights and Development) and UNHCO (Uganda National Health Consumers’ Organisation), with over 50 health, HIV/AIDS, human rights and other organizations • Working in multiple fora (Parliament, Judiciary, the community, the media and more) to achieve policy change
Uganda: Groundbreaking human rights case PROMISING CARE Maternal Deaths Focus Harsh Light on Uganda
Conclusions • Critical moment for the campaign and the Coalition • Appeal to the Supreme Court • Global pressure needed • Strategic litigation is a crucial tactic in human rights advocacy; important need for stronger collaboration with AIDS activists • Platform for complementary campaigns • HIV treatment scale up • Unsafe abortion • Monitoring and tracking health sector budgets • Health worker crisis