Once a man tests, the partner tests as well… a comparison by gender for HCT, SMC and STD clinic attendance at Luwero HC IV, Uga

Uganda registered a tremendous decline in HIV prevalence rates from 15% in 1991 to 5% in 2002 then up again to 6.4% in 2006 (2006 UDHS). Over years, the uptake and practice of preventive behaviour have declined, particularly among men. Currently, almost 40% of people with HIV are not diagnosed until they already have developed AIDS. The study aimed to assess the contribution of men in the fight of HIV/AIDS through HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT). The project monitored all individuals attending Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) and Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART) clinics. The project sought to check whether when requested, males brought their female counterparts for testing and vice versa during the September 2010 to Sept 2011 at a health facility. Clinical data was used. More males once tested brought more spouses for testing. The numbers were much less vice versa. For every 1 man tested at least 3 women were tested. This was also recorded in polygamous relationships.