article from newspaper: The New Vision (Uganda), April 22, 2004

Married Couples' HIV Rate Rises

An estimated 40% of new HIV infections in Uganda are occurring among married couples, a report by the country director for the Centre for Disease Control and Global Aids Programme (GAP) Uganda, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, has revealed.

Mermi told the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Sub-committee o African Affairs that infection among married couples occurred because couples did no to know that their partners were at high risk of infection.

He said among HIV infected members of TASO, 35% of married clients have HIV-negatives spouses.

"Because the spouses have not been tested,many couples think that both husband and wife have HIV and are therefore, not taking precaution to prevent infection," he said.The programme helps people living with HIV live longer and healthier lives and prevents the spread of the virus.

He said a national study in Uganda showed that 70% of adults reportedly wanted to be tested but only 10% had been tested.

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