The Ugandan government is drafting a special AIDS strategic plan to address the spread of HIV/AIDS in northern Uganda, local press reported on Saturday.

The AIDS Control Program executive director, Dr. Elizabeth Madra was quoted as saying the strategy would involve the Ministry of Health, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and donors.

She said the strategy would include coordination of activities carried out by organizations involved in the fight against the scourge.

"The multi-sectoral program will involve the Prime Minister's Office, youth groups, NGOs, the Uganda AIDS Commission and district leaders who will be charged with monitoring resources and delivery of drugs," Madra said.

She said the AIDS program in the north was failing because the parties involved were not coordinated, adding "all programs aimed at addressing AIDS in internally displaced persons' camps and the entire region should be well coordinated."

She urged the government and donors to develop a special psychosocial program to sexually transmitted diseases and stress.

Current prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS has stagnated at 7 percent since 2003 in Uganda. However, the prevalence rate in war-torn northern region is higher than other parts of the east African country.

Source: Xinhua