Social marketing of pre-packaged treatment for men with urethral discharge (Clear Seven) in Uganda.

We implemented social marketing of pre-packaged treatment for men with urethral discharge (Clear Seven) in Uganda, and studied its feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness as a possible means to treat STDs and thereby prevent HIV. Clear Seven was distributed at private health care outlets in three rural districts and two divisions of the capital. Comparisons were made with a pre-intervention period in the same sites plus one additional rural district. There were almost universally positive attitudes to Clear Seven. Cure rate (84% versus 47%), treatment compliance (93% versus 87%), and condom use during treatment (36% versus 18%) were significantly higher among Clear Seven users (n=422) than controls (n=405). Partner referral was similar but fewer Clear Seven partners were symptomatic when seeking treatment. Distribution of socially marketed pre-packaged treatment for male urethritis should be expanded in sub-Saharan Africa. Consideration should be given to developing similar kits for women.

Women's association raises a community from a slum.

PIP: The impact of post-British colonialism in Jinja, Uganda, is examined, with particular emphasis being given to the involvement of the Masese Women's Association in revival efforts in Jinja, Uganda has gone through periods of political upheaval resulting from civil strife during Idi Amin's rule in 1971-78. Refugees had started to squat in the "Masese" slum area and were experiencing destitute poverty and unemployment. In response to such conditions, citizens, governments, and nongovernmental organizations, in association with the Masese Women's Association, engaged in an effort called the Masese Women's Self Help Projects with the aim of bringing about a change in the way of life for the people in Jinja, Uganda. A Housing and Human Settlement Upgrading Program was created to establish a settlement and credit plan that would enable women to acquire secure land tenure and production materials for housing. The project also developed a community infrastructure for employment, health, and education services. The women's organization encountered many obstacles in the realization of these housing and settlement projects, among them illiteracy and traditional thinking and practices of the kind that have confined Ugandan women to the private sphere.^ieng