NWI insights - AIDS in Uganda At present AIDS in Africa affects approximately 1 in every third or fourth household. Uganda stands out among the African nations as the one country who quickly recognized the catastrophic threat of AIDS and so began an innovative prevention program. 'Straight Talk' was initiated by a Kampala-based NGO in 1993 to provide an explicit message of how to stay safe from AIDS. It targets the young people of Uganda and is solidly backed by the government despite criticism from some that it is too open about its message. Straight Talk is promoted in two main forums; every school in Uganda receives a copy of the Straight Talk publication, and radio stations who play popular music for teenagers and young people also provide talks and promotions on safe sex or abstinence. Messages are presented in 5 different languages and deal with many teenage concerns such as pregnancy, STDs, body image, myths about sex, as well as promoting the key message about AIDS. The scheme appears to be working. The AIDS infection rate in Uganda has dropped from 12% to 6% and continues to fall. Uganda provides a model but more importantly, hope for other nations stricken by the AIDS epidemic. This extract is just one of the many insightful news features presented on the 24hour news network Newsworld International (NWI). If you would like further information or are interested in subscribing to NWI, visit their website at www.nwitv.com or telephone their subscription service on 1-800-280-4388.