Has the impact of HIV/AIDS on mortality pattern in Uganda been over estimated?

Charles Lwanga, Makerere University

The study investigated whether the impact of HIV/AIDS on the mortality pattern in Uganda is being over estimated. Using Brass (1968)’s two parameter model and the InDepth (2004) model life tables for sub Saharan Africa, results show that like previous findings, HIV/AIDS has had an impact on the mortality pattern however it seems to be minimal for children and the elderly than it is with old adults aged 25-45 years;thus pointing to an interesting finding that in some sections of the age pattern, it is overestimated than thought. It has also been found out that inDepth MLT fits the Ugandan pattern fairly well implying by way of summary that we can predict future patterns resulting from emergent diseases. In terms of policy, results indicate that while it is important to allocate resources to HIV/AIDS related program, it should not be done at the expense of other health related programmes.