AIDS Information Centre (AIC) and Text To Change a Dutch based Non governmental organization successfully launched the 2nd phase of a programme where they are using mobile phones for HIV education and motivate the public to go for HIV counseling and testing services. This was done in Arua a district in the North Western region of Uganda. The first set of questions were sent out on 29th January 2009. In the first month 5600 people had actively participated in the quiz.

Three (3) HIV/AIDS sensitization questions are sent out every week to about 10,000 people. Participation is free of charge and participants can retain their anonymity. Those who correctly answer the questions can win prizes in the form of Airtime, Mobile phones and can also access free HIV counseling and testing at AIC Arua Branch.

In his remarks during the launch the AIC Arua Branch Manager encouraged all the people of Arua and West Nile region to take advantage of the opportunity to access free HIV counseling and testing services.

A similar programme had earlier in 2008 been piloted in Mbrarara district where results indicated an increase of more than 50% in the number of people turning for HIV counseling and testing during this period.

With the telephone subscribers in Uganda hitting 8 Millions, this offers a good platform to reach many people with HIV messages.