« Abstain, Be faithful, use a Condom ». Transnational controversies and the politics of HIV policy in Uganda ; La controverse "Abstain, be faithful, use a condom" Transnationalisation de la politique de prévention du VIH/sida en Ouganda
During the 1990s, Uganda has been increasingly highlighted for its success in fighting HIV/AIDS. In 2004, state actors questioned the main prevention strategy: the ABC strategy (Abstain, Be faithful, use a Condom). The emphasis on abstinence and reluctance to promote condoms promptly aroused a controversy. This controversy soon became linked with the controversial debates on the new U.S.emergency plan for AIDS relief, which allows special funding for abstinence education. Taking the ABC controversy as a start, this work questions how policy is produced and changes in a situation of extraversion. Are international actors forcing change in Uganda? How do international and national dynamics combine to shape HIV prevention policy in Uganda? Do peripheral states participate to define policy problems and international controversies? By studying the closeness and the links between Ugandan and American actors, we show there is a certain form of transnational policy continuity. Transnational networks of multi-positioned actors contribute to the continuity between national and international levels. Ugandan actors benefit from some autonomy. Their response to HIV is deeply rooted in their historical, social and political background. Struggles for power and legitimacy at the national level still are a strong driving force of policy-making. Policy is finally entrenched in the complex equilibrium among actors acting at the national level (among which are international actors). Transnational alliances and actions are a way for actors to strengthen their legitimacy. ; Dans les années 1990, l'Ouganda est progressivement mis en avant pour son succès dans la lutte contre le VIH/sida. En 2004, les acteurs étatiques ougandais semblent revenir sur la stratégie de prévention du VIH qui incarnait ce succès : la stratégie ABC (Abstain, Be faithful, use a Condom). Les réticences envers les préservatifs et l'accent mis sur la promotion de l'abstinence soulèvent rapidement une controverse. Celle-ci se mêle aux débats sur le nouveau plan ...