By Alice K
Fort Portal City Mayor, Asaba Edison Ruyonga has called upon the Ministry of Health to organize a health camp in Fort Portal and Kabarole to address the high prevalence rate in the region.
According to recent statistics, Fort Portal City has an HIV prevalence rate of 14.3%, while Kabarole stands at 9.4 %. The mayor is urging the ministry to increase funding to combat this public health challenge.
Speaking during the coordination meeting with implementers of HIV communication interventions in the Tooro Region organized by Uganda AIDs Commission at Ataco Country Resort in Fort Portal City on Thursday, Ruyonga highlighted the need for interventions to reduce the spread of HIV and provide adequate care and support to those affected. By hosting a health camp, the ministry can offer essential services, such as HIV testing, counseling, and treatment, ultimately contributing to a reduction in prevalence rates.
Statistics Revealed
According to Dr. Zepher Karyabakabo, the director policy, research and programming, UAC, Fort portal stands at 14.3%, Kabarole 9.4%, Bunyangabu 8.1%, Kyenjojo 6.1% Kitagwenda 5.3%, Kamwenge 4.7%, Ntoroko 4.1%, Kyegengwa3.9%, Kasese 2.4% and Bundibugyo 2.2%.
Zepher said that the key and priority populations with high HIV prevalence include, female sex workers standing at33%, Fisher folk at 23%, women who inject drugs24%, prisoners at 15%, men who have sex with their fellow men13% men who inject drugs 8%.
He said that factors fuelling the HIV Epidemic are multiple sexual partnerships, discordance and nondisclosure, poverty and wealth, socio-cultural factors, and alcohol and drug abuse use among others.