Leaders in Fort Portal North Division have launched a renewed campaign to combat HIV following concerns over the city’s 14.1 percent HIV prevalence rate, with officials committing to intensified community interventions aimed at achieving the national and global target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The strategy was unveiled during a North Division HIV/AIDS Committee meeting held at the division headquarters on Thursday and chaired by North Division Mayor Joseph Mashuhuko.
Addressing the meeting, City HIV Focal Person Amara Evans presented the latest HIV situation, noting that while Fort Portal City has successfully eliminated mother-to-child HIV transmission at health facility level, new infections remain a major concern, particularly among adolescents and young people.
He urged stakeholders to strengthen prevention efforts by focusing on the populations most at risk through sustained community engagement, education, and access to HIV prevention services.
Responding to the report, Mayor Mashuhuko directed committee members to intensify HIV prevention campaigns across communities, schools, and other public spaces, saying the fight against HIV requires collective responsibility and sustained public awareness.
The Deputy Resident City Commissioner for North Division, Henry Kitambula, emphasized that effective communication and community mobilization remain critical in changing attitudes and reducing risky behaviors that fuel new infections.
The committee endorsed a comprehensive multi-sector action plan designed to strengthen HIV prevention and awareness across the division. The strategy includes engaging religious leaders through a dedicated conference to promote HIV prevention messages, revitalizing monthly Local Council I village meetings to monitor community health issues, expanding HIV education campaigns in schools and communities, integrating HIV awareness into security and local government meetings, increasing the availability of condoms in identified hotspots and busy commercial centres, and strengthening enforcement against bars and lodges found exploiting underage girls.
Officials expressed confidence that coordinated efforts involving political leaders, health workers, security agencies, religious institutions, schools, and community leaders will help reduce new HIV infections and accelerate progress toward ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The renewed campaign comes as health authorities continue to encourage regular HIV testing, early treatment, and responsible behaviour as key pillars in preventing the spread of the virus.