By Sylvia
The young people in the country still have mismatch and misinformation about HIV /AIDS and this contributes to the high prevalence rate of the virus among groups. This is an observation by Catherine Kemigabo the Kabarole District Senior Health Educator who noted that most youths have wrong information about HIV mode of infection and prevention methods which is contributing to high prevalence.
Reportedly, the youth depend on one party’s result for fear of check ups, and think they can not acquire the disease through some one who is already on their doze of ARVs.
Kabarole ranked high in HIV Prevalence
Richard Rwabuhinga, the District Chairperson Kabarole observes there is a need for the district AIDS Committee and the partners like Baylor to design strategies and communication messages, targeting and appealing to the youth and children both in and out of school since they are the most affected and active in sex activities.
He says Kabarole remains a high risk district, ranked second after Rakai with 14.6% in HIV prevalence, therefore behavioral change, social behavior and risk communication should be emphasized in the fight and prevention of HIV infections especially among the youth.
The comments were made during the District AIDS Committee quarterly review meeting held in the chairman’s boardroom Kitumba, Fort Portal Tourism city on October 20,2022.
Dr.Dorothy Nakato, attached to Baylor Uganda revealed that statistics indicate that youth, children and elderly have a problem with taking their drugs so as to get suppressed and called on the leaders to mobilize the public and sensitize them on the importance of drug adherence.
The RDC Kabarole, Mr.Festus Bandeeda Besigye, observed the need to bring on board the clergy because they hardly factor in social and health interventions in their liturgy.
However, in their recent homilies and summons, Rt.Rev.Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki of Fort Portal diocese and Rt.Rev.Bishop Rauben Kisembo of Ruwenzori diocese have time and again circled their teachings and concern about the HIV issue.
In their last Inter-religious council meeting, the religious leaders of Tooro resolved to sensitize the public on the dangers of the deadly disease, and to lead in the campaign to have a Tooro HIV free Sub-Region.
According to the Uganda AIDs Commission, the national statistics as of December 2021 stand as folows
