Staff Reporter
A 68-year-old man from Kisoro District, who has been living with HIV/AIDS for over 30 years, is encouraging others with the condition to avoid self-isolation, which can lead to additional health challenges due to body weakness.
Serutoki Silver, a resident of Chahi Sub County in Kisoro Municipality, shared in an interview that he tested positive for HIV/AIDS many years ago while serving as a UPDF soldier. Having lived with the virus for over three decades, he urged the public to be open about their HIV status, as transparency can help individuals remain resilient and strong.
Silver also advised parents with HIV to be honest with their children about their condition. He believes that such honesty can help children stay firm, whereas hiding the truth can be more harmful if they discover it later on.
Dr. Sison Mugisha, the HIV/AIDS focal person for Kisoro, reported that the HIV/AIDS prevalence in Kisoro District has increased from 2.2% to 2.5%, with the youth prevalence now at 2.5%. He attributed this rise to the movement of people traveling to and from Kisoro.
Mugisha noted that the district implemented the Mushake (Munonya) program to encourage HIV/AIDS testing among those infected. The program has reached 97.5% of the estimated population across the district.
He emphasized that individuals with HIV/AIDS should avoid isolating themselves, consuming alcohol, and smoking, as these behaviors can increase the risk of suicide, even at a young age. Additionally, he recommended maintaining a balanced diet to help those infected live longer with the virus.
