EDITOR
The Kabale District Health Educator, Alfred Besigensi, has called on pregnant mothers to seek antenatal services as early as possible to minimize the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission.
According to Besigensi, the district recorded worrying trends in recent years. In 2024, out of 325 pregnant mothers tested, 53 were found HIV positive and six babies were infected. In 2025, 47 of the 207 pregnant mothers tested were HIV positive, resulting in three babies contracting the virus. He noted that delayed antenatal visits and poor adherence to medical guidance among some mothers continue to put unborn babies at serious risk.
Besigensi appealed to the public to take greater personal responsibility in the fight against HIV by testing regularly. He urged people to visit nearby health facilities and know their status, emphasizing that early detection remains key to preventing further spread.
He also encouraged communities to promote safer behaviors, support individuals living with HIV, and contribute actively to efforts aimed at reducing new infections.
World AIDS Day is commemorated every year on 1st December, and this year’s national celebrations were held in Bushenyi District under the theme “Building a sustainable HIV response to end AIDS.”
