EDITOR
The Kabale District Health Educator has raised concern over a noticeable increase in HIV infections in the district over the past three months, attributing the trend to a shortage of condoms in health facilities.
Speaking to our reporter, Kabale District Health Educator Besigensi said the district records an average of 170 new HIV infections annually. However, in just the last quarter, 40 new cases have already been registered, signaling a worrying trend.
Besigensi linked the rise in new infections to the limited availability of condoms across health centres, noting that the situation has significantly worsened in recent months.
According to him, the shortage followed the withdrawal of support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which had been instrumental in supporting HIV prevention programmes in the district. The aid cut came after a policy shift by the United States government that saw a re-evaluation of foreign assistance, affecting several health initiatives in developing countries, including HIV and AIDS prevention efforts.
Besigensi explained that Kabale District previously received and distributed more than 10,000 condoms, but the number has now drastically reduced to about 2,000, making it difficult to meet demand at various health facilities.
He urged members of the public to take personal responsibility in preventing HIV infections by purchasing condoms where possible and avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse.
Besigensi also called on the government to strengthen HIV prevention programmes and ensure a consistent supply of essential commodities to help curb the spread of HIV in the district.
