MICHAEL N
Health officials in Ntungamo District have raised concern over a steady increase in HIV infections, with more than 1,000 new cases recorded annually.
According to the District Health Educator, Nestelio Twesigye, approximately 21,000 people in Ntungamo are currently living with HIV. Of these, nearly 19,000 have been identified and are enrolled in care and treatment programs. He noted that the district registers about 400 new HIV cases every three quarters of the year, indicating a persistent rise in infections.
Twesigye further revealed that the district’s HIV prevalence rate stands at 6 percent, meaning that out of every 100 people, at least six are living with or affected by HIV. This places Ntungamo among the districts with relatively high infection rates in the country.
He attributed the increasing spread of HIV to rapid urbanisation, particularly in busy trading centres such as Ntungamo Municipality, Rubaare, Rwashamaire, and Kitwe. These areas attract large populations due to rural-to-urban migration, which he says contributes to higher transmission rates.
The health educator also pointed to intergenerational relationships as a major driver of new infections, especially those involving older men and younger women. He identified young women aged between 15 and 30 and men aged 45 to 50 as the most affected groups. Many young people, particularly students in secondary schools and universities, are said to engage in such relationships due to financial challenges and the desire for quick income.
Other contributing factors include domestic violence, unfaithfulness among partners, low condom use, cases of defilement and rape, as well as persistent stigma surrounding HIV. Twesigye also noted that some pregnant women delay going for HIV testing during antenatal care, increasing the risk of transmission.
He has called on community stakeholders, including religious leaders, school authorities, parents, and guardians, to intensify efforts in educating young people about the dangers of HIV and the risks associated with early and unprotected sexual activity.
