EDITOR
Rukungiri District has recorded the highest HIV infection rate in the Kigezi region, standing at 8.3%, followed by Kanungu at 6.6% and Kabale District at 5.5%, according to a recent report from the Uganda AIDS Commission. The findings, presented during a coordination meeting for HIV prevention program implementers, have sparked calls for strengthened interventions to curb the spread of the virus.
The meeting, held at Cephas Inn Hotel in Kabale, was organized by the Uganda AIDS Commission under the Office of the President. It served as a platform to assess the progress of HIV prevention communication programs in the region and strategize on effective approaches to address the rising infection rates.
Updated national statistics on HIV, as of December 2023, were also shared during the meeting. The report revealed that Uganda has 1,433,000 people living with HIV, including 858,000 women, 495,000 men, and 80,000 children. The figures underscore the need for continuous efforts in HIV prevention, care, and treatment across the country.
Health officials and local leaders were urged to intensify community sensitization programs, promote regular HIV testing, counseling, and ensure adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Officials in Rukungiri pledged to strengthen grassroots interventions, improve healthcare access, and engage communities in awareness campaigns to reduce the high prevalence of HIV in the district.
Meanwhile, Kisoro District recorded the lowest HIV infection rate in the Kigezi region at 2.2%, showcasing the impact of effective HIV prevention strategies. The Uganda AIDS Commission emphasized the importance of replicating best practices from low-prevalence areas to other districts.
Going forward, the government and implementing partners are expected to roll out equitable efforts to curb new infections and support those living with HIV in the Kigezi region. Stakeholders were encouraged to work collaboratively to promote behavior change, address stigma, and enhance healthcare services for better HIV management.
