Perez R
The United Nations agency on AIDS (UNAIDS) has asked HIV/ AIDS implementing agencies to involve young people and vulnerable populations in the fight against the scourge if they want to have results in reducing new infections.
The country director Jacqueline Makokha while speaking during the Pre- International AIDS day events in Ntungamo municipality said that government needs to increase funding to the HIV/AIDS related activities rather than depending on donors
She also called for inclusion of all vulnerable people living with HIV until the last person is tested and enrolled on treatment.
Speaking at the same function the US deputy chief of mission William Bets said testing and enrollment on treatment for key population was fundamental in the fight. He said the youth need to be trained and equipped highly to become peer educators and change agents in the fight.
The Uganda Aids commission director General Dr Nelson Musoba called for increased funding other than donor dependence for the country to own AIDS activities. He reported a resurgence of new infections which he said must be countered.
The Ntungamo District Woman Member of parliament Bata Joselyn Kamateneti asked government not to overspend on activities like cerebrating AIDS day but rather avail funds to districts so that on such a day key message are played on all radio stations and people sensitized on HIV.
The Ntungamo district chairperson Sam Mucunguzi Rwakigoba asked leaders to be good examples in the fight against AIDS.
The events were cerebrated with a march in town and road signs installation and Zebra crossing painting by the LIONS club of Ntungamo the sister organization Rotary club.
The international AIDS day national cerebrations shall be marked in Rukungiri today December 1, with president Yoweri Museveni expected to officiate.
