VP Ssekandi warns girls against HIV/AIDS

PIC: PIC: vice President Ssekandi was represented at the opening of the Kyanamukaka ART clinic in Masaka. (Credit: Dismus Buregyeya)

UGANDAN HEALTH

MASAKA - Ugandan Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has expressed concern over the high rate of HIV/AIDS infection among young girls aged between 15 and 24 years.

"It's worrying that young girls are getting infected with HIV at a high rate. We all have a duty to save the future mothers of the nation," he said.

This was in his speech read on his behalf by Masaka district council chairman, Jude Mbabaali during the official opening of the Kyanamukaka ART Clinic constructed by Uganda Cares in Masaka district.

Ssekandi called for the strengthening of HIV/AIDS education in schools.

He advised those infected by HIV/AIDS not to skip taking the prescribed drugs.  "It's fatal to skip taking the drugs. HIV/AIDS can be dangerous if you develop drug resistance."

The Vice President hailed Uganda Cares for their 15 years of intervention into HIV/AIDS treatment and care. Still, he expressed concern over the high HIV prevalence in Masaka.

Masaka district landing sites have registered 30% HIV/AIDS prevalence, according to the Masaka district health officer Dr Stuart Musisi, who said about 30,000 people areinfected in Masaka.

Out of this number, he said 20,700 have been enrolled on treatment and care. 

Dr Musisi said at least 93% of the people enrolled on ARV drugs have registered significant viral load suppression, adding that the
prevention of mother-to-child transmission has registered 96% success.

A total of 404 positive mothers delivered safe babies in Masaka district and children born with HIV have been reduced from 4% to 2%.

Uganda Cares country director Henry Magala said the organization provides support to 600,000 People living with HIV/AIDS in 38 countries, and that it will continue its support in the district.

On his part, Dr Magala asked government to waive off taxes on the importation of health-related facilities, saying Uganda should support the AIDS Trust Fund initiative to reduce the dependency syndrome of donor funding.

He said districts should also invest funds in HIV/AIDS activities.

Between 50 and 80 adolescent girls get infected with HIV/AIDS daily," added Dr Magala. "We should stop the young generation from acquiring HIV/AIDS," he said, suggesting that HIV/AIDS open discussions should be opened up at sub-county and district level.

Masaka deputy RDC Joseph Ssekasamba warned HIV/AIDS organization staff against embezzling funds. "Those who eat money meant for HIV/AIDS activities are mass murderers, and they risky being arrested and prosecuted."

In his own remarks, Mbabaali commended Uganda Cares for injecting close to sh200m in the construction of the
Kyanamukaka ART Clinic.

Responding to the HIV viral suppression among those enrolled on ARV drugs, Mbabaali tasked the health ministry and other medical stakeholders to explain to the public what it means.

"Some people may think that viral suppression means that the virus cannot be detected while others may think otherwise. The medical experts should explain."

In response, Dr Steven Ssali, who is attached to Uganda Cares, said that having a suppressed HIV viral load does not mean that the victim will test negative. "It means that the amount of virus has significantly reduced to non-detectable levels but that does not take way the fact that they remain HIV positive when tested."

Kyanamukaka LC3 chairman Mesach Ssebula said that poor feeding and the long distances to ARV drug-collecting facilities  is among the challenges affecting the HIV/AIDS population in the area.

"Our people feed poorly. Taking ARV drugs on empty stomachs is painful, and government should empower them to have food security and improved incomes."