Mpigi RDC wants compulsory HIV testing for bodaboda riders

All bodaboda riders in Mpigi district are to be subjected to compulsory HIV testing as one way of reducing on the prevalence rate in the district which is on increase.

Currently, the HIV prevalence rate in Mpigi district stands at 7.4% compared to the national prevalence rate which is at 6.0%.

Speaking during district celebrations in commemoration of the World AIDS day held at St. Charles Lwanga Primary School, Swaib Waggwa Lubega, the Mpigi district resident commissioner (RDC) said they are planning to conduct compulsory HIV testing of all bodaboda riders in the district because they were pointed out as the most group at risk.

"As a means of reducing on the prevalence rate in the district which currently stands at 7.4%, we are planning to conduct compulsory HIV testing for all bodaboda riders operating in the district to know their status," Waggwa said.

According to the survey conducted by the district health department, male youth are more vulnerable to contracting HIV than the female counterparts in the district.

The survey revealed that of the 20,757 male youth, who were tested for HIV; 1,098 tested positive.