Angels Haven to fight HIV in Kabarole

PIC: Hakibale drama group performing during an HIV awareness campaign in Kabarole district recently. (Credit: Rogers Sunday)

HIV | SENSITISATION

KABAROLE - Angels Haven Uganda, a non-governmental organisation operating in the western district of Kabarole is set to empower drama groups to sensitise the community on HIV.

During an HIV/AIDs awareness ceremony at Komyamperre Primary School in Kahangi parish, Hakibale sub-county recently, Huh Jin, the director of Angels Haven Uganda stressed the need for more community education about the scourge.

"Community drama groups are a more effective module of communication as people tend to practice what they have seen in a drummer skit," Jin said.

He said despite the fact that most people know how harmful HIV is, many have failed to adhere to the existing behavioural change messages.

Hakibale sub-county has the highest HIV prevalence of over 30%.

Dorothy Kobusinge, the programmes co-ordinator, said because of the high HIV prevalence in the area, cases of domestic violence are also high.

"Couple testing is low and research shows that most mothers do not disclose to their partners after testing positive," she said.

Kobusinge added that husbands become suspicious upon realising that the newly born babies are being breastfed.

"In some cases, HIV positive mothers have continued to breastfeed their babies despite the doctors' recommendations. This has put the lives of many new born babies at risk," she said.

Zura Birungi, a health assistant, said only 40% of men in the area have protected sex.

According to Birungi, a few men who know their status prefer attending ART clinics in areas where they are not known for fear of being stigmatised.

She added that because of the long distance and transport costs involved, some end up abandoning their medication.

Fred Gaki, the chairperson of Hakibale, welcomed the idea of empowering and equipping community drama groups to carry HIV prevention messages.

He directed the community development officer to mobilise and identify drama groups that will be empowered and carry on the task.