HIV/AIDS prevalence among youth in Kabarole, Western Uganda, is becoming a significant threat to future generations, with many enrolled in medication programs disappearing.
Catherine Kemigabo, the Kabarole District Health Educator and HIV focal person, reported that the district currently has 2,922 youth between 10-24 years old who are HIV-positive and on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Kemigabo, who is also a board member of PLATFORM for the NEEDY (PLANE), shared her concerns:
“Most of our youth are running away from taking the drugs,” she said. “Ten percent of these disappeared on ART, and are nowhere to be traced. Currently, over 27,368 people are on ART care in Kabarole and Fort Portal.”
From July to September 2021, 3,252 people were tested in the Out Patient Department (OPD), and 105 were found positive. In index testing, including children, out of the 441 tested, 97 were positive. For community testing platforms, 682 people were tested, and 53 were positive.
The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) communications officer, Kemigisha Joanita, noted that women are most diagnosed with HIV, with a 6.8% prevalence rate countrywide compared to men at 3.9%.
“Uganda receives 21,000 new infections, and 10,000 men got HIV as per the 2021 report,” she said. She attributed the increase in new infections to people’s negative attitudes toward condom usage.
About HIV/AIDS in Kabarole
According to a newly released report by the Uganda AIDS Commission, Kabarole district in Western Uganda ranks second in HIV/AIDS prevalence, standing at 14.6%. Previously, the district’s prevalence rate had reduced to 7.3%.
Kabarole district comes second after Kalangala district, which has an 18.8% prevalence rate, while Mbarara, now a city, is third at 13.1%. The national HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, according to the Ministry of Health in 2020, was 5.4% among adults aged 15-49 years old.
Kemigabo stated that Kabarole district now has 27,368 people living with HIV/AIDS who are receiving care, of which 2,922 are youth between 10-24 years old. In 2018, the total number of people in care was 24,000.
National Statistics
The Uganda AIDS Commission report indicates that there are 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS, with 38,000 new infections and 22,000 deaths. The prevalence rate is higher in females at 6.8%, compared to males at 3.9%.
Of those living with HIV/AIDS, 490,000 are male (with 11,000 new infections), while 820,000 are female (with 21,000 new infections).
A total of 170,000 young people are living with HIV/AIDS, with 14,000 new infections. Among children, 98,000 are living with HIV/AIDS, with 5,300 new infections.
References
- Uganda Overwhelmed by HIV/AIDS Prevalence
- Uganda AIDS Commission, 2021 Report
- Ministry of Health, Uganda HIV/AIDS Statistics 2020
By addressing the challenges of HIV/AIDS prevalence among youth in Kabarole, we can work towards a healthier future for all generations. Let’s support initiatives that promote education, testing, and treatment adherence to combat this health crisis.