Rukungiri's HIV Prevalence at 8.3%, Young Women Most Affected: TASO

Rukungiri District is facing a serious public health challenge with an HIV prevalence rate of 8.3%, considerably exceeding Uganda's national average of 5.2%. Agnes Kateeba, head of The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) in Rukungiri, stated that eight out of every 100 individuals tested in the district are HIV-positive, underscoring the urgency of continued prevention efforts.

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HIV remains a serious public health concern. People should not become complacent. I urge continued prevention efforts.

Kateeba highlighted that young women between 18 and 25 years old are the most disproportionately affected group, comprising 66% of TASO clients receiving HIV treatment and care in the district, with men making up the remaining 34%. She attributed this high prevalence among young women primarily to poverty and economic vulnerability, explaining that financial hardships often compel them into risky sexual behaviors.

"Economic challenges continue to expose many young women to situations that increase their risk of HIV infection," Kateeba said. "We need to address the underlying social and economic factors alongside prevention efforts." She urged individuals living with HIV to adhere strictly to their antiretroviral therapy (ART) and attend regular medical check-ups every three months to effectively suppress the virus and reduce transmission risks.

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Economic challenges continue to expose many young women to situations that increase their risk of HIV infection. We need to address the underlying social and economic factors alongside prevention efforts.

Health experts warn that while Uganda has made progress in combating HIV/AIDS, districts like Rukungiri, with rates above the national average, require sustained interventions and targeted support for vulnerable populations. TASO is calling for reinforced HIV prevention programs, particularly for young people and women, while also addressing the socio-economic drivers contributing to new infections. Kateeba also cautioned against self-medication and relying solely on self-testing kits without professional medical guidance.

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I want to warn against self-medicating and relying only on self-test kits without confirmation and guidance from health workers.