Tayari News | Jimmy Emmanuel
KABALE- At least 64 people have died of HIV/AIDS-related illnesses in Kabale District in the 2024/2025 financial year, according to data from the Kabale District Health Office.
According to the report, the district registered between 30 and 70 new HIV infections every month, raising concern among health officials and other stakeholders.
The figures were revealed during a health stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Kabale District Health Office in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society at Central Division Offices in Kabale Municipality.
According to the report, the Southern Division of Kabale Municipality recorded the highest number of HIV cases, with 194 cases, followed by Central Division with 176 cases.
The Kabale District Health Educator Alfred Besigensi attributed the continued spread of HIV to poverty, alcohol and substance abuse, stigma and discrimination, as well as risky behaviour among key and priority populations.
“The continued spread of HIV in our communities is being influenced by several factors, including poverty, alcohol and substance abuse, stigma and discrimination, as well as high-risk behaviour among key and priority populations.”
Despite the continued new infections, the district has recorded a high rate of viral-load suppression among people living with HIV. Health data for the past 12 months indicates that 8,928 people were eligible for viral-load testing, while 8,377 underwent the test. Of those tested, 8,217 had a suppressed viral load, representing 98%.
“The figures show that we are making progress in viral-load suppression. Out of the people who were tested, 8,217 had a suppressed viral load, representing 98%. This is important because viral-load suppression helps people living with HIV to remain healthy and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus.”
The report further indicates that females are the most affected by HIV in the district, prompting health officials to call for targeted interventions to address factors that increase women’s vulnerability to HIV infection.
“Data shows that females continue to be the most affected by HIV/AIDS. This calls for more targeted sensitisation, HIV testing and other interventions to address the factors that are putting women and girls at greater risk.”
Besigensi called for intensified community sensitisation and HIV testing, urging residents to know their HIV status and seek treatment early where necessary.
“We need to intensify sensitisation and testing so that people can know their status early. Those who test positive should be linked to treatment and encouraged to adhere to their medication.”
Health officials have also urged the public to avoid practices that increase the risk of HIV infection and to fight stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. They say increased awareness, regular HIV testing, treatment adherence and continued community support remain critical in reducing new infections and HIV/AIDS-related deaths in Kabale District.