Reports of the rising HIV prevalence rates in Kasese district has sparked off concern among health activists in the district, who say little has been done to render vital services. HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Kasese stands at 11.3% way above the national prevalence rate which stands at 6.5%.
Dr. Sedrak Bakurilahi, the district bio statistician, told a meeting at Virginia Gardens on Friday that more than 1,201 people had tested HIV positive over the last nine months. Of these 220 are pregnant women, 25 are children below five years, 42 are children between five and 18 years, and 914 are youths.
The doctor however noted that the number of people with HIV could even be much higher because many people prefer to die silently without knowing their HIV status.
Dr. Bakurilahi said that the high HIV prevalence rates remain a challenge for planning and economic development policy makers. He attributed the soaring HIV rates in Kasese district to the mushrooming trading centers, which he said are thriving on sex trade.
Dr Bakurilahi however noted that many of the sick patients don’t have access to the vital services, due to the inadequate services at the health centers.
The chief executive director, Reach the Youth Uganda, Abel Mwebembezi, also noted that many orphans are dying of HIV silently in their homes due to lack services.
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