Health officials in Uganda's Ntungamo district are sounding the alarm over the district's rising HIV burden, with the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine urging residents to return to the basics of HIV prevention. The district's HIV prevalence currently stands at 6.7 percent, according to district health authorities, highlighting the need to strengthen HIV services. Dr Atwine emphasized the importance of abstinence, faithfulness, and correct condom use, as well as regular testing and adherence to treatment where necessary.
Speaking at Rushoka Health Centre IV in Rwentoborwahi, Ntungamo District, Dr Atwine expressed concern over the district's HIV burden, stating that "HIV/AIDS has become something else in Ntungamo. Let's get back to the drawing board and educate our people." She also highlighted the link between HIV and other health issues, such as tuberculosis and cervical cancer, which are on the rise in the district. The Ntungamo District Health Officer, Dr Amon Bahati, echoed Dr Atwine's concerns, urging residents to routinely test for HIV so they can know their status and seek care early.
The concerns were raised as Rushoka Health Centre IV received a new X-ray machine donated by the Rotary Club of Kololo Kampala in partnership with the Rotary Club of Ntungamo. The equipment is expected to strengthen the facility's diagnostic capacity, particularly for suspected TB cases and other conditions requiring radiological examination. Dominic Tumwesigye, president of the Rotary Club of Kololo, said the donation followed a needs assessment that identified the lack of an X-ray machine as a major gap at the health centre.
The new machine is expected to reduce the need for patients to travel to other facilities for X-ray services and enable health workers at Rushoka to diagnose suspected TB and other conditions more efficiently. The Executive Director of Mulago Hospital, Dr Rosemary Byanyima, said government and health authorities would consider additional support for the facility following concerns raised by residents and health workers. With Rushoka Health Centre IV serving about 3,000 people every quarter, the pressure on its medical infrastructure and diagnostic capacity is significant, and the new X-ray machine is a crucial step in addressing these challenges.
As health officials in Ntungamo district work to strengthen HIV services and improve diagnostic capacity, the need for increased testing and prevention efforts remains a pressing concern. With the district's HIV prevalence continuing to rise, it is essential that residents, health workers, and government authorities work together to address the root causes of the problem and provide adequate support to those affected. The donation of the X-ray machine is a positive step in this direction, and it is hoped that it will have a significant impact on the district's ability to diagnose and treat HIV-related illnesses.
