Ntungamo RDC Advocates for Increased HIV Awareness
By Anthony Kushaba
In a bid to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Geoffrey Muchunguzi, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Ntungamo, is urging heightened awareness and sensitization efforts. Muchunguzi emphasized the necessity of amplifying educational initiatives during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at Ntungamo Resort. The event held on Tuesday, organized by the International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICWEA) and the Ntungamo District Local Government, aimed to address the ongoing challenges posed by the HIV/AIDS scourge.
Expressing his concerns, Muchunguzi noted that the public’s attention has shifted towards COVID-19, potentially leading to complacency and jeopardizing the progress made in the fight against AIDS. He stressed the urgency of refocusing efforts on HIV/AIDS awareness to curb its further spread.
Lawrence Mbabazi, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, issued a caution to health workers, advising against organized absenteeism, which he asserted hampers effective service delivery. Mbabazi highlighted the health workers’ primary grievance as the failure to improve their salaries, asserting that they currently lack valid excuses for any service lapses.
During the meeting, Beatrice Chemisto, the acting district health officer, provided insights into the district’s health facilities’ concerted efforts. She emphasized their commitment to ensuring that all individuals testing positive for HIV are promptly connected to care. Additionally, they are diligently working to minimize new cases, particularly focusing on preventing the transmission of the virus from mother to child.
Kato Paul, representing ICWEA at the meeting, commended the Ntungamo District Health Department for their dedicated efforts in extending quality healthcare services to grassroots communities. The collaborative efforts showcased at the meeting underscore the collective determination to address and overcome the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS in the Ntungamo district.