Rukungiri Leads Kigezi Region in HIV Infection Rates, Uganda AIDS Commission Reports

By Alex Byakatonda

Communications Officer – Kabale

Rukungiri District currently leads the Kigezi region in HIV infection rates, with a prevalence of 8.3%. It is followed by Kanungu at 6.6%, according to the 2023/2024 report from the Uganda AIDS Commission.

These findings were presented today during a meeting of HIV communication implementers for the Kigezi region, held at Cephas Inn Hotel in Kabale Municipality. The HIV Communication Implementers include District Health Educators, District HIV Focal Persons, selected District Health Officers, and District Communications Officers.

In his address to the meeting, Dr. Zepher Karyabakaabo, Director of Policy, Research, and Programming at the Uganda AIDS Commission, shared that Kabale District ranks third in the region, with a prevalence rate of 5.5%. Rukiga comes in fourth with 5.0%, while Rubanda and Kisoro rank fifth and sixth with rates of 2.9% and 2.2%, respectively.

Dr. Karyabakaabo also highlighted that the national HIV situation, as of December 2023, shows that 1,433,000 people in Uganda are living with HIV, including 858,000 women, 495,000 men, and 80,000 children.

On a positive note, he pointed out that the number of new infections has significantly reduced from over 90,000 in 2010 to 28,000 in 2023, bringing Uganda closer to achieving its target of ending new HIV infections by 2030.

Regarding the National HIV Communication Strategy, Dr. Karyabakaabo emphasized that it focuses on engaging all stakeholders, including religious leaders, healthcare workers, civil society organizations, and political leaders. The strategy encourages collaboration in spreading information and raising awareness to curb the spread of HIV, with a strong emphasis on effective dissemination of HIV messages by all key partners involved in the fight against the disease.

Dr. Karyabakaabo also addressed concerns about potential declines in HIV care following the US government’s previous decisions under President Donald Trump. He reassured the audience that the US government had since restored critical aspects of HIV care, including the provision of ARVs, laboratory services, and community services related to HIV treatment.

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Additionally, Michael Masiko, the Regional Coordinator for the Uganda AIDS Commission in Western Uganda, informed the meeting that the Ministry of Health has implemented new measures, which have been communicated to all District Health Officers (DHOs) and heads of hospitals and health centers. These measures ensure that HIV/AIDS services are fully integrated into routine healthcare services

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