The Youth have been urged to take HIV tests and stick to one sexual partner as a way of actively engaging in the fight against HIV/AIDS
The clarion call was made by Owek. Kawuma Male Henry the ssaza Chief of Kampala Central in Buganda Kingdom as he toured various areas of Kampala. Kawuma visited Nayimba Bus Park, Old Kampala, Kiseeka market and St. Martia Mulumba.
Wherever he went, his message was clear, encouraging the Youth to avoid promiscuity because they risk catching HIV. Kawuma tasked the youth who work in downtown Kampala to engage in gainful activities and to respect thier leaders, thanking them for always loving Buganda and the “Kabaka”
The Chief however warned the youth against tribalism and discrimination either along religious or political lines.
According to the world Health Organisation (WHO) since the beginning of the epidemic, 84.2 million people have been infected with the HIV virus and about 40.1 million people have died of HIV. Globally, 38.4 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2021. An estimated 0.7% of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide are living with HIV.
The WHO African Region remains most severely affected, with nearly 1 in every 25 adults (3.4%) living with HIV and accounting for more than two-thirds of the people living with HIV worldwide.
Kemirembe Miria-Goretti a nurse from Medicare clinic, thanked the Chief of Buganda and the team he moved with for visiting them. adding to the call upon the youth to test for HIV and disclose this status to their partners to prevent the further spread of HIV.
She also advocated for the use of condoms urging those who find that they are positive to seek Anti-retroviral treatment immediately.
In Uganda the youth aged to 15- 29 years adolescent are most at risk of getting infected with HIV. Katongole Joseph, a young trader dealing in poultry feeds says that that he is grateful for the message of encouragement from Owek. Kawuma Male Henry.
Katongole adds that most of his fellow youth do not value hard work, which he says has forced them into a life of crime like theft, gambling and irresponsible sexual activities that put their lives at risk.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2017 launched “The Presidential Fast- Track Initiative on ending HIV&AIDS in Uganda by 2030”. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS, WHO and the World Bank inspire the world to achieve the shared vision of ending the Aids pandemic by 2030.
