Lyantonde sees surge in HIV/AIDS as youth condom use drops sharply

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Summary:

• Health authorities in Lyantonde District express concern over a drastic decline in condom usage, leading to a surge in HIV/AIDS prevalence, particularly among youth involved in risky behaviors, prompting the implementation of additional preventive measures.

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Health authorities in Lyantonde District express concern over the decreasing use of condoms among residents, despite the persistently high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Dr. Moses Nkanika, the district health officer, revealed that prior to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, approximately 65 percent of the condoms supplied in the district were utilized. However, this figure has significantly dropped to 35 percent.

Dr. Nkanika emphasized that this decline has impeded their efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, resulting in an increase in prevalence in certain areas of the district. He stated that Lyantonde District currently faces a 10.1 percent HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, which is double the national rate of 5 percent. These remarks were made during the launch of three additional preventive measures advocated by the government to eradicate the virus by 2030, on December 1.

The three additional HIV/AIDS preventative measures introduced include self-testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP), and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Dr. Nkanika attributes the sharp increase in HIV prevalence from 7 percent to 10.1 percent post the COVID-19 pandemic to various youth behaviors, including the abandonment of condom use, substance abuse, alcoholism, and heightened poverty. This situation has led to an alarming rise in young girls in Lyantonde Town engaging in sex work.

Jonathan Tumwebaze, the Lyantonde District labor officer, highlighted the growing number of underage girls working in bars, many of whom end up becoming commercial sex workers. He linked domestic violence to the factors pushing young girls to drop out of school and engage in illicit activities such as prostitution, drug abuse, early marriages, and human trafficking.

The crisis is not confined to Lyantonde Town alone, as other trading centers in the district, such as Kyemamba, Kashagama, Buyaga, and Kaliiro town council, are also experiencing a similar threat. Fred Muhangi, the Lyantonde District Chairperson, emphasized the importance of behavioral change, urging sexually active individuals, particularly the youth, to adhere to traditional methods like abstinence, faithfulness, and condom use (ABC strategy).

Godfrey Betegyerize, the Lyantonde Resident District Commissioner, called on health officials to ensure the availability of all HIV/AIDS preventive measures. He stressed that Uganda aims to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, emphasizing the necessity for people to follow health guidelines and interventions to achieve this goal.

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