‘Lira-Lira’ tops in HIV/AIDS spread in Lango sub-region with 7.2%

Report further showed that only 39% men use condoms out of 24,000 HIV-positive men.

Amolatar—4, December 2021: A report presented by Dr. Richard Nam, a commissioner with Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) in a meeting held on 03, Dec., 2021 in Amolatar district shows that Lira district is leading in the HIV/AIDS spread.

The meeting was to discuss, and find ways forward on reducing the high spread of HIV/AIDS in the Won Nyaci land.

According to the UAC findings, Lira district and Lira city [combined] are both on the lead with 7.2%. Dokolo followed them with 6.6%, Kwania is having 6.5%, Amolatar 6.4%, Oyam 6.3%, Alebtong 5.3%, Otuke 4.7% and Apac at 2.3%.

In the entire country, Kalangala is leading with 18% while Nabilatuk district in Karamoja region is least with a mere 0.2%.

The same report also shows that the “mother to child transmission” during birth has so much reduced with 77% from the year 2010 to 2020, according to Nam.

Only 5,300 cases of mother to child infections were registered in 2020 compared to 23,000 in 2010.

The report findings read by Dr. Nam showed that 130,000 sex workers [women] 31.3% are HIV positive but ‘only’ 88% have tested to know their status. And 13.2% are HIV negative while only 54% carry test to know their statuses.

Report further showed that only 39% men use condoms out of 24,000 HIV-positive men.

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The clan heads who attended the meeting pledged to work together to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Amalamferi Okao is the Awitong of Arak Obukori clan. He said youth needs to be empowered to keep them committed because the greater percentage of youth are HIV positive.

George Obia, Awitong of Arak Oyeogweng clan blamed the cultural norms which allows any man who is clan related to take over a man’s wife after the husband’s death without even testing to be sure of their HIV statuses.

Yeko Ebong, Awitong of Etam clan said drug abuse is leading most youth to HIV infections because they cannot know who they are having sex with after taking alcohol or marijuana.

Other Owitong who attended the meeting were John William of Inomo clan, Paul Ojok of Olaka, and Christopher Jogole of Oluban okwerlum, Moses Ayo of Olorotok.

Sgt. Francis Eraca who represented the Amolatar DPC said gender based violence (GBV) is also very alarming in the district. He urged that clan leaders need to intervene.