As Uganda marks World AIDS Day, President Yoweri Museveni has called on the youth to avoid risky behaviors such as having sexual intercourses with people they “don’t trust” and unprotected.
“If you don’t trust somebody, why do you sleep with them….that you have a condom!? No! No!” said President Museven, before the congregation at the World AIDS day commemoration celebrations held in Fort Portal, Kabarole District.
The rising resurgence of HIV/AIDS in Uganda is alarming with latest research showing that each week more than 570 young women between the ages of 15 and 24 get infected with HIV.
President Museveni blames the rise in HIV among the youth to lack of moral guidance.
“AIDS, especially when sexually transmitted is a result of lack of moral guidance and counsel. Parents have a duty to do,” said the president.
“I urge especially the youth to test for HIV. If you are negative, avoid risky behaviour. If positive seek treatment.”
The HIV prevalence rate of Uganda is at 7.4 percent, which is up from about 6 percent a decade ago. The Ministry of Health (MoH) revealed that the HIV/AIDS prevalence is ranked highest in the armed forces (Police and the army).
The president noted that in the 90s when HIV infection rate reduced from 18-6 percent, the message was not to resort to condoms but abstinence. “Please abstain from risky behavior,” he emphasized.
He further urged leaders to live by example, guide and counsel citizens with a clear message on behavioural change, so we combat the spread of AIDS.
The troubling resurgence in Uganda of HIV, increased between 2007 and 2013 from 1.2 million to 1.6 million respectively, according to Uganda’s Ministry of Health.
Today, people all over the world united in their countries to mark #WorldAIDSDay as they continue and strengthen the battle against HIV and AIDS.
To break the epidemic, the UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe said, “We need to ensure that health systems are strengthened to provide the essential services that are needed and civil society has to be supported so it can continue to play its vital role.”