By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
Mbarara
The rate of men accessing HIV services in Ankole is still low, despite slight improvements. Mbarara TASO center serves the districts of Mbarara, Mbarara City, Isingiro, Rwampara, Ntungamo,Sheema, Kitagwenda,Kazo, Kiruhura,Ibanda and Bushenyi.
According to Tusiimire Wilbert, the center manager at TASO Mbarara, a recent report highlighted low numbers of males seeking HIV services. However, the center has continued to implement HIV prevention as a pillar in the response to HIV and AIDS, with interventions including biomedical, behavioral, and social practices.
Services targeting males, such as safe male medical circumcision and HIV testing, have been taken into communities.
It is believed that poverty in some areas may be contributing to the higher prevalence of HIV among female youths. Julius Muhumuza, a counselor at TASO Mbarara center, explained that most young girls flee villages looking for survival in urban centers where they may end up in bars and sex businesses, making them vulnerable to HIV infection.
He added that the center plans to introduce interventions in schools as a way to reduce new infections among youths who lack sex education. The ministry of health has innovated the Young People and Adolescents Peer Support Program (YAPs), which trains young people to provide peer support to their fellows living with HIV.
Currently, TASO Mbarara center has two active YAPs, caring for 387 AYPLHIV between the ages of 10 and 24 years. Muhumuza explained that these youth peers are poorly funded, but with proper funding, they hope for better results by 2030.
Although there has been some improvement in the rate of men accessing HIV services, there is still a lot of work to do in ensuring all individuals who need care can access it.
