By Davis Buyondo
Kampala-Uganda
In the wake of advancing medical knowledge and breakthroughs, National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) continues to play a pivotal role in raising awareness about HIV and promoting the importance of regular testing. With each passing year, this significant day, observed on June 27, evolves to encompass not just the act of testing but also the subsequent steps individuals can take to safeguard their health.
As we delve into the year 2023, NHTD emphasises the theme “Take the Test & Take the Next Step,” to amplify the message that understanding one’s HIV status serves as a gateway to a world of health preservation and well-being.
It further embarks on a new mission, extending beyond the mere test itself, and shining a spotlight on the transformative actions one can embrace once armed with their HIV status.
Since its inception on June 27, 1995, NHTD has been a beacon of hope, compelling individuals across the nation to prioritize their health by seeking HIV testing and knowing their status. It serves as a reminder of the power of knowledge and the potential for individuals to take charge of their well-being.
As we stand on the cusp of a new era, the significance of this day continues to resonate, reminding us that understanding one’s HIV status not only empowers personal choices but also fosters a collective commitment to ending the epidemic.
Beyond the realm of testing lies a realm of possibilities—steps that each person can embark upon, armed with the knowledge of their HIV status. Regardless of the test result, this journey of empowerment encourages individuals to actively engage in a spectrum of preventive measures and supportive care, ultimately reinforcing the path towards a healthier future for all.
Key statistics provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS. As of 2021, an estimated 38.4 million individuals worldwide were living with HIV, a viral infection that weakens the immune system. This number represents a significant population grappling with the challenges posed by HIV.
In the same year, approximately 1.5 million people became newly infected with HIV, indicating the continued transmission of the virus. Tragically, AIDS-related illnesses claimed the lives of around 650,000 individuals in 2021, underscoring the ongoing urgency in addressing this global health crisis.
On a positive note, advancements in medical care have resulted in 28.7 million people accessing antiretroviral therapy in 2021. This treatment, known as ART, plays a vital role in suppressing the virus and enabling individuals to lead healthier lives.
When looking at the broader scope of the epidemic, a staggering 84.2 million people have been infected with HIV since its inception, highlighting the magnitude of the impact over the years. Regrettably, the toll of AIDS-related illnesses stands at 40.1 million deaths since the start of the epidemic, further emphasizing the urgency to combat HIV and AIDS on a global scale.
These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by HIV and AIDS and the pressing need for increased awareness, prevention efforts, accessible healthcare, and support for those affected by the virus. Together, we can strive to reduce the impact of this disease and improve the lives of individuals worldwide.
Uganda
Currently, Uganda has 1,400,000 People Living With HIV (PLHIV) of which 500000 are adult men, 840000 adult women and 88000 children. According to the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) and USAID statistics 2021, the annual AIDS-related death stands at 17,000 people.
Globally, Uganda is among the eight countries that achieved the 90% target, alongside Rwanda, Malawi, Eswatini, Botswana, Slovenia, Qatar, and Switzerland.
The ongoing ambitious 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS represent a crucial pathway towards ending HIV. These targets aim for 95% of all individuals living with HIV to be aware of their HIV status, 95% of those diagnosed with HIV to initiate and maintain antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those receiving treatment to achieve complete viral suppression by 2025.
However, despite the presence of HIV/AIDS treatment and care services in all public health facilities, Ugandan scientists emphasise the country’s progress is sluggish, currently at 89 percent of the second global HIV targets of 95-95-95.
Presently, Uganda has achieved 82% coverage of HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 78% viral suppression, as reported by UNAIDS.
In an interview with Insight Post Uganda, Dympnah Nagawa, a Medical Clinical Officer who also serves as the Masaka District Quality Improvement Officer, points out that men, unlike women, exhibit poor medical-seeking behaviour that frequently hampers health campaigns.
She argues that men tend to prioritize their ego over their health, mistakenly believing they can overcome any illness on their own, which is an inappropriate approach.
Moreover, Nagawa highlights the lack of awareness among men as a significant factor contributing to their disengagement from the HIV/AIDS fight and other diseases.
“Men may be less mindful of the health risks they face or less familiar with the symptoms they should watch out for. Any health issue they experience might also decrease their likelihood of seeking medical attention,” she explains.
Another barrier preventing men from seeking medical assistance at available health facilities is societal expectations, where men are traditionally expected to exhibit dominance in any situation.
Health officials have also observed that some HIV-positive individuals are hesitant to undergo treatment and reluctant to use condoms to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Integrated Services
Early this year, health authorities and individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) in the Masaka region embarked on a campaign to advocate for the integration of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) management with HIV/AIDS services.
NCDs encompass conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease, collectively responsible for 74% of global deaths, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
They aim to establish a unified approach that allows them to access prompt services from a single centre. This would save time and expenses for clients and healthcare providers, benefiting the government as a whole.
Currently, most hospitals and health centres have separate clinics or units operating on different days, resulting in costly and time-consuming back-and-forth movements. The argument is that HIV/AIDS and NCD services are provided independently within these facilities.
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