Gender equality has made significant strides over the years, yet many women remain at a disadvantage due to deeply ingrained societal taboos.
These outdated perceptions often force women to navigate their lives with undue caution, particularly when it comes to issues surrounding their bodies and health.
This is why the forthcoming Kabaka Birthday Run 2025, themed “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child,” is a commendable initiative.
His Royal Highness the Kabaka of Buganda has long been an advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and this year’s theme takes his efforts a step further by actively engaging men in the conversation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges that health inequalities persist worldwide, with women disproportionately affected.
These disparities are driven by social and economic factors such as lower education and employment rates, unequal pay, underrepresentation in leadership, and the added burden of caregiving.
In addition, issues such as intimate partner violence and limited access to healthcare contribute to the widening gap in health outcomes between men and women.
A personal experience shows the urgency of changing societal attitudes.
During my time as Vice President at Makerere University, I organised a campaign to raise awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.
I was struck by how quickly male students disengaged from the discussion, dismissing it as a “women’s issue.”
This widespread misconception ignores the fact that HPV is sexually transmitted, making men key players in both its transmission and prevention.
This is why this year’s Kabaka Birthday Run is a significant milestone. By directly involving men, the initiative promotes a holistic approach to tackling gender health disparities.
According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, women continue to bear the highest burden of HIV infections, yet men play a crucial role in its spread.
In sub-Saharan Africa, for every 10 men infected with HIV, 12-13 women are affected, with teenage girls in some countries facing infection rates five times higher than their male counterparts.
While the Buganda Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the girl child is laudable, young women must also take proactive steps in safeguarding their health.
The responsibility to combat HIV/AIDS is shared. Practical measures include;
-Engaging in safe sex practices and knowing your partner’s status.
-Using protection when unsure about a partner’s health status.
-Avoiding multiple sexual partners to reduce risk.
-Seeking Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in cases of unprotected exposure.
-Fighting stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS.
Life is precious, and the fight against HIV/AIDS is costly, not just financially, but emotionally and socially. The call to action remains clear: we must all, regardless of gender, take responsibility for our health.
Amazaalibwa Amalungi, Ayi Beene.
Nattabi Margaret, Female Youth Councillor, Mukono Municipality
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