By Joshua Niyonshima
Uganda Revenue Authority HIV/AIDS focal persons and Rukungiri Domestic Taxes team participated in the World AIDS Day celebrations held in Rukungiri under the theme, “Ending Inequalities Among Adolescent Girls, Young Women and Boys.”
The ceremony attracted different officials from government with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the main celebrant.
Some of the officials present included; Vice President Jessica Alupo, Hon Jim Muhwezi, Hon Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, Kibuuka Tumwesigye the Industrial and Business Park Ambassador for Rukungiri district among others.
In his speech, the president warned Ugandans against playing with serious issues such as HIV/AIDS. He also cautioned Ugandans on stigmatizing the sick and urged young people to abstain from sex.
“Stop joking with AIDS, even though you can take drugs your immunity lowers stopping you from chasing your dreams. If you are not sick don’t fall sick, if you fall sick take drugs, if you are on drugs don’t stop and to the rest of the People stop stigmatizing AIDS patients.” He said
The president pledged a sustainable funding from government towards the fight against HIV/AIDS even when it stresses the National economy.
Meanwhile, the Director General Uganda AIDS commission Dr. Nelson Musoba disclosed that the UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment target has been achieved in Uganda and now the target has been raised to 95-95-95 percent.
The 90-90-90 percent AIDS approach states that;
- By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.
- By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy.
- By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.
He said that Uganda requires an estimate of a trillion shillings annually to procure drugs for all the Positive patients.
It is estimated that 17000 people die annually as a result of AIDS and its related diseases and 44000 people get infected. Majority of these are adolescent girls and young women.
