Ibanda District leaders are troubled by the increasing number of young people living with HIV/AIDS who are abandoning their medication. According to Dr. Julius Bamwine, the district health officer (DHO), the drug adherence rate among youth dropped from 7 percent in 2022 to 5 percent in 2023.
Dr. Bamwine highlights that this trend is contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly among urban communities such as Igorora Town Council, Ibanda Town, and Ishongororo Town Council.
One of the reasons cited for the lack of adherence is the challenge of balancing medication schedules with work responsibilities, especially for youth not in school. Additionally, some students face difficulties replenishing their medication when supplies run out.
To address these challenges, health officials strive to maintain communication with youth through phone follow-ups and medication delivery services. Wilbroad Atukunzire, a counselor with The Aids Support Organisation (TASO), emphasizes the importance of creating youth-friendly spaces within health facilities and establishing community support systems to encourage medication adherence.
Caroline Arituha, the district female youth counselor, emphasizes the need to combat stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. She encourages youth to understand that living with HIV is not the end of life and advocates for support from social workers and media platforms to reinforce this message.
Happy Herbert Mayanja, the district chairperson, underscores the importance of adhering to medication regimens. He highlights the progress in HIV/AIDS treatment and urges youth to take advantage of government-provided facilities to live positively for many years.
Efforts are underway to address the issue, including collaboration between health counselors, social workers, and media outlets to raise awareness and provide support to youth struggling with medication adherence.
