By Alfred Opio
Health authorities in Gogonyo Sub-county, Pallisa District, have raised concerns over rising HIV/AIDS cases, warning that the situation could escalate if urgent interventions are not implemented.
The in-charge of Gogonyo Health Centre III, Solomon Okopulu, revealed that the facility is registering one of the highest numbers of HIV patients in the area under its chronic care program.
“We have what we call chronic care where we manage long-term conditions like HIV. You can imagine Gogonyo has one of the highest numbers of such clients,” Okopulu said.
He noted that the infection rate is alarming, explaining that out of every ten people tested, at least two are found HIV positive.
“The situation is worrying because when ten people go for testing, more than two test positive. That is a very high rate,” he emphasized.
Okopulu also disclosed that the growing number of patients has increased demand for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, putting pressure on the facility’s limited supplies.
“The consumption of ARVs is very high and this has led to frequent shortages within a short period,” he explained.
Although the facility currently has ARVs expected to last until September, concerns remain about sustainability, especially for patients receiving six-month supplies.
“If I give a patient drugs now, they are expected to return in September. But for those given in April, we may face a big challenge if supplies are not replenished in time,” Okopulu warned.
Currently, the health centre has 284 registered HIV clients out of an estimated population of about 2,100 people. Okopulu stressed that the number is significant, given that many residents fear disclosing their HIV status.
“The number may look small, but it is actually high because many people are still undiagnosed. In such communities, you cannot easily know who is infected and who is not,” he said.
Health officials link the rising HIV cases in Gogonyo to its proximity to several landing sites, which attract people from various areas engaged in fishing activities.
“The landing sites bring together people from different places, which increases vulnerability to HIV infections,” one health worker noted.
In addition to HIV, Okopulu highlighted growing concerns over tuberculosis (TB) in the sub-county.
“We also have a challenge of TB in Gogonyo. I think us and Pongi have the highest cases. Despite ongoing sensitization, there is still very low health-seeking behavior among the population, which is contributing to the high TB prevalence,” he said.
Authorities are now calling for increased community sensitization, improved access to testing services, and a steady supply of essential drugs to manage the situation and prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS and TB in Gogonyo Sub-county.
