Women With A Mission On Spotlight.

Mbale District Local government AIDS committee meeting in partnership with women with a mission are running a reflection on last year's quarterly implementation on HIV AND AIDS response.

Executive Director for WWM, Balisalamu Betty says that their target is on increased access to HIV related services among adolescent girls and young women through our advocacy efforts. "This is accelerated through a comprehensive sexuality among in and out school going adolescent girls and young women".

 Balisalamu related to the above as the only way to identify issues and discuss a call to action among stakeholders.

Executive Director for MNYPA, Mweru Peter says the district  struggles with 1,934 young people living with aged 10-24 with a viral load suppression rate of 93% which below the UNAIDS 95% target to attain epidemic control.

Mweru called upon partners to invest in activities that will support viral load suppression especially among young people aged 10-24 to supplement what MNYPA is doing in 4 high burden facilities.

Wandwasi Robert, the Mbale district HIV and AIDS focal person clarified the positivity rate at 1.3%, putting men at 0.3% and women at 1%.

ART coverage is also estimated at 95.5% overall while men stand at 94% and women at 97%.

He disclosed these during the DHAC engagement at the district headquarters in lukhobo hall.

Wandwasi says that this is a positive progress since there are several interventions from MNYPA, WWM, Baylor, MARPI Mulago and Uganda Health Activity.

 Looking at condom use, it was also said only 50% use condoms among the couples, whereas the young people only 10% know how to use condoms, leaving out the biggest number at 90%.

Wandwasi called upon the health educator to step up  and actively shade light on negative areas  addressed.