BY PRISCA OROMA
The chiefs of Alur kingdom chiefs have signed a commitment to fight HIV/ AIDS and see
zero new infections by 2030.
The 11 commitment included among others:- not allowing young boys and girls attend
traditional marriage ceremonies, promoting positive cultural practices and pass
HIV/AIDS awareness massages to their subjects.
Speaking during a meeting recently, Dr Amos Nyathirombo the minister of health in Alur
kingdom said that there is need to for the chiefs to speak and create awareness about
HIV/AIDS to their subjects if the vice is to be fought.
He said that although the Level of infection has reduced, there are still some practices
instigating new infections like grasshopper harvesting, traditional medicine, myth about
antenatal care discouraging women from attending antenatal for fear of being operate
and existence of traditional birth attendance.
Alex Ocama the District HIV/AIDS focal point person noted there is need to Empower
the community to work on the measurement of prevention HIV/AIDS and allow them
talk freely for a healthy community
“Our leaders have committed today to join the fight against HIV/AIDS and also strife to
do the right thing so that the vice can end by 2030” he said
Dr.Hope Murungi the Uganda AIDS Commission coordinator for civil society
Encouraged the chiefs to work with young people especially during this era of digital
transformation.
“It is not easy to fight HIV/AIDS but it can be done as long as we work together” she
added
Executive Director Alur kingdom Vincent Ochaya Orach said that The chiefs should
take this as priority to disseminate this information to their people so that they can
combat HIV/AIDS.
“It will be good if by 2028 we are managing the old infections and supporting them. We
should fight that there are no new infections” he noted
He added that With the commitments there should be changed and remember it is
mostly at birth that infections is high.
He also noted that Men are not patient and there is need for behavior change to have
no new infections.
The commitment will be launched 15 th coronation anniversary of the King in November.
End