Rukungiri: Panic Among HIV Patients As District Runs Out Of ARV Drugs

Posted by: Eninu William in Uganda news November 11, 2023

Panic is spreading among HIV/AIDS patients in Rukungiri district as hospitals and care centres run out of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. These drugs are essential for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

The district health officer, Dr. Mucunguzi Akansiima, has appealed to the government to increase the budget for drugs in districts based on the population.

Dr. Akansiima made the appeal while addressing members of the parliamentary health committee. These were visiting Rukungiri and Kanungu districts to assess the status of health services in the Kigezi sub-region.

He explained that the district is currently receiving too few drugs. This is compared to the number of HIV patients and the growing population in the area.

Sarah Kayagi Netalisile, the women Member of Parliament for Namisindwa district and the chairperson of the HIV/AIDS parliamentary committee, expressed concern about the shortage of ARVs in Rukungiri.

She emphasized that ARVs should always be available for HIV/AIDS patients, as they are an everyday dose. She called on the responsible authorities to take the necessary action to ensure that all districts have an adequate supply of ARVs.

In addition to the shortage of ARVs, health facilities in Rukungiri district are also facing other challenges. These include a lack of staff and inadequate infrastructure.

The parliamentary health committee has called on the government to address these challenges to improve the quality of healthcare in the district.

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