Door-to-door HIV testing starts in city

Unlike in the past where one would visit a health centre or camp for HIV/Aids counselling and testing, starting today, the service will be taken to those who need it.

This follows the launch of a mobile van for free HIV/Aids Counselling and Testing (HCT) in the five divisions of Kampala. The van is equipped with a fully equipped laboratory, two counselling rooms and a reception.

The HCT van will move in slums, streets, clubs, car parks, among others, targeting the most at risk population such as boda boda riders, mechanics, commercial sex workers, bus and taxi drivers and homosexuals, among others.

Ms Prossy Kayiira, the HCT coordinator at Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG), said HIV prevalence among city dwellers has increased but sensitisation had declined. “Many people shy away from visiting health facilities for early testing and this puts many at risk of contracting the epidemic,” she said.

Ms Kayiira added: “New innovations such as mobile health trips reaching out to the public at their comfort places will help create much awareness.” The 2011 Uganda Demographic Health Survey report revealed that Uganda’s HIV prevalence has risen from 6.4 per cent in 2006 to 7.3 per cent in 2011. The prevalence rate is highest in urban areas and in particular in the central region of Uganda.

In a press statement, the UHMG indicated that, while business was booming in Kampala, the HIV prevalence was also increasing. “Kampala’s HIV prevalence rate now stands at 6.9 per cent (AIDS indicator Survey, 2011),” the statement reads in part.

Mr Denis Ahairwe, the UHMG project director, said to reinforce HIV prevention and awareness, interventions in Kampala needed to be closer to the people to supplement the KCCA public facilities already in place.
“The programme will last for three years and many people will benefit.”