Uganda is registering a major improve in HIV self-testing amongst younger individuals and males, with 5,000 people embracing the initiative in Mbarara.
On Sunday, a whole lot of college college students from Mbarara College of Science and Expertise gathered on the establishment’s grounds to take part in a voluntary HIV testing and counseling occasion. These younger individuals, together with college college students, joined the worldwide group in commemorating World AIDS Day.
This annual occasion, noticed each December 1st, goals to lift consciousness about HIV/AIDS and honor those that have misplaced their lives to the illness. The enthusiastic turnout, comprising each female and male college students, demonstrated a commendable dedication to prioritising their well being and well-being.
As the long-lasting songs of the late Philly Lutaaya, a legendary musician and HIV/AIDS consciousness advocate, crammed the air, an extended queue of younger individuals eagerly awaited their flip to endure voluntary HIV testing.
Tracy Namara, a scholar of Bachelor of Science in Procurement and Provide Chain Administration, stated, “We be a part of our brothers and sisters who’re residing with the virus, and on a day like this, it is incumbent on us to return up and present help but additionally know our standing.”
Shamim Naiga, the product supervisor at Human Diagnostics Uganda for OraQuick, famous, “We now have registered an enchancment in self-testing among the many individuals, with 5,000 individuals testing in a single week in Mbarara Metropolis.”
“We now have been to many areas in Mbarara Metropolis like Rwebikoona, Kiyanja, and Katete, amongst others. We interacted with boda boda riders, market girls, and supplied free HIV testing utilizing OraQuick as a screening instrument. For these confirmed constructive, we now have ensured they’re linked to care and counseling,” Naiga added.
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In accordance with laboratory technologist Naigaga Margaret Obira, there’s a constructive response from younger individuals preferring self-testing kits like OraQuick, that are handy and painless in comparison with pricking.
“With the same old assessments utilized in hospitals, the place somebody is pricked, many youths discover it inconvenient and uncomfortable. Because of this, they shrink back from testing. We’re in a group the place we assume individuals find out about these choices, however many do not. Kits like OraQuick are extra handy for younger individuals, although consciousness continues to be restricted,” Naigaga defined.
Individuals had been guided on learn how to use the kits, and 20 minutes later, every obtained their outcomes.
Docus Twinabeitu, the HIV/AIDS focal particular person for Mbarara Metropolis, highlighted that males and younger persons are more and more embracing HIV testing, with the comfort of self-testing kits like OraQuick taking part in a vital function.
“Males are prepared to check for HIV, however their schedules typically stop them. We now have ensured to succeed in them at their workplaces. For the youth, so long as you mobilize them and have thrilling packages, they may take part and get examined. We now have tried this, and it’s working,” Twinabeitu stated.
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