Massage parlors increasing HIV spread-Hillary Okello

By Denish Ongora (denish.ongora@vol.co.ug)

Lira

Lira City health experts have identified five drivers of HIV infections in Lira City.

Lira City HIV focal person, Hillary Okello cited the main contributors to rising HIV infections on; drunkenness, poverty, depression, massage parlors and the love for money and leisure.

Okello while addressing stakeholders at a meeting organized by Uganda Aid Commission and partners at Gracious Palace Hotel-Lira city, said this was revealed in their research conducted in Lira city with support from NGOs like GLOFORD and Health Rights.

Other drivers of HIV according to research conducted by Lira University includes the zeal by young girls living with HIV to produce children and their lack of knowledge to control transmission of the virus.

According to Professor Edward Kumakech of Lira University, 78.5% of girls below 18 are responsible for most HIV transmission in Lira city and 27% of these girls do not disclose their HIV status.

Lira city mayor, Sam Atul said people are no longer scared of contracting HIV since there is available treatment in place.

The chairperson for persons living with HIV in Lira district Ongune Martin attributed high HIV transmission on people who are not adhering to HIV treatment.

Ongune blamed head massages done in saloons as a factor contributing to increasing HIV infections among men and cautioned people to take preventative measures against the disease.

Uganda Aids Commission PRO Joanita Kemigisha tasked journalists and other stakeholders to work hard to curb transmission of HIV from mother to child which stands at 3% in Lira city.

The deputy town clerk of Lira city Lillian Grace Ocare expressed worry that HIV burden could be experienced in all households in Lira city.

Ocare cited indecent dressing in gyms and massage parlors as factors contributing to rising HIV infections.

Lira City ranks 6^th among districts with highest HIV infections that stood at 12%, in 2023, of which 600 people tested positive  of the 246,437 estimated population.