RUKUNGIRI RUN SHORT OF ARVs, HIV/AIDS PATIENTS AT HIGH RISK OF DEATH

By Ambrose Kweronda
in Rukungiri—–
Rukungiri district grapples with a scarcity of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs crucial for HIV/AIDS treatment. Dr. Mucunguzi Akansiima, the district health officer, has urged the government to boost drug budgets in proportion to population size during a session with the parliamentary health committee, which recently assessed health services in the Kigezi sub-region.

Dr. Akansiima highlighted the disparity between the current drug supply and the increasing patient count in Rukungiri.

Sarah Kayagi Netalisile, the woman Member of Parliament for Namisindwa district and chairperson of the HIV/AIDS parliamentary committee, said that over the ARV shortage, stressing the importance of consistent availability for HIV/AIDS patients.

Netalisile called on authorities to promptly act and ensure all districts receive a sufficient ARV supply. Alongside ARV challenges, Rukungiri’s health facilities grapple with staff shortages and inadequate infrastructure.

The parliamentary health committee urges the government to address these issues, aiming to enhance healthcare quality in the district.