Celebrating The Month Of Love: Are You Protected From Hiv?

The month of love is here and the majority of the population are gearing up for valentine’s day. Just like any other day, the decisions we make and actions we take could affect one’s health for the rest of their lifetime. Although the whole world is putting much effort into the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, we should not neglect the already existing pandemics like HIV.

It is therefore important to remember that HIV is still prevalent in our populations. According to the Uganda Ministry of Health, HIV prevalence among adults (15-49 years) is estimated at 5.5%, higher among females at 7.1% than males at 3.8% as of the year 2020.

Based on data from Uganda AIDS Commission (AIC) 2021, it is noted that there was a 41% decline in HIV testing due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020. Although there has been a drastic reduction in the number of new HIV infections between 2010 and 2020, the number of people living with HIV increased from 1.2 million to 1.4 million people respectively. Yet people living with HIV are highly at risk of being affected by COVID-19. According to a study carried out by World Health Organization (WHO) among 15,000 cases of COVID-19 in 2020: people living with HIV were 13% more likely to be admitted to hospital with severe COVID-19. They were also more likely to die of COVID-19; with a 30% increased risk of death independent of age, gender, severity at presentation, and co-morbidities.

Therefore, every individual is urged to take action by not only preventing but also seeking HIV testing, care, and treatment services from the nearby HIV treatment centers. The Uganda Ministry of Health and its partners call upon us to take personal responsibility to end HIV and AIDS by 2030 through the following actions;

1. Stop new HIV infections by encouraging abstinence, being faithful, and consistent condom Use
2. Seek HIV testing services, immediate care, and treatment if found to be HIV positive.
3. End stigma and discrimination against People Living with HIV.
4. End violence against adolescent girls, and women to reduce the number of new HIV infections.
5. Men escort your pregnant wives for antenatal care.
6. Leaders ensure that all people living with HIV access Antiretroviral treatment, adhere to treatment to ensure viral load suppression 
7. Encourage everyone to go for COVID-19 vaccination, testing and treatment once with COVID-19 symptoms or if found positive for COVID-19.
8. Everyone take a stand and say no to COVID-19. Let us observe the COVID-19 prevention SOPs by washing our hands, wearing masks, and avoiding crowds.

Let us enjoy the month of love with caution, it starts with you. Wishing you a happy valentine’s day.

Author: Leah Mbabazi, nurse (BSN), Public Health Specialist (MPH), and a research coordinator at Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University.