By Amiri Wabusimba
The increasing popularity of saunas in urban Uganda, particularly among the upper class, brings both wellness benefits and notable health risks. Known for their ability to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and aid in detoxification, saunas have become a retreat for many city dwellers looking to unwind. But, the rapid expansion of saunas and massage parlours has raised significant public health concerns, especially regarding the rise in HIV infections in Kampala and other urban centres.
Saunas are often praised for boosting heart health and circulation, as well as for promoting detoxification through sweating. In bustling cities where sedentary lifestyles are common, these health benefits provide a much-needed escape.
However, despite these advantages, many sauna and massage businesses in Uganda operate with little to no oversight. This lack of regulation fosters environments where risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex, can occur, contributing to an increase in HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In neighbouring Kenya, the government has taken measures to regulate wellness centres, including enforcing mandatory condom availability and regular health inspections. Though Kenya’s overall HIV prevalence is around 4.3%, urban areas still face challenges.
Similarly, in South Africa, which has the highest number of HIV cases globally, saunas and massage parlours have been linked to informal sex work, worsening infection rates. To address this, South Africa has increased access to HIV testing and treatment in high-risk areas.
Thailand, a country with a long-established sauna culture, has reduced its HIV prevalence to about 1% through comprehensive public health campaigns, including condom distribution and mandatory health screenings for workers.
Uganda’s HIV prevalence stands at 5.4%, but in urban centres like Kampala, the rate is considerably higher, reaching 7.5%. Among young women aged 15-24, the infection rate is even more concerning, at around 9.1%. This demographic, often employed in informal jobs at saunas and massage parlours, is particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Many of these young women face pressure to engage in sexual activities, often with older men, increasing the risk of HIV transmission. The intergenerational relationships between older men and younger women exacerbate the spread of the virus, underscoring the need for targeted health interventions to protect both groups.
The atmosphere in many saunas, where patrons typically wear only towels and the lighting is dim, makes it easy for unprotected sexual activity to occur. These conditions, combined with poor regulation, contribute to the spread of HIV.
Uganda can learn from countries like Kenya and Thailand by enforcing stricter regulations on wellness centres, ensuring that condoms are accessible, and running public health campaigns to educate both patrons and workers about the risks of unprotected sex.
While the health benefits of saunas are undeniable, Uganda must address the public health challenges that accompany their growing popularity. Through better regulation, public awareness efforts, and improved access to healthcare services, the country can safeguard public health without sacrificing the wellness advantages these centres offer.
The author is A diplomatic Student, Journalist, political analyst and Human Rights activist.
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