Kampala, Uganda. Government should institute measures to end stigma against people living with HIV/Aids, a regional rights body has said.
The call was made by the International Organisation of Women Living with HIV/Aids Eastern Africa (ICWEA) during celebrations to mark its 10th anniversary in Kampala last week.
While she credited government’s efforts in supporting those living with the virus, Ms Lilian Mworeko, the ICWEA regional coordinator, said a lot needs be done to end stigmatisation in women because they represent a larger number of people living with the virus compared to their male counterparts.
Because of stigma, Ms Dorothy Namutamba, the ICWEA programmes officer, said women living with HIV/Aids are unable to go to heath facilities due to stigma.
Dr Elioda Tumwesigye, the Minister of Health who was the chief guest, said the number of people living with the virus in the country has reduced from 1.6 million to 1.4 million. “Through the ministry’s interventions such as providing antiretroviral drugs at health centres, the Aids scourge has drastically reduced,” he said.- Monitor
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