President Museveni Highlights Key HIV Prevention Strategies on World AIDS Day
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni marked World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, by urging Ugandans to avoid risky behaviors, especially prostitution, which he identified as the leading cause of new HIV infections. He emphasized that while HIV treatment is available, it doesn’t fully restore personal capacity, particularly in demanding fields like the military.
President Museveni (c) in a group photo with other government officials after commemoration of the World AIDS Day
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated the importance of preventing HIV/AIDS, urging Ugandans to avoid risky behaviours such as prostitution, which he identified as the leading cause of new infections.
Speaking on Sunday, December 1, during the World AIDS Day commemoration at Bukungu Primary School in Buyende district, Museveni warned that the virus limits personal capacity and undermines individual productivity.
President Museveni welcomed by a jubilant crowd for the commemoration of the World AIDS Day.
“There are certain things that you cannot do when you are infected. Like in the army, we discovered that when somebody over-exerts himself with the virus, it can cause a problem. Therefore, don’t say let me get infected since the drugs are available and I will live a normal life. You will not die, but you will have deducted on your capacity,” the President stated.
Museveni noted that HIV/AIDS primarily spreads through three key routes: prostitution, untested blood transfusion, and mother-to-child transmission. He applauded efforts to close these routes, citing advancements like technology to prevent mother-to-child transmission and stringent blood screening.
President Museveni in photo with Kyankole Child Development Centre School children.
“Please don’t keep playing around with this problem. Yes, the drugs are there to suppress the virus, but it’s not eliminated. But the advantage we are looking for in suppressing the virus is that when it is much suppressed, the virus doesn’t spread so much,” he explained.
The President also emphasised the significance of early testing and treatment for those already infected, adding that ARVs help to suppress the viral load, reducing the risk of further transmission.
He commended Ugandan researchers for their strides toward developing a vaccine and better treatment options.
“There are even our children who are threatening to treat AIDS completely by killing the virus. I’m going to support and fund them fully,” Museveni revealed.
