19 May 2019

Increase of opportunistic infections which is common among people living with HIV and AIDS has been highlighted to be detrimental to the health status of the affected.

South East South sub-district, health management team quarterly report shows that from January to February this year, about nine people on Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) had died.

The number is a contrast to what was recorded from December to October last year as only one death was recorded.

The report states that all of the nine died of HIV-related infections and the figure comprised of four women and five men.

The district health management team, therefore, said there was need to strengthen treat all strategy and medication adherence at health facilities.

The report further alludes to the increase of non-communicable diseases which lead to an increase of patients on home-based care.

The situation reportedly increased the burden of care among those involved and the district health management team hence the need to capacitate families in care, empower volunteers and train more nurses on palliative care.

Among the issue bothering the DHMT was that of TB/HIV management.

In order the curb the problem and reduce mortality rate, the district will continue on health education and counseling regarding TB/HIV co-infection and the importance of early initiation into the treatment.

On other health issues, the district recorded reduction in STIs between January to March as only 469 cases were recorded compared to 727 cases recorded between October and December.

It was said the results implied a reduction in risky behaviour and called for continued effort on condom demonstration and distribution.

However, concern was noted about teenagers especially in junior school who continue to engage in risky behaviours.

The report says teenagers risked HIV and STI infections hence the need to strengthen community awareness about youth-friendly services and collaborate with other stakeholders to address the problem.

Another problem for the sub-district was that of pregnant women with known HIV positive status as forty were recorded during the period.

It was noted that this had the implication of the possibility of HIV transmission. The report emphasises strengthening of access to all available family planning methods including emergency contraceptives.

The need for education on the effects of repeated pregnancies while HIV positive was also emphasised.

Other challenges noted in the quarterly report included low HIV testing among partners and low safe male circumcision numbers. ENDS