The Catholic Bishops in Uganda find it unfortunate that Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in the country continue to have high HIV incidence at 6,600 new infections.
“This situation is disturbing as funding for HIV/AIDS services from domestic and external sources has declined currently and prospects for the future are uncertain,” they say and add that “The war against HIV/AIDS is yet to be won as more is needed in treatment and prevention services.”
The Bishops call for a concerted effort in addressing HIV/ AIDS in the country. They say, “We appeal to all stakeholders in the country, right from the Cabinet, Parliament, local governments, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and communities to play their respective roles.”
The Catholic Bishops say in their Monday, April 7 statement, “We will all work to end this horrible epidemic and hand over an AIDS-free generation to posterity.”
They highlight the role of the Church in the fight against HIV/AIDS saying, “As Church, we are committed to creating awareness and providing health services for our people through our pastoral work, and we encourage the people to test for HIV/AIDS and those found positive to enroll for treatment. Above all we call for self-control and responsible living.”
In their forty-page Pastoral Letter titled, “The truth will set you free” drawn from St. John’s Gospel, the Bishops also weigh in on the maternal and infant mortality which they say has gone down in Uganda.
“According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the maternal mortality ratio is 207 deaths per 100,000 live births. The infant mortality rate is 36,858 deaths per 1,000 live births, 3.04 percent which is a decline from 2024”, they say, and explain, “Progress has been made in the reduction of maternal, infant, and child mortality rates over the years. Nevertheless, more can be achieved with investment in the health sector to ensure all Ugandans especially the weak and vulnerable enjoy this precious gift of life.”
Additionally, the Bishops say that maternal and infant mortality can further be reduced through “sustainable financing mechanisms to enhance health services, availability and affordability of medicine, and good services.”
“The Church remains committed to mobilizing the masses (formal and informal sectors) to contribute to the national health insurance a route that can guarantee universal health coverage,” UEC members say.
Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.
