Summary:
- Having lived with AIDS for over three decades, Serutoki Silver encouraged the public to be open about their condition instead of hiding it, as openness can help them stay firm and strong.
KISORO: A 68-year-old man from Kisoro District, who has been living with HIV/AIDS for over 30 years, has urged people living with HIV/AIDS not to isolate themselves from others, as this may cause additional challenges due to body weakness.
Serutoki Silver, a resident of Chahi Sub County in Kisoro Municipality, shared in an interview that he tested positive for HIV/AIDS many years ago while he was still a UPDF soldier. Having lived with AIDS for over three decades, he encouraged the public to be open about their condition instead of hiding it, as openness can help them stay firm and strong.
CUE IN SERUTOKE…..ON HIV…..RR//
Silver also urged parents to be transparent with their children if they are HIV positive. He believes that honesty helps children to be firm and strong, rather than hiding the issue, which can be more detrimental if they find out later.
CUE IN SERUTOKE….ON PARENTS……RR//
Dr. Sison Mugisha, the focal person for HIV/AIDS in Kisoro, reported that the estimated prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Kisoro District has increased from 2.2% to 2.5%. Among the youth, the prevalence is now 2.5%. He revealed that the main cause of this increase is the movement of people traveling to and from Kisoro.
Mugisha added that the district introduced the Mushake (Munonya) program to encourage people who are infected to undergo HIV/AIDS testing. The program has so far reached 97.5% of the estimated population across the district.
CUE IN MUGISHA…..ON YOUNG CHILDREN……RR//
He emphasized that people infected with HIV/AIDS should avoid isolating themselves, drinking alcohol, and smoking, as these behaviors can lead to a higher risk of suicide, even at an early age. He also recommended that those infected should maintain a balanced diet to live longer with the HIV virus.
CUE IN MUGISHA….ON PREVENTION OF HIV….RR//
