Reports of increased HIV/AIDS prevalence in Kasese district have sparked off concern among health care activists in the district who say little has been done to render vital services.

HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Kasese stands at 11.3% where above the national prevalence rate which stands at 6.5%.

The district bi-statistical Dr. shadrach Bakulirahi told a meeting at Virginia gardens on Friday that more than 1201 people are tested HIV/Aids positive over the last 9 months.

Of these 220 are pregnant women 25 are children below 5 years 42 are children between  5-18 years and 14 are youth.

The doctor however noted that the number of people with HIV/Aids could even be much higher because many people prefer to die silently without knowing their HIV/AIDS status.

DR. Bakulirahi says the high HIV prevalence rate remain a challenge for planning and economic development policy makers.

They attributed the soaring HIV rate in Kasese district to the mushrooming trade centre’s which he said are thriving on sex trade.

Dr. Bakurelahi however notes that many of the sick patients don’t have access to the vital services due to the inadequate services at the health centres.

The chief executive director Reach the youth Uganda Ebo Mwebembezi also noted that many orphans are dying of HIV/AIDS silently due to lack of services.

By Mugisa Isaac Mathias