The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Lack of food is hindering adherence to Anti-Retroviral treatment by HIV positive people at Kahendero fish landing site, Kasese district.
Skipping or abandoning treatment affects the reduction of the viral load and protection of the immune system.
Gladys Komugisha an HIV positive mother who has been taking ARV’s for over 30 years says like many patients, she is no longer taking her drugs due to lack of food.
Steven Kazungu who says he stopped taking his medication a month ago because he can hardly get what to eat. Kazungu, who has been surviving on odd jobs at the landing site says he has no money to buy food.
Jockus Masereka another patient from Muhokya wants the government to give special attention to HIV patients even after the lockdown is lifted.
Faith Makumbu, the western coordinator national community of women living with HIV notes that skipping or abandoning treatment affects the reduction of the viral load and protection of the immune system.
Makumbu adds that people living with HIV in urban areas are the most affected because they have no gardens. She appealed to the government to give special attention to HIV positive people.
Dr Sezi Muhindo working at Muhokya HCIII says ARVs and TB drugs are very strong and if taken without food they can make some people weak and dizzy.
Muhindo adds that poor nutrition weakens the body’s immune system against the virus.
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