The number of HIV/Aids patients looking for treatment at Bukeeri Health Centre III in Buwunga Sub-county in Masaka District has increased by 170 in less than a year, Daily Monitor has established.

Statistics from the health centre indicate that the number of HIV/Aids patients seeking treatment at the centre shot up from 120 to 290.
This has sent medical workers and civil society organisations fighting against the scourge into panic as they devise means to arrest the situation.

Ms Beatrice Nabitiri, the chairperson Masaka HIV/Aids Consortium, said the facilities available at Bukeeri Health Centre were meant for fewer HIV/Aids patients, but the number has since doubled, compromising the quality of services provided.

Ms Nabitiri made the remarks last week when a team from Masaka HIV/Aids Consortium visited the health centre to meet patients and seek their views on how best the problem can be addressed.

Cause of rise
According to Mr Aloysius Bukenya, one of the village health team members, the number of patients at Bukeeri health unit rose following the withdrawal of Kitovu Mobile, a non-governmental organisation that used to care for HIV/Aids patients in the area.

By Ali Mambule

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com

source: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Masaka-HIV-patient-numbers-soar-by-170-in-less-than-12-months/688334-2889386-13xoban/index.html