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Addressing Tea workers at Kyamuhunga ahead of mass HIV Testing Campaign, as part of AIDS day commemoration week
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Joshua Nahamya
Bushenyi
The Bushenyi District has launched a week-long, dual public health campaign combining mass HIV testing and M-pox vaccination as a precursor to the World AIDS Day commemoration on December 1st. The 2025 commemoration will be held at the Kizinda Town Council playground under the theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” The initiative officially kicked off today with health workers, led by Nancy Nyamweya, In charge of Kyamuhunga HCIII, addressing tea plantation workers and mobilizing the community. The district has secured approximately 10,000 HIV test kits to ensure comprehensive testing, including through targeted "moonlight testing" in high-risk areas.
Thousands thronged the free HIV testing campaign at Kyamuhunga in Bushenyi
According to Dr Stephen Bwekingo, DHO Bushenyi, the campaign's goal is to ensure every resident knows their HIV status and receives appropriate support and treatment.
In a continuous message related to the commemorations, President Yoweri Museveni emphasized behavioral change and treatment adherence as the primary tools for prevention: “The main causes of AIDS today appear to be behavior related... I challenge the religious leaders to preach the gospel of AIDS prevention. Get tested, get treatment, and stick to the treatment, so that you don’t relax. Together we can end AIDS in Uganda, every second counts, let’s act now.”
Uganda's HIV prevalence stands at around 5.4%. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease continues to claim lives, with an estimated 20,000 AIDS/HIV-related deaths reported across the country in 2024. The campaign, led by the Uganda AIDS Commission, aims to strengthen community-led efforts, reduce stigma, and accelerate progress toward the national target of zero transmission risk by 2030.
Medics in Bushenyi among undergoing mass vaccination against M-pox on Friday
M-pox Vaccination Campaign
Running concurrently with the HIV testing, the district also launched a focused seven-day vaccination drive against M-pox (Monkeypox).
On the first day of the campaign, a total of 739 people in Bushenyi District received the M-pox vaccine. Residents are strongly encouraged not to miss this opportunity to get vaccinated against the viral disease.
The dual campaign represents a comprehensive effort by Bushenyi District to address multiple public health challenges simultaneously, ensuring a healthier community as the nation observes World AIDS Day.
Torch Media Africa
