Stakeholders in Maracha District have decried low funding to the HIV/AIDS response in the District. This was expressed during the quarterly District AIDS Committee (DAC) meeting held on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Mr. Okudra Jurua Russall, Assistant District Health Officer (Environmental Health) said all sectors are supposed to commit 0.5% of their budgets to HIV/AIDS related activities because HIV/AIDS is cross-cutting. Mr. Okudra said however most stakeholders reason that issues of HIV/AIDS are to be handled solely by the Health Department. Sr. Draru Jessica, Assistant District Health Officer (Maternal and Child Health), called for deliberate multi-sectorial approach to issues of HIV/AIDS. Hon. Ariaka Vincent, District Male Youth Councilor, who represented Maracha District Chairperson, said budgeting towards HIV/AIDS activities can be realized through lobbying and appropriation through the sectorial committees and Council approval.

Hon. Ariaka appealed for moonlight testing and school visits in a bid to boost the uptake of HIV/AIDS services by the youth in the District a concern that was raised by stakeholders.

Eng. Edria Herbert, Assistant Engineering Officer, called for the revival of pre-construction mobilization and sensitization HIV/AIDS meetings. In response, Sr. Draru, said this come be achieved through working with the health unit nearest to a construction site. 

Sr. Draru said there was need to boost the number and competence of personnel at antiretroviral therapy (ART) sites most especially in the area of counselling.  Ms. Deteria Loyce, a person living with HIV, said health workers should conduct continuous counselling of clients to mitigate factors that lead to poor adherence to medication.

Mr.  Alioni Sunday, HIV/AID Focal Person, said he carried out support supervision to 7 health facilities with accredited antiretroviral therapy (ART) sites as part of activities of the previous quarter. He also conducted home visits to address poor adherence to medication. Mr. Alioni revealed some clients keep moving between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo which greatly hampers retention. 

 Dr. Ogwal James, working with Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), said the HIV/AIDS Focal Person has exhibited high commitment which has revigorated the District’s response to HIV/AIDS and absorption of sub-grants.

Ms. Viko Frances, Maracha District Probation and Social Welfare Officer, pledged to be part of community HIV/AIDS out-reaches when notified.

Mr.  Atrici Cornelius, Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS), chaired the DAC meeting.

Maracha District HIV incidence rate stands at 43-121, meanwhile, the District has a positivity rate of 0.5% and 164 new cases. In the FY 2022/23, the 12-months retention rate was 90% but this dropped to 89% in the FY 2023/24.