Give us food too- AIDs patients tell Gov’t
People living with HIV/AIDs in Luweero District have cried out to government to provide them food to enable them take ARVs without complications.
These say that they are faced with many difficulties while taking ARV drugs since they have no food yet for one to take the drugs has to eat well.
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Faith Namayanja, a 30-year-old from Kitwalanyi village - Makulubita sub-county Ndejje in Luwero district narrated to Nile Post reporter her experience;
Namayanja said that, ‘she discovered her HIV status when she was a teenager at 16 years but the period she has been on medication hasn’t been easy since she lacks food yet she is breast feeding.
The mother of four now wants government to provide her and others in her situation food otherwise they cannot keep up with the food demands of the ARVs hence will have to stop swallowing the drugs.
‘’We want government to start giving us food as it used to in 2003 where they used to give us yellow maize flour and cooking oil,’’ Namayanja said.
Meanwhile, other AIDS patients decried the lack of medicine at the health facilities in Luweero.
‘’The drugs are not enough, sometimes we miss out which disorganises our schedule for taking the drugs yet we are supposed to take them as stipulated. We therefore ask give to improve on the quantity,’’ Ronald Katongole said.
These made statements while attending a community sensitisation program on health matters held by the students of public health and social science from Ndejje University in partnership with students from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville in US.
The Dean of faculty of Social Sciences for Ndejje University, Saidah Najjuma said; ‘’Working with the community helps students gain more experience by practicing what they have learnt in class and learn how to associate with the public in Uganda and outside the country.’’
Dr. Michelle Cathorall, head of public health Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in US said; ‘’We are working with Ndejje university to see how social workers work with the community and also help students learn how to associate with the different cultures.’’
