Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has requested men all over the country to lead in the fight against the HIV/ AIDS scourge.
In his World AIDS day message, the Kabaka who is also a UNAIDS goodwill ambassador since 2017 said men should be starts to lead to take care of their health but also test and also know their status so as other family members can borrow a leaf from them.
“I have done my best to give you the required knowledge because I don’t want anyone to die of ignorance. I am happy to know that most of you are coming out to respond to my call and the number of men testing for HIV has risen. However, we still need your commitment and continuous collaborative effort as the stars to communities,”Kabaka said.
He, however, expressed concern that Buganda kingdom still registers the highest number of people living with HIV but also men and boys who die of AIDS-related illnesses.
He said that in Buganda, men and boys also make up the biggest percentage in Tuberculosis, Prostrate Cancer, liver failure and hypertension.
“The barrier to non-male engagement needs to be broken to reduce the new HIV infections and mortality among children, adolescent girls, men and young women,” Kabaka Mutebi said.
“You are the stars of the family and the community health starts with you. I call upon you to continue bearing the touch for good health and ending AIDS by 2030 on this World AIDS day 2019.”
This comes at a time when the next three editions of the Kabaka’s Birthday Run, Buganda Kingdom has partners with UNAIDS to promote HIV/AIDS awareness.
