Worried about HIV and Other STIs? Here’s where to get free preventive services in Fort Portal City.
BY: BETTY MUJUNGU
What you need to know.
In Fort Portal City, drop-in centers (DICs) offer vital resources for sexual health, including HIV prevention and STI care, but awareness of these services remains limited. At these centers, a client is treated with confidential, non-judgmental support around the clock, offering services such as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), testing, and comprehensive sexual health education.
Local leaders in Fort Portal City, are recognizing the growing concern over HIV and other STIs, and are actively working to raise awareness about DICs, encouraging the community to take advantage of the preventive care available to protect themselves and their partners.
Ms Evans Amara, the Fort Portal City HIV Focal person says the city council is implementing a 5-year HIV strategic plan to raise awareness and end HIV in line with Uganda’s commitment to achieving the global target of ending the epidemic of HIV/AIDS by 2030.
She expressed optimism that these DICs, will help reduce the rising HIV/AIDS prevalence, which is currently at 14.1 percent. She hopes that with the awareness being raised more people will begin visiting the centers to seek preventive services, contributing to a decline in infection rates to achieve the targets in line with the presidential fast-track Initiative on ending AIDS in Uganda.
The initiative spells out plans to tackle HIV &AIDS in Uganda through a five-point plan to; Engage men in HIV prevention and close the tap on new infections, particularly among adolescent girls and young women; Accelerate implementation of Tests and treatment and attain 90-90-90 targets, particularly among men and young people.
Others are to consolidate the progress on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV; Ensure financial sustainability for the HIV response; and ensuring institutional effectiveness for a well-coordinated multi-sectoral response.
‘‘HIV remains a significant public health concern in Uganda, with many individuals unaware of their status and the potential risks involved in unprotected sexual encounters. The stigma surrounding STIs often prevents people from seeking help, leading to further complications in health and well-being. This is where DICs play a crucial role, providing a safe space for individuals to access necessary health services without judgment,’’ Amara said.
David’s Story: A Wake-Up Call
33-year-old David, a resident of Fort Portal, experienced a life-threatening moment due to risky behavior. After a night of drinking with friends in one of the happening places in town, he found himself in a situation where he engaged in unprotected sex with a woman he met in the bar. The next morning, anxiety set in as he realized the potential consequences of his actions.
“I was terrified,” David recalls. “I knew am finished; I had contracted HIV. I didn’t know what to do, and I was so scared. I called one of my friends in town who told me to quickly go get PEP at one of the DIC’s in town”
PEP is a preventive treatment that can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection when taken within 72 hours after potential exposure.
Accessing Services
Upon arriving at the DIC, David was welcomed by a friendly health worker who understood his fears and concerns. “I was surprised by how welcoming he was,” he says. “They counseled and assured me that I will be fine if I take the medication as indicated.”
At the DIC, David received not only PEP but also counseling on safer sex practices and information about regular STI testing. The healthcare worker emphasized the importance of understanding his sexual health and encouraged him to engage in responsible behavior next time.
Drop-In Centers (DICs) In Fort Portal.
Fort Portal City, spanning 124 square kilometers, has seen its population grow from 102,240 individuals in 2014 to 135,702 persons across 187 villages, currently is served by four DICs in the central business district namely Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Knowledge Room located on Kahinju Road Bus Park, Spectrum Uganda located in Kiculeta on Kamuhiigi Road and KWHSI located in Rwengoma. These compliment the efforts of all the other health Centers in the city.
Fort Portal’s DICs offer a variety of essential services for those concerned about their sexual health:
Ms Amara said all the DICs in the city all services are free of charge including HIV counseling and Testing, STI Screening, and treatment, Prevention services like condom distribution, PrEP, PEP, lubricant distribution, Psychosocial support, Adherence counseling for People Living with HIV/AIDs.
Breaking the Stigma
Ms Margret Kabajwara, the Secretary for gender and Community-based services in Fort Portal City says they are working to change perceptions around sexual health by promoting the availability of DIC services and encouraging open conversations.
‘‘We aim to create a culture where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment. We are working with partners to ensure that we scale HIV prevention services in our City’’ Said Margret.