By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo District has, for the first time, added representatives from the Alur Kingdom leadership and religious institutions to its District HIV/AIDS Committee as key stakeholders.

This milestone was announced at the committee's quarterly meeting recently at the district headquarters, chaired by Assistant Resident District Commissioner Isaac Urochi.

The District HIV/AIDS Committee, formed under the Ministry of Health, coordinates national HIV policies to advance Uganda's 2030 epidemic control goals.

District Health Officer Dr. Mark Bramali shared sub-county data showing persistent HIV transmission challenges, stressing the urgent need for stronger campaigns on prevention, ART adherence, and stigma reduction for people living with HIV.

The expanded committee now includes the LCV Chairperson, RDC, DHO, Secretary for Social Services, DCDO, DEO, PHA Chairperson, HIV Focal Person, ADHO-Environmental Health, Biostatistician, plus new cultural and religious representatives. The Infectious Diseases Institute backed the engagement.

Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, Prime Minister of the Alur Kingdom, praised the district's recognition of the kingdom's role, noting that chiefdom and clan structures effectively reach communities and urging similar partnerships in other sectors.

In Zombo District, HIV prevalence is highest among youths and married people. Late 2025 data shows 8,916 PLHIV enrolled in care, with 89.4% ART adherence, 87.6% viral load suppression, and 85.3% 12-month retention.

Adult HIV prevalence stands at 4%, exceeding Pakwach and Nebbi (3%) and the West Nile regional average (2.3%).

Chief Administrative Officer Robert Abenaitwe opened the meeting by calling on cultural and religious leaders to use their influence to reduce infections, emphasizing that HIV is manageable with strict ART adherence.

Dr. Bramali recognized past limited engagement with cultural institutions and pushed for deeper partnerships to strengthen community-level HIV prevention, care, and treatment.

In the previous year, 46,281 people were tested, with a 1.4% positivity rate about 2 new infections per 100 tests, deemed unacceptably high and disproportionately impacting adolescents and young adults.

Persons Living with HIV during a recent Function at Ajei Primary School playground in Nyapea Sub County, Zombo District.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub