By KT Reporter
The Alur King, Phillips Olarker Rauni III, has introduced new by-laws granting additional powers to clan chiefs to monitor and cross-check antenatal visit records of expectant mothers within their jurisdictions. According to kingdom officials, the health development plan will be launched during the King’s 15th coronation anniversary later this year.
Under the plan, clan heads will work alongside Village Health Teams (VHTs) to ensure that couples attend antenatal care together, as part of a strategy to promote joint responsibility, encourage HIV testing, and safeguard maternal health. Vincent Ochaya Orach, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Alur Kingdom, said the by-laws will act as a guiding document to encourage husbands and wives to jointly attend antenatal care visits to know their HIV/AIDS status.
The by-laws were disclosed to clan heads and cultural chiefs during cultural dialogue meetings on voluntary HIV/AIDS testing and awareness campaigns chaired by the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC). Dr. Amos Nyathirombo, the Alur Kingdom Health Minister, said compulsory antenatal care visits could significantly reduce HIV infections. He noted that many men avoid accompanying their wives to health facilities for fear of disclosing their HIV status.
“The issue of antenatal care is real. Cultural chiefs must closely monitor mothers who visit health facilities with their husbands, and the records must be well documented as tools to mobilize against HIV/AIDS,” Nyathirombo said. He added that the by-laws will also address harmful cultural practices, such as early marriages, which expose young girls to HIV/AIDS. Clan heads will be required to monitor marriage practices and demand signed consent letters with background checks.
Dr. Hope Murungi, the Coordinator for Civil Society and the Private Sector at the Uganda AIDS Commission, urged cultural leaders to raise awareness about rising HIV infections, which she said are destabilizing families. She revealed alarming national statistics, noting that five people are infected every hour, 711 weekly, and 37,000 annually, with 54 HIV-related deaths occurring daily.
“We are soon compiling HIV/AIDS infection rates at the kingdom level. Currently, Pakwach District has a 3% prevalence rate, Nebbi also stands at 3%, while Zombo District leads with 4%. Cross-border trade and social functions such as traditional marriages and long cultural dances are contributing to the spread,” Murungi said. Luciano Macakadho, the cultural chief of Kebu Chiefdom, welcomed the initiative but emphasized the need for government support.
“Cultural leaders remain strong when they are supported by their subjects. We need government cooperation with cultural leaders and VHTs to effectively monitor and address health challenges in our communities,” Macakadho said.
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