By KT Reporter
Authorities at The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) in Soroti have reported that 240 HIV/AIDS clients have gone missing from care over the past year. These individuals are among the 6,209 clients registered at TASO Soroti Centre, which serves the Teso sub-region.
Charles Odoi, the TASO Centre Programs Manager, stated that between October 2023 and October 2024, the center retained only 5,969 active clients in care, marking a notable reduction. He attributed the issue to clients missing refills, particularly those scheduled for viral load checks, which has adversely affected retention rates.
Odoi made the remarks during a ceremony to distribute 100 Buffalo Bicycles, valued at UGX 78 million, to community workers under a partnership with World Bicycle Relief. The bicycles are intended to support follow-ups on missing clients and mobilize others to maintain their treatment regimens, ensuring stable viral load levels.
Odoi noted that the donation will be closely monitored to assess its impact on community outreach activities. The bicycles will be utilized by client council members, community ART support agents, orphans, and vulnerable children.
World Bicycle Relief’s Uganda Program Manager, Gabriel Kilama, highlighted the significant challenge of limited mobility among community workers. He emphasized that the bicycles would enable workers to reach more clients, improving access to counseling, information dissemination, and adherence support. “We expect a community worker who has been visiting only four clients due to mobility problems to visit more than ten clients,” Kilama said. He also cautioned parents against misusing the bicycles provided to vulnerable children.
Samson Eresu, a counselor representing persons with disabilities, expressed gratitude for the long-awaited donation, calling it a “dream come true.” Similarly, Peninah Malisa Abamo, a counselor from Kalaki District, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its importance in improving outreach efforts. TASO hopes that these bicycles will bolster their ability to trace missing clients and strengthen retention rates among those living with HIV/AIDS in the Teso sub-region.-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
