A top health official in Yei River County says continued fighting in the area could cause a rise in HIV/AIDS infections.
According to reports from Yei County AIDS commission, many patients who were HIV positive and enrolled for treatment have from fled the town to the rural areas for safety.
HIV/AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease, and condoms provide significant protection against the disease’s spread.
“We have our clients who are now moving from the towns to the rural communities where their HIV statuses are not known. There are high chances of someone infecting somebody who is not aware of the other’s status. Therefore, this is a major breeding ground and time bomb for HIV infection in the villages” said Chris Issa, the coordinator for Yei county AIDS commission.
Issa said that many people in the rural areas do not have sufficient information on the dangers of HIV/AIDS, and called on government and health partners to urgently respond. He said the rate of HIV infection in Yei is 12 percent, with a high prevalence rate among those who are 14 to 35 years old.
Isaa advised the public to be faithful to their partners, abstain from sex, avoid sexual networking, avoid misuse of sharp objects, and consistently use condoms if they want to be safe from the epidemic.
For those who are HIV positive, the officer advised them to attend to their ARVs treatment and follow their medical instructions.