Boda Boda Riders Receive Free HIV Self-Test Kits
By Chipo Brende
Boda boda riders across the five divisions of Kampala have expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for providing them with free HIV self-test kits.
According to Jackson Kadumye Nvabuzito, the senior communications officer at the Ministry of Health, the target audience for this initiative is boda boda riders, as there is evidence that they engage in sexual intercourse more frequently.
“We are here to sensitize the boda boda riders on how to use the self-testing kits, as many find it challenging to seek information and treatment in hospitals,” Kadumye emphasized.
The primary goal of distributing these kits is to curb the spread of HIV in various communities, according to Kadumye.
He also noted that this initiative will extend beyond boda boda riders to other vulnerable groups in need of education and support.
The Wondfo self-test kits are designed to help individuals determine their HIV status in less than 10 minutes. Anita Ainembabazi, a technical lead at Micro Bio Services Limited, the local agent for Wondfo testing kits, stated that they have already distributed over 1,000 kits.
Mutyaba Siragye, vice chairperson of boda boda riders in the Central Division, admitted that riders have contributed significantly to the spread of the virus. “At night, we encounter women who are stranded, and we take advantage of the situation without knowing their HIV status, which puts us at risk,” Mutyaba explained.
Kanyike Kiviri, another boda boda leader, welcomed the campaign but expressed concern that the limited number of test kits poses a challenge. He pointed out that Kampala Central alone has over 30,000 boda boda personnel, making the demand for kits quite high.
Mariam Nansamba, the area counselor and a doctor at Kisenyi Health Center, urged boda boda riders to value their lives and avoid risky behaviors that could lead to HIV infection. She reminded them that AIDS is a serious issue and encouraged the use of prevention methods like PEP and PrEP, while also emphasizing the importance of regular HIV testing.
Lubega Marvin, a technical advisor at Wondfo Biotech Company, explained that they decided to donate test kits to protect the lives of boda boda riders, based on research indicating that they are at higher risk for HIV. He added that they have also trained people on how to use the kits properly to ensure accurate results.
“The 7,000 HIV self-test kits distributed across the five divisions of Kampala are just a sample. The government of Uganda has secured additional kits that are available at no cost in government hospitals,” Lubega stated.
Statistics reveal that 85.6% of people living with HIV in Kampala seek medical treatment, but 15% do not, which allows the virus to progress unchecked. Kampala is ranked 27th among areas with the highest HIV prevalence worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
Key Reasons Boda Boda Riders Engage in Risky Sexual Behavior:
- Coldness
- Temptation
- Alcohol use
- Competition
