Uganda MP calls for increased antiretroviral access at rural health clinics

Uganda's Ministry of Health and other stakeholders should provide rural health clinics with antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV-positive people from having to travel long distances to obtain the treatment, Member of Parliament Betty Aol Ocan said recently, the New Vision/AllAfrica.com reports.

Aol Ocan said that HIV-positive people living in rural areas do not have the money to afford transportation to main hospitals or sub-county health centers. Denis Komakech -- medical officer for the health center in Palaro, Uganda -- said that many HIV-positive people are weak and are unable to walk long distances. According to the New Vision/AllAfrica.com, rural health workers have said that many residents come to health clinics for voluntary counseling and testing but that the clinics cannot provide them with antiretrovirals.

Aol Ocan also called on the health ministry to increase efforts to improve reproductive health and to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (Ocowun, New Vision/AllAfrica.com, 6/4).