HIV patients abandon medication as food crisis looms
Dozens of people living with HIV/AIDs in Apac and Kwania districts have abandoned treatment as the food crisis deepens in Lango Sub-region.
About 7,000 people in Kwania district are enrolled on Anti-Retroviral Drugs [ARVs] to boost their immune system while 9,000 HIV/AIDs clients enrolled on the treatment in Apac district, according to statistics obtained from the Arts Clinic Sections.
Several HIV/AIDS patients have reportedly shunned treatment due to lack of food in most districts in Lango Subregion. The looming hunger is partly blamed on the prolonged drought.
Francis Odongo is a resident of Apwori village, Acenlworo parish in Atongtidi Sub-county Kwania district who has publically declared his HIV/AIDS status. Odongo said he abandoned his medication due to lack of food.
“Taking this drug on an empty stomach is the worstt experience I have gone through. I will not swallow it again unless I get something to eat. My body is getting weaker every day. I am appealing to the government and other well-wishers to come to our rescue,” he said.
Another HIV/AIDS victim, a 38-year-old breast-feeding mother who preferred to remain anonymous, said she has resorted to eating goat’s skin to survive.
Tom Odyambo, the Chairperson of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Apac district said quite a number of people living with HIV are sleeping on empty stomachs due to the looming food crisis.
“Many people are not taking the medicine because these drugs are like chemicals if you are hungry it creates more problems to you. The government should provide immediate food relieve to people living with the virus in Apac,” he added.
Kwania HIV Focal Person Samfan Omara says taking ARVs on empty stomachS is unhealthy.
“It is important that anyone on ARVs should feed well because if you are well nourished the food helps our blood to be strong. Even if ARV is fighting the virus then our body cells should also fight other phytoestrogens that infect our bodies,” Omara said.
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