Health 19 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Lyantonde Officials Alarmed by Surge in Child HIV Cases
Health authorities in Lyantonde District are concerned about rising HIV infections among children under 15, who make up nine percent of new cases amid a 10.1 percent prevalence rate. The trend coincides with increased teenage pregnancies and school dropout rates linked to neglect, abuse, and early marriages. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/rise-in-child-hiv-infections-alarms-officials-in-lyantonde-5428948
Health officials in Lyantonde District have expressed alarm over a sharp increase in HIV cases among children, highlighting the heightened risks facing the youth.
District data as of April 19 reveals an HIV prevalence of 10.1 percent. In the past three months, 33 children under 15 tested positive out of 366 new cases from 13,825 tests. Adolescents aged 15-19 were also affected.
Charity Mbabazi, a district health official, noted that 1,888 individuals under 20 are on antiretroviral therapy, signaling growing exposure. Teenage pregnancies are rising too, with 16,852 girls aged 15-19 among 50,723 antenatal attendees last year, plus 21 under-15 pregnancies.
To combat this, the district has ramped up school sensitization to promote delayed sexual activity and education retention.
Experts blame parental neglect, child abuse, and practices like early marriage. Lukia Naluwugge, education overseer for children with disabilities, reported 43 percent of primary pupils not advancing to secondary school, often due to family-based abuse.
Authorities are calling on families and communities to enhance child protection and foster open dialogues to reduce infections and support schooling.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)