Nearly 900 people living with HIV/AIDS from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who receive treatment at Arua Regional Referral Hospital face uncertainty following restrictions on cross-border movement due to the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.
According to records from the hospital’s HIV clinic, a total of 5,800 patients are enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART) care. Of these, 899 are Congolese nationals who regularly travel from the DRC to Arua for treatment and other health services. The challenge follows government measures to restrict movement across the Uganda–DRC border in an effort to prevent the spread of Ebola. As a result, many Congolese patients are unable to access their routine medication from the hospital.
Remmy Buhuguru, an epidemiologist and HIV clinic focal person at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, said the few community drug distribution points located near the border are unable to effectively serve patients who remain in the DRC. According to Buhuguru, both health workers and patients are facing a difficult situation, and urgent interventions are needed to ensure uninterrupted access to lifesaving medication.
Health officials warn that interruptions in antiretroviral therapy could lead to poor treatment outcomes and the development of drug-resistant HIV strains if patients miss their medication for extended periods.Meanwhile, Alfred Amandu, the Acting Principal Arua City Health Officer in charge of Environmental Health, called for stronger security and surveillance at border points.
He noted that despite the restrictions, many Congolese nationals, including those seeking medical care, continue to enter Uganda through unofficial crossing points.Since the Ebola outbreak was reported in eastern DRC more than three weeks ago, health authorities say attendance at the HIV clinic at Arua Regional Referral Hospital has steadily declined, raising concerns about continuity of care for cross-border patients. URN