Women in Kitimbwa Sub-county, Kayunga District, have raised concern over some men who reportedly refuse to accompany their pregnant wives to health facilities for antenatal care and maternity services because they fear undergoing HIV testing.
The women say the practice leaves expectant mothers without adequate emotional and physical support during pregnancy, while potentially undermining efforts to protect maternal and child health.
The concerns were raised during a community baraza organised by the Ministry of Health, where women said some husbands deliberately avoid accompanying their partners to health facilities because they are reluctant to know their HIV status.
They noted that the behaviour discourages couples
They noted that the behaviour discourages couples from undergoing HIV testing together and taking joint responsibility for protecting their families against infection.
One of the women said some expectant mothers were being left to navigate pregnancy-related challenges without the support of their partners.
“We go through pregnancy challenges alone because our husbands refuse to accompany us to hospital. Some fear HIV testing, yet both partners are supposed to know their HIV status and protect each other,” she said.
Olive Busingye, the Kayunga District Assistant Health Officer,
Olive Busingye, the Kayunga District Assistant Health Officer, urged men to change their attitudes towards maternal healthcare and actively support their wives during pregnancy and after childbirth.
“We appeal to all husbands to routinely provide the necessary care and encouragement to their wives. A woman needs confidence and support during pregnancy to ensure she goes through the process safely and delivers well,” Busingye said.
She emphasised that men’s involvement in antenatal care, including HIV testing and counselling, is important in promoting maternal health and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Busingye encouraged couples to attend antenatal appointments together,
Busingye encouraged couples to attend antenatal appointments together, noting that shared responsibility during pregnancy can improve health-seeking behaviour and strengthen family support.
The concerns come amid revelations that HIV prevalence in Kayunga District stands at seven per cent, a figure health officials say requires sustained prevention efforts and greater community participation.
District Biostatistician Jimmy Ddungu said Government continued to implement interventions aimed at reducing new HIV infections but stressed that their success depended partly on communities embracing the available prevention measures.
Government is making efforts to reduce HIV prevalence,
“Government is making efforts to reduce HIV prevalence, but the community must also embrace the strategies put in place if we are to achieve this goal,” Ddungu said.
He urged residents to adopt safer sexual practices, including abstinence, consistent and correct condom use, and regular HIV testing to establish their status and prevent further transmission.
“People should take responsibility for their health by avoiding risky sexual behaviour, using condoms and going for HIV testing,” he added.
The concerns raised by women in Kitimbwa highlight
The concerns raised by women in Kitimbwa highlight the need for stronger community awareness, male involvement in reproductive health and improved access to HIV prevention and maternal healthcare services.
Health officials continue to encourage couples to seek antenatal services together, know their HIV status and make informed decisions that protect the health of mothers, children and families.
