Initiative for Better Health (IBH)- Uganda, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is organizing the Empuumo Marathon 2024 for the Ankole Subregion. The event will take place on October 27, 2024, at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara City.
The Empuumo Marathon 2024 will be launched on September 13, 2024, at Kijjungu, opposite Nyamityobira Health Centre 11. The launch will be officiated by the State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties and will include:
- Unveiling of the running kits for the October 27th Empuumo Marathon
- A free medical camp
- The official launch of the marathon’s theme
The Empuumo Marathon, with the theme “KICK HIV/AIDS OUT OF SOUTH WESTERN UGANDA BY 2030,” is a charity event aimed at raising awareness and resources for HIV/AIDS interventions for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Western Uganda, particularly in the Ankole and Kigezi sub-regions.
The name “Empuumo” derives from the Runyakore word “empuumo,” which means “energy.” This symbolizes the effort and hope for an HIV-free future.
Initiative for Better Health (IBH) is a non-profit organization registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) as a company limited by guarantee and as a non-governmental organization with the NGO Bureau. Its mission is to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in Uganda. IBH addresses critical health issues through advocacy and community-based interventions that empower grassroots communities to take ownership of their health and well-being.
HIV/AIDS in Ankole
According to the latest estimates from the Ministry of Health, out of every 1000 adult Ugandans, 54 have HIV, representing 5.4% of Ugandans aged 15-49 years. Prevalence is significantly higher among women (6.8%), people in western Uganda (7.3%), and the Ankole subregion (up to 14.4%).
New infections are highest in adolescent girls and young women, both nationally and in Ankole.
The Empuumo Marathon is part of IBH’s response to this dire situation in the region and among the vulnerable population of adolescent girls and young women. Individuals, communities, and institutions are invited to support the scale-up of the response to this critical issue.
Empuumo Marathon as a Mobilization Tool
The Empuumo Marathon is a tool for mobilizing the community, stakeholders, and the population to bring together resources and energies to end AIDS.
Uganda has made impressive progress in the fight against HIV. The majority of HIV-positive people know their status, are on medication, and have suppressed the virus. Additionally, fewer people are dying from AIDS.
Let’s support the Empuumo Marathon by securing a running kit at only 20,000 UGX and be part of this noble cause of kicking HIV/AIDS out of South Western Uganda and Uganda at large.
The writer is an activist for better health, environmental protection, and good governance. Tukwatanise Musa Political Antidote PLU 0770977545 / 0754390478
