By Nathan Eyagu 

SOROTI CITY — HIV prevention organisations have stepped up calls for increased awareness, testing and access to prevention services in Soroti, where the reported HIV prevalence stands at 12.4 per cent, as the Iteso Cultural Union prepares for the Teso Run 2026 scheduled for Saturday, October 17.

The campaign brings together cultural leaders, HIV prevention organisations and other stakeholders to mobilise support for vulnerable children while strengthening efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Speaking during a press conference at Soroti Hotel on Thursday, Charles Otai, a representative of the Uganda AIDS Commission, said Soroti’s reported HIV prevalence, compared with the national figure of 5.9 per cent, underscores the need for stronger community mobilisation and prevention initiatives.

Dr Winfred Acam of The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) urged residents to know their HIV status and take advantage of available prevention and treatment services.

She highlighted the importance of HIV testing, condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), while calling for an end to stigma against people living with HIV.

Abdalla Ochogia, Advocacy and Communication Specialist at AIDS Information Centre Uganda, said the organisation works with the Ministry of Health and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide HIV prevention and treatment services through 112 government health facilities across 11 districts, one city and one municipality.

David Sansa Ngobi of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares said economic vulnerability continues to expose some young people, particularly girls, to circumstances that increase their risk of HIV infection.

He said the organisation supports young people to remain in school, acquire practical skills and access start-up capital to improve their livelihoods.

As part of the Teso Run campaign, AHF Uganda Cares will provide HIV testing, free condoms and PEP services to promote prevention and encourage people to seek appropriate care.

Beyond the health campaign, the run seeks to raise funds for partial scholarships for vulnerable children and the construction of the Ateker Skilling Institute, which aims to equip disadvantaged young people with practical skills.

Peter Eriaku, Executive Director of ICHUDEF, said the initiative also seeks to support children who have lost parental care and those living on the streets.

He appealed to the public, cultural leaders, businesses and other stakeholders to contribute towards the initiative, emphasising the importance of education and skills development in creating opportunities for vulnerable children.

The event will be held under the theme, **“Run for the Child, Run for Hope, Act for Life.”** Running kits cost Shs30,000.

Organisers are calling on residents across the Teso sub-region to participate in the run, which seeks to unite the community around child welfare, HIV awareness and improved access to prevention and treatment services.