At least five people living with HIV/Aids in Pabbo Town Council in Amuru have starved to death due to the lack of food occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic, according to a local health organization in the district.
According to a report by Oyab-Wang People Living With HIV/Aids Association, an umbrella that brings together people living with HIV/Aids, since the lockdown announced by government to curb the spread of Coronavirus in March, five people have since died of starvation in Amuru.
The latest victim aged 64 died on August 20, after going days without food. The male victim’s condition deteriorated over a month ago before he passed on.
On Tuesday last week, Oyab-Wang People Living With HIV/Aids Association supported 50 people living with HIV/Aids with relief food items including maize meal (posho), beans and cooking oil.
Some members of the association have since abandoned ART treatment due to lack of food, according to officials of Oyab- Wang People Living with HIV/Aids. Consequently, some have been hit by stroke while others have been attached by opportunistic diseases.
Bosco Opiro, the Secretary of the association described the situation among its members as alarming. He explained that some of their members were being supported by family members while others have no family support due to members of the family losing their livelihoods because of the lockdown.
Mr. Opiro said about 31 of their members are in dire situation and need urgent help. He warned that without food support, more fatalities may be recorded.
In June, Geoffrey Osborne Oceng, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Amuru said they have since written to Office of Prime Minister (OPM) seeking for support for people living with HIV/Aids.