{"id":4031,"date":"2025-04-07T16:20:37","date_gmt":"2025-04-07T13:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/Blog\/?p=4031"},"modified":"2025-04-08T09:46:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T06:46:53","slug":"iuea-runs-towards-ending-aids-hiv-in-kabaka-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/iuea-runs-towards-ending-aids-hiv-in-kabaka-run\/","title":{"rendered":"IUEA Runs towards Ending AIDS\/HIV at the Kabaka Birthday Run"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On April 6, 2025, the International University of East Africa (IUEA) joined thousands in the 12th annual Kabaka Birthday Run aimed at ending AIDS\/HIV as a public health threat in Uganda. This year&#8217;s run, held under the theme <em>\u201cMen Against HIV\/AIDS to Save the Girl Child,\u201d<\/em> spotlighted a pressing issue\u2014an alarming number of young women continue to be infected with HIV every week. <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6307011\/#:~:text=According%20to%20recent%20UNAIDS%20data,individuals%20get%20infected%20every%20week.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">According to UNAIDS, 570 girls aged 15 to 24 contract HIV in Uganda every single week<\/a>. This isn\u2019t just a statistic\u2014it\u2019s a call to action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IUEA proudly stepped forward in response, championing health and human dignity as it always has, both within the university and in the greater community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-7-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-7-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-7-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-7-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-7-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-7.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students and staff proudly represent IUEA at the 2025 Kabaka Birthday Run, standing together in the fight against HIV\/AIDS.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Kabaka Birthday Run?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kabaka Birthday Run is more than a fitness event\u2014it is one of Uganda\u2019s most impactful public health campaigns. Each year, it mobilises tens of thousands to support critical health causes while celebrating the birthday of the Kabaka, the King of Buganda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2014, the run has helped raise awareness and funds for medical challenges such as obstetric fistula and now ending AIDS\/HIV, one of the deadliest pandemics of our time. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unaids.org\/sites\/default\/files\/media_asset\/UNAIDS_FactSheet_en.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Over 80 million people have been infected with HIV globally<\/a>, and Uganda remains one of the most affected countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Run begins at Twekobe House in Lubiri, the Kabaka\u2019s official residence, and brings together individuals, communities, and institutions under a shared goal: a healthier Uganda. This year, Airtel Uganda sponsored the event for the 12th consecutive time, with over 12,000 participants joining the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Kabaka: A UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the King of Buganda, turned 70 this year. But his most celebrated achievement may not be his age, but his relentless dedication to public health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unaids.org\/en\/aboutunaids\/unaidsambassadors\/king-of-buganda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Ending AIDS among Men in East and Southern Africa<\/a>, the Kabaka has used his platform to mobilise communities, especially men, in the battle against AIDS\/HIV. The Buganda Kingdom continues to lead AIDS\/HIV awareness campaigns across various platforms, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Radio and TV stations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sports events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community dialogues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>School, church, and mosque outreach (edutainment)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social media engagement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>His advocacy pushes against stigma and ignorance, urging men to take responsibility\u2014not just for themselves but for the young women and girls who suffer disproportionately from the epidemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145451.624-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4036 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145451.624-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145451.624-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145451.624-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145451.624-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145451.624.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">IUEA students from the Buganda Kingdom hold their running kits with pride\u2014spreading the message of hope and prevention through the Kabaka Birthday Run.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IUEA\u2019s Role in the Run<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At IUEA, we believe in action. Our participation in the Kabaka Birthday Run is part of a broader goal to promote healthy, fulfilled lives. We didn\u2019t just run; we ran with purpose, pride, and a passion to see change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our team included both staff and students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Madam Naomi Kemboi \u2013 Head of Marketing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Esther Mugisa \u2013 Marketing Personnel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nabacwa Charlotte \u2013 Call Centre Personnel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Doreen Nabisaso \u2013 Call Centre Personnel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gerald Ssali \u2013 Marketing Personnel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Henry Kirungi \u2013 Architecture Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dickson Musiimenta \u2013 Students&#8217; Guild Minister of Sports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Najibah Sanusi Suleiman \u2013 Content Creator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kakunda Nina (aka Nina Roz) \u2013 IUEA Student and Celebrity&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Habiba Ngugi \u2013 IUEA Student Coordinator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ninsiima Mackline \u2013 IUEA Student<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kiberu Jonathan \u2013 IUEA Student<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to physical participation, IUEA amplified the campaign through radio ads and social media, helping to extend the reach of this vital message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How IUEA Prioritises Health and Wellness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At IUEA, our commitment to health extends far beyond a single event. We offer continuous health support on campus, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On-site health services and nearby hospitals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A standby ambulance for emergencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regular wellness announcements and initiatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Campaigns that encourage students and staff to take health seriously<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We believe education should empower not just minds but also bodies and communities. A healthy student is a thriving student, and we consider it our duty to support every learner\u2019s physical well-being. For additional tips on improving your physical health, read on <a href=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/iuea-health-tips-add-exercise-to-a-busy-schedule\/\">how you can include exercise in your daily routine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145920.564-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4037 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145920.564-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145920.564-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145920.564-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145920.564-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Untitled-design-2025-04-07T145920.564.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Miss IUEA 1st Runner-up Kasande Sheba joins fellow students at the Kabaka Statue, championing the mission to end HIV\/AIDS for good.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding AIDS\/HIV: What You Need to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ending AIDS\/HIV starts with awareness. Here are a few essential facts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Disease: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cause: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impact: Weakens the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to other diseases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transmission: The exchange of various bodily fluids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global Stats in 2023:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>39 million people living with HIV<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over 1 million new infections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>630,000+ deaths in the year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>AIDS Prevention Tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get tested regularly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use protection during sexual activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid sharing needles or sharp instruments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Educate yourself using trusted sources like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/hiv\/prevention\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CDC<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/hiv-aids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WHO<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/data.unaids.org\/pub\/brochurepamphlet\/2009\/20090401_prevention_fast_facts_en.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UNAIDS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Join Us in Ending AIDS\/HIV<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The AIDS\/HIV epidemic doesn\u2019t discriminate. While some communities are more vulnerable, we are all at risk if we do nothing. Every act of awareness, prevention, and support counts\u2014just as every step in the Kabaka Birthday Run did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We at IUEA invite you to stand with us, the Kabaka, and the countless others who are fighting to end AIDS\/HIV by 2030. Support awareness campaigns. Get tested. Talk to your loved ones. Advocate for healthier communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Featured<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"IUEA Joins The #KabakaBirthday2025 \ud83e\udd17\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xRDKQiIcbQI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On April 6, 2025, the International University of East Africa (IUEA) joined thousands in the 12th annual Kabaka Birthday Run aimed at ending AIDS\/HIV as a public health threat in Uganda. This year&#8217;s run, held under the theme \u201cMen Against HIV\/AIDS to Save the Girl Child,\u201d spotlighted a pressing issue\u2014an alarming number of young women [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4038,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[76,60,7],"tags":[296,293,297,291,295,294],"class_list":["post-4031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-event","category-health","category-sports","tag-aids","tag-events","tag-hiv","tag-iuea-health-tips","tag-kabaka-birthday-run","tag-kabaka-run"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4031","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4031"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4031\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4043,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4031\/revisions\/4043"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4038"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4031"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4031"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4031"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}