Kampala — MEDICAL workers in Lira district are to be given priority to access antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) because of the high risks they are exposed to when handling HIV/AIDS patients.

The district secretary for health, Tony Ogwang, said this recently at a training workshop for health workers on palliative care and management of HIV/AIDS patients.

He asked health workers to keep proper data at their units and show patience and love to their patients.

"AIDS patients need your patience and respect. It is the only way they can have some peace and dignity in their situation," he said.

The medical superintendent of Lira Hospital, Dr. Jane Ocero, said the hospital would start giving out the ARVs to patients by the end of March this year.