By Our Reporter
Despite setbacks following an executive order by US President Donald Trump that froze most USAID funding to Uganda for Hiv/Aids interventions, Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) has reported a continued decline in new HIV infections.
Hiv/Aids Infections dropped to 5.1%, and 98% of Uganda’s population is HIV-negative, with an estimated 1.5 million people living with the virus.
Uganda will mark International Candlelight Memorial Day on May 16, joining the global community in remembering those lost to Aids related illnesses and raising continued awareness about the disease’s impact.
Dr Vincent Bagambe, UAC’s Director for Planning and Strategic Information says Uganda aims to reduce new HIV infections to 10,000 annually.
“Uganda remains committed to sustaining its HIV response. The government currently allocates Shs 320 billion annually to support HIV services, covering both operational costs and essential medical supplies,” Bagambe stressed.
To further bolster the national response, Bagambe revealed that all government institutions have been directed to allocate 0.1% of their annual budgets to HIV/AIDS interventions.
He acknowledged the adverse effects of the U.S. funding freeze, which led to the loss of 20,000 to 25,000 jobs at clinics run by implementing partners.
Dr Ruth Ssenyonyi, Chairperson of the Uganda AIDS Commission, calls for more partnerships to address Hiv/Aids interventions in Uganda reflected on Uganda’s long journey in the fight against HIV since the 1980s, when the national prevalence rate stood at a staggering 18%.