More people are testing for HIV – AIDS Commission reveals

The Director Uganda Aids Commission Dr Nelson Musoba has revealed that there was a 14.3% increase in the number of individuals whi tested for HIV in the general population from 5,998,431 in FY 2020/21 to 6,860,533 in FY 2022/23.

He made the revelation while addressing the media about strides made in fighting against HIV/AIDS and preparations for the World AIDS day celebrations.

Under the theme, “Ending AIDS by 2030. Keeping Communities at the Centre”, the celebrations will be commemorated in Rakai district in Kibaale town council at Kibaale play ground with President Yoweri Museveni as the chief guest.

According to Musoba, the country has made significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS by bringing down HIV prevalence from 18% in the 80s to 5.2%.

“New infections have reduced to 52,000 annually from 94,000 and AIDS-related deaths have reduced to 17,000 annually,” he said.

He further noted that a total of 98% of the estimated 1,433,337 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) as of December 2022 were enrolled on ART as of June 2023 which is 1,403,603.

“To date, there is no ministry, department, or agency that does not mainstream HIV and AIDS in its activities. H.E the President continues to consistently talk about raising awareness, spreading HIV prevention messages, and fighting,” said Musoba.

He also acknowledged the work of the communities of People living with HIV networks saying communities have been at the forefront of fighting HIV and AIDS since the discovery of AIDS in Uganda nearly 40 years ago.

“It was the communities that took the patients to the hospital, looked after them when others shunned them and cared for the widows and the orphans that they left behind.”

Dr Musoba urged married adults to remain faithful to their sexual partner and discordant couples or those with partners of unknown HIV status were advised to use condoms correctly and consistently to prevent HIV or the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis.