Uganda AIDS Commission Accelerates Interventions to End AIDS by 2030

*By John Kusolo*

Dr. Vincent Bagambe, Director of Planning and Strategic Information at the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), presented the 2023/24 Annual Joint AIDS Review (JAR) Report during the third National HIV/AIDS Symposium 2024, held at the Office of the President Auditorium. The symposium, which included the Annual Joint AIDS Review, a Scientific Meeting, a Partnership Forum, and the Philly Lutaaya Memorial event, was conducted under the theme: "Accelerating Interventions to End AIDS by 2030." This event brought together experts, government officials, and stakeholders to evaluate Uganda’s progress in combating HIV/AIDS and to discuss strategies to meet the 2030 target.

Dr. Bagambe highlighted several critical findings and concerns from the JAR Report, particularly focusing on the complex challenges faced by key populations, especially sex workers, who experience high levels of stigma, depression, and drug abuse. The report emphasized the need for stronger mental health support and anti-stigma programs to address these interconnected issues and to create a supportive environment for individuals affected by or at high risk for HIV/AIDS.

A noteworthy point from Dr. Bagambe's presentation was the decline in AIDS-related mortality, which dropped from 21,000 in the 2020/21 period to 19,724 in 2023/24. However, despite this progress, he expressed concern about the prevalence of late HIV diagnoses, with around 24% of new diagnoses being at an advanced stage of the disease. This delay in diagnosis complicates treatment and reduces survival rates, underlining the importance of increasing early testing and awareness campaigns.

The report also showcased the integration of HIV education into Uganda's new school curriculum, an initiative led by Dr. Bagambe and UAC aimed at informing younger generations about HIV prevention and reducing stigma. This curriculum addition is part of a broader effort to foster a generation that is well-informed and proactive about HIV/AIDS, with the hope of reducing new infections among youth.

The Annual Joint AIDS Review Report covered achievements in HIV testing and treatment, including a high uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among those diagnosed. Over 95% of individuals diagnosed with HIV were linked to care and enrolled on ART, which contributed to a viral load suppression rate of 92% for those on treatment. These improvements highlight Uganda’s commitment to expanding treatment access and enhancing patient retention on ART, despite challenges in reaching certain demographics such as adolescents and key populations.

In terms of program management, the UAC made significant strides in health system strengthening, particularly in enhancing laboratory capabilities for accurate testing and diagnosis. The establishment of the Uganda National Accreditation Service (UGANAS) and the implementation of a laboratory quality management system have bolstered the quality of laboratory results, improving the overall reliability of HIV testing across Uganda.

Another critical aspect of the symposium was the focus on financing and sustainability. For the year 2023/24, approximately $690.2 million was mobilized to fund HIV/AIDS interventions, with the Ugandan government contributing 13% of this amount. This funding supported various initiatives, including community outreach programs, facility improvements, and resource allocation for HIV mainstreaming.

The symposium called on all stakeholders to enhance collaborative efforts and to adopt innovative approaches to accelerate the fight against HIV/AIDS, aiming to meet the 2030 goal of ending the epidemic in Uganda. Dr. Bagambe stressed the need for tailored interventions, particularly in behavioral communication strategies targeting high-risk groups like young people and key populations, to achieve impactful and sustainable results in the battle against HIV/AIDS.