Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and human rights issues surrounding HIV is critical in meeting the target of ending the disease by 2030, the acting executive director of the Uganda Network on Law, Ethics and HIV/AIDS (UGANET) Grace Nayiga, has said.

Nayiga says there is a need to ensure that everyone’s human rights are protected irrespective of their gender.

"The only way to end HIV is when we have addressed human rights and GBV because they are interlinked. Where you have GBV you’re likely to have HIV and where you have HIV, you’re likely to end up with GBV," Nayiga said at a media briefing about the 16 days of activism and post-World AIDS Day at Eureka Hotel in Kampala.

She also revealed that counselling, follow up and peer support are critical for people who have been diagnosed with HIV and AIDS.

Nayiga said linking people who are living with HIV to other peers, will help them know that they are not walking the journey positively alone.

"One way of dealing with stigma and ending it is by ensuring that the person receives enough counselling. They have to believe that there is life after they have been diagnosed with HIV," she said.

Photo caption: Grace Nayiga acting executive director UGANET speaking during a press conference on 16 days of activism and Post World AIDS day as Immaculate Owomugisha Social Justice Lawyer looks on. Photo by Violet Nabatanzi