Individuals living with HIV and AIDS, especially the elderly, have been urged to abstain from alcohol if they are to live long.

"I haven't consumed alcohol for over 50 years, and I strongly advise people, especially those living with HIV, to avoid alcohol,’’ Dr Stephen Watiti, an HIV activist and ardent advocate for improved and sustainable health for all, says.

Watiti, who has lived with HIV/AIDS for over 35 years says, alcohol not only impacts behaviour but also disrupts the body's metabolism and damages the liver.

He made the call on Friday during a meeting held at Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) headquarters in Kampala to provide HIV/AIDS information to UAC participants and staff.

Recently, the health ministry revealed that Uganda had been ranked as the highest consumer of alcohol in the African region and the third in the world.

Watiti has also urged individuals to consume natural foods in adequate amounts and avoid processed ones.

Quinto Rwotoyera, Director Finance Uganda AIDS Commission, addressing journalists during a stakeholders meeting on October 27, 2023. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

The director of financing at the Uganda AIDS Commission, Quinto Rwatoyera, announced that all government departments are mandated to allocate a minimum of 0.1% of their total budgets to support HIV testing and community awareness initiatives.

"We anticipate approximately shillings 40 billion in the upcoming financial year, contributed by all government departments, which will be dedicated to HIV and AIDS," Rwatoyera disclosed during the meeting.

Out of the 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS, 1.2 million are currently receiving medication.