The Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) at Makerere University has joined an array of sponsors towards the National HIV and AIDS Symposium which started Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

The institute handed over a sponsorship package to the tune of sh17m towards the preparation of the event. The sponsorship is on top of the institute’s participation in the symposium as one of the major stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The three-day event, slated for November 8-10 at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Nakawa, will highlight developments in the field of HIV/AIDS in Uganda. The symposium is organised by the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) in partnership with Vision Group.

IDI executive director Dr Andrew Kambugu handed over a cheque to Dr Vincent Bagambe, the director of planning and strategic information at UAC and Vision Group head of marketing and communication Rogers Anguzu at the MUBS playground.

This was during final preparations of the event on Monday, which will have activities including discussions and exhibitions by scientists, researchers, organisations as well as artists and communicators in the campaign to eliminate HIV/AIDS.

(L-R) Rogers Anguzu and Dr. Vincent Bagambe receiving a dummy cheque of sh17m from Dr. Andrew Kambugu the Executive Director of Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI). (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)

The theme of the symposium is Ending Inequalities Amongst Adolescent Girls, Young Women and Boys.

Kambugu said the event will highlight exciting developments in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country such as injectable Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV/AIDS.

The new forms of prevention and treatment are part of the extensive research findings in the area of HIV/AIDS. Recently approved in countries such as US, these forms are considered game changers in medication of the disease and are said to be superior to daily oral tablets.

Kambugu said the symposium will highlight the progress on the injectable PrEP and ART, which he described as “very encouraging for the people living with HIV.”

IDI is a Ugandan not-for-profit organisation which aims to strengthen health systems in Africa, with a strong emphasis on infectious diseases through research and capacity development.

IDI joins various sponsors and partners such as Cipla Quality Chemicals and United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) that have contributed.

Anguzu thanked the sponsors who have contributed towards ensuring that the event is a success.

He added that the free-entrance symposium will have something for everyone, including free testing, guidance, and counselling.

“All you have to know about the state of HIV/AIDS in Uganda is here. All scientists, local, regional and international will be here. You have a chance to interact with them and ask questions and look for ways of collaboration. It is free and everyone is welcome,” he said.