Uganda on track to ending HIV/AIDS by 2030

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Uganda has registered significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, which has tormented the world since the early 1980s.

This merits the country’s inclination to join the world community today, to commemorate World AIDS Day, which is significant for raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, commemorate those who have died, celebrate the progress in prevention and treatment, and demonstrate solidarity with people living with HIV.

According to the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), there have been major reductions in HIV prevalence, new infections, and AIDS-related deaths.

“These gains can be attributed to coordinated national efforts, strong political leadership, and implementation of the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative,” it said.

Dr Nelson Musoba, a Public Health Specialist and Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission, described Uganda’s progress as the result of sustained national commitment over the years. “Uganda has made significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS,” he said, noting that the country’s HIV prevalence stands at 4.9 percent, a sharp decline from 18 percent in the 1980s.

Dr Musoba reported that 1.5 million people are living with HIV in Uganda today—930,000 women and approximately 570,000 men.

“Of these, 1.3 million are currently receiving treatment. New infections have also dropped significantly—from 94,000 in 2010 to 37,000 in 2024—while AIDS-related deaths have reduced from 54,000 in 2010 to 20,000,” he said in a recent press briefing.

“These numbers show the progress we have made, but they also remind us of the remaining work,” Musoba noted, adding that HIV prevalence is significantly higher in women compared to men, meaning women form the bulk of HIV infections.

“Men have the highest treatment gaps compared to women, and this means men die more from AIDS-related illnesses.”

PILLARS LAUNCHED

Musoba said that it’s the reason why the Government unveiled five pillars for accelerating Uganda’s response, which he described as “our master plan in implementation of HIV and AIDS interventions in the country.”

He further noted that the initiative includes engaging men in HIV prevention and closing the tap on new infections, especially among adolescent girls and young women.

“Uganda has since intensified its battle, focusing on a multi-pronged approach and working toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets (95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.”

Musoba said that due to intensified efforts, 94% of all HIV-positive people have been identified through testing; 90% of those who test positive are enrolled on treatment; and 97% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.

“These achievements demonstrate that we are on track. But we must continue to consolidate our gains if we are to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”

He said that they are also accelerating Test and Treat, which targets mainly men and young people.

ENDING MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION

Musoba further added that they are consolidating progress on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and ensuring financial sustainability for the HIV response.

“We are also ensuring institutional effectiveness for a well-coordinated multi-sectoral response, which has involved all sectors—from the Presidency, Cabinet, ministries, research agencies, development partners, cultural and religious leaders, to people living with HIV networks,” he said.

“As a result, we have seen reductions in HIV prevalence, new infections, AIDS-related deaths, stigma and discrimination. We have also seen a reduction in mother-to-child transmission of HIV,” he explained,” adding that more than ever before, Uganda is close to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets.

Musoba further added that World AIDS Day also serves as a crucial opportunity to highlight human rights issues, challenge stigma and discrimination, and mobilise global action to end the epidemic.

HIV/AIDS SYMPOSIUM

Every year, the UAC brings together stakeholders to review national progress and evaluate performance against the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan.

This year’s symposium was held from 26th to 28th November at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). The event featured the 17th Joint AIDS Review, the National HIV and AIDS Scientific Meeting, commemoration of Philly Lutaaya Day, a HIV Financing Dialogue, exhibitions, and free HIV testing and other health services.

This year’s symposium was held under the theme: “Building a Sustainable HIV Response to End AIDS as a Public Health Threat in Uganda,” which ran alongside the global theme for World AIDS Day 2025, which is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.”

Unlike previous review meetings that were held in closed technical sessions, this year’s symposium was opened up to the public.

“We decided to open up the space so that the ordinary Ugandan can be part of this activity. The response was good,” said Musoba, adding that free HIV testing, counselling, artist performances, research presentations, financing dialogues and exhibitions were held in the course of the symposium.

The symposium served as a build-up to World AIDS Day, which is being held today in Bushenyi District, Kizinda Town Council, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Guest of Honour.

LEADERS HAILED

Musoba acknowledged the contributions of Uganda’s leadership, partners and communities. “I acknowledge the consistent efforts of the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for the exemplary leadership in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Uganda,” he said.

He further appreciated the AIDS Development Partners and other stakeholders “who have supported efforts to ensure that people living with HIV and AIDS have access to services.”

“Additionally, political, religious and cultural leaders have played a great role in reducing stigma and discrimination. “We urge you to continue addressing myths and misconceptions on HIV and AIDS in the communities,” he said, praising people living with HIV networks for ensuring their needs remain visible in national programming.

As the country continues its journey toward ending AIDS by 2030, Musoba stressed that sustained collaboration remains essential.

“All sectors in this country are working towards ending AIDS by 2030. We should uphold the coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts which have remained the backbone of Uganda’s achievements.”

Musoba added that gains must be protected through commitment at all levels of society.

Uganda’s latest HIV statistics show real progress: lower prevalence, fewer infections, reduced deaths, and growing treatment success.