US reassures financing as health ministry flags off sh37b HIV survey

KAMPALA - The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting life-saving and humanitarian programmes in Uganda, with a particular focus on global health security and HIV response.

This pledge comes as the Ministry of Health officially flagged off the Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) 2024–2025, a Sh37 billion national health survey co-funded by the US government.

According to Dr Sam Biraaro, Project Manager of the UPHIA Survey, the study has three primary objectives: to estimate HIV prevalence among individuals aged 15 and above, determine the prevalence of viral load suppression among people living with HIV, and assess progress toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

At the flag-off event held on May 29 at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kampala, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp highlighted the global and national significance of the initiative.

Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng noted that Uganda’s progress in the fight against HIV over the past three decades has been substantial. (Credit: John Musenze)

“This survey is key as we work together to monitor progress toward a healthier, more prosperous, and more secure future where HIV is no longer a threat to Uganda, the United States, or the world,” he said.

Popp emphasised the importance of reliable data in ensuring health interventions reach the most vulnerable populations.

“UPHIA 2025 is a critical investment in evidence-based planning. It provides data to guide HIV programming and ensure inclusive progress. The integration of non-communicable disease surveillance into this survey is a significant step towards a more comprehensive and resilient health system.”

The UPHIA 2024–2025 survey, officially launched by Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, is the third national HIV impact assessment conducted in Uganda. Unlike previous editions, this year’s survey will also provide a nationwide assessment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, elevated blood sugar, and obesity — an evolution that signals Uganda’s broader health ambitions.

“The UPHIA 2024–2025 survey comes at a strategic time to help us recalibrate and refocus our efforts,” said Dr Aceng.

“This nationally representative household survey will provide current estimates of HIV prevalence, incidence, and viral load suppression.”

The survey, to be implemented over eight weeks, will cover more than 14,000 individuals aged 15 and above across 6,685 randomly selected households. Trained field teams will conduct home-based HIV testing and NCD screenings, offering participants immediate results and referrals for care where needed.

U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp reaffirmed their commitment to supporting life-saving and humanitarian programmes in Uganda, with a particular focus on global health security and HIV response. (Credit: John Musenze)

The initiative is being led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Makerere University School of Public Health and the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with financial support from the American people through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Dr Robert Mutumba from the AIDS Control Programme described the survey’s expanded scope as a crucial step forward:

“UPHIA 2024–2025 will include secondary assessments to estimate the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and glucose levels. These are important additions to our survey menu.”

Uganda’s progress in the fight against HIV over the past three decades has been substantial. Dr Aceng noted a drop in adult HIV prevalence from 7.2% in 2010 to 5.1% in 2023 and a 62% reduction in AIDS-related deaths — from 53,000 in 2010 to 20,000 in 2023. She also highlighted improvements in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

However, she warned that challenges persist:

“Despite these successes, great challenges still abound. The findings from UPHIA 2024–2025 will serve as a baseline for tracking our progress toward our national and global goals. To all Ugandans, I urge you to welcome our field teams, participate honestly, and support this national effort.”

Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng officially flagged off the Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) 2024–2025, a sh37 billion national health survey co-funded by the US government. (Credit: John Musenze)

Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, Dean of Makerere University School of Public Health, voiced confidence in Uganda’s research leadership and survey capacity:

“In this era of shrinking global HIV funding, data becomes a valuable currency. It ensures that every decision, every intervention, and every dollar is directed where it will have the greatest impact.”

Prof. Wanyenze, who represented Makerere University and Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, called the integration of NCD data into the HIV survey a major milestone in the country’s surveillance approach.

“This reflects the Ministry’s commitment to integration and stronger health systems. We reaffirm Makerere University’s dedication to high-quality data collection, analysis, and translation.”

She further praised the U.S. support through CDC and PEPFAR and acknowledged the significance of Uganda leading its own health research effort.

“We urge all field teams to approach their work with integrity and care, knowing that their efforts will generate evidence that strengthens Uganda’s health system.”

As the survey kicks off in June 2025, stakeholders across the board expressed optimism that UPHIA 2024–2025 will offer critical insights to guide Uganda’s next phase of HIV response and public health development.

“With accurate data, focused leadership, and community support, Uganda is on the right path,” Dr Aceng affirmed.

According to Dr Mutumba, a dual focus on HIV monitoring and non-communicable diseases positions the survey as a transformative investment.

“UPHIA 2024–2025 is poised to reshape Uganda’s health priorities by laying the foundation for an inclusive, data-driven response to emerging public health challenges and the goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.”