Cases of new HIV infections on a decline

PIC: State minister for primary health care, Dr. Joyce Moriku (R) chatting with the national coordinator paediatric and adolescents HIV at the ministry of health Dr. Cordelia Katureebe (L) during the 9th Joint AIDS annual review at Silver springs Hotel in Kampala. Photo/ Violet Nabatanzi

The number of New HIV infections among all age groups have reduced in the country from 95,000 in 2014 to 83,000 in 2015, this is according to Uganda AIDS commission.

Significant progress was registered among HIV exposed infants where the number of new infections drastically reduced by over 80%.

There has also been a decline in AIDS related deaths to 28,000 from 31,000 in 2014. Currently it is estimated that the number of people living with HIV by December 2015 stood at 1.5million.

Speaking during the 9th joint AIDS annual review at Silver springs Hotel, the state minister for primary health care Joyce Moriku commended the First lady Janet Museveni for championing the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV transmission (EMTCT).

"Although Uganda has been doing well in reducing new HIV infections, AIDS related mortality and reduction in stigma and discrimination, the HIV burden for Uganda remains unacceptably high," she said.

The chairman of Uganda HIV/AIDs commission Prof, Vinand Natulya appealed to men to test for HIV together with their wives adding that majority of them are reluctant to test.

Recently during the TASO celebrations to mark 26 years of existence, Godfrey Mafabi the centre manager of TASO Mulago said the biggest number of clients they treat are women and yet men make decisions in their homes. "We are appealing to men to come out and test for HIV /AIDS and if they find they're positive they should go to TASO or health facilities and seek services," he said.