Global Fund delivers 30 tonnes of HIV/AIDS drugs
Aug 10, 2009
UGANDA has received 30 tonnes of anti-retro viral drugs (ARVs) from the Global Fund on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. Primary health care state minister James Kakooza yesterday said the drugs were brought into the country on Friday.
By Joyce Namutebi
UGANDA has received 30 tonnes of anti-retro viral drugs (ARVs) from the Global Fund on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. Primary health care state minister James Kakooza yesterday said the drugs were brought into the country on Friday.
He said the drugs would be distributed by the National Medical Stores according to orders from hospitals.
Kakooza also disclosed that the Government has given Quality Chemicals Factory in Luzira sh16.5b to produce ARVs in addition to the $4.5m from the Global Fund.
He assured the public of adquate supply of ARVs.
Kakooza explained that some hospitals could be lacking ARVs, due to delay in procurement.
Meanwhile, the Uganda AIDS Commission plans to launch a new AIDS prevention campaign to curb the number of new infections.
The director general, Dr. David Kihumuro Apuuli, on Friday noted that there are 130,000 new infections in Uganda every year.
Appearing before the standing committee on HIV/AIDS, Kihumuro explained that according to a UNAIDS report, the number of new infections and deaths as at the end of 2008 was about the same number as in 1991 at the height of the epidemic.
Reacting to reports that Uganda was losing the fight against AIDS due laxity in prevention, Kihumuro explained that having multiple relations is the biggest factor contributing to new infections. This behaviour, he said, has increased especially among men.
He also added that in Uganda there are mothers who unknowingly infect their children.
Kihumuro also said the commission did not have enough funds to promote HIV/AIDS prevention, adding that out of the sh10b the commission asked for for prevention, it got only sh1b.
UGANDA has received 30 tonnes of anti-retro viral drugs (ARVs) from the Global Fund on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. Primary health care state minister James Kakooza yesterday said the drugs were brought into the country on Friday.
He said the drugs would be distributed by the National Medical Stores according to orders from hospitals.
Kakooza also disclosed that the Government has given Quality Chemicals Factory in Luzira sh16.5b to produce ARVs in addition to the $4.5m from the Global Fund.
He assured the public of adquate supply of ARVs.
Kakooza explained that some hospitals could be lacking ARVs, due to delay in procurement.
Meanwhile, the Uganda AIDS Commission plans to launch a new AIDS prevention campaign to curb the number of new infections.
The director general, Dr. David Kihumuro Apuuli, on Friday noted that there are 130,000 new infections in Uganda every year.
Appearing before the standing committee on HIV/AIDS, Kihumuro explained that according to a UNAIDS report, the number of new infections and deaths as at the end of 2008 was about the same number as in 1991 at the height of the epidemic.
Reacting to reports that Uganda was losing the fight against AIDS due laxity in prevention, Kihumuro explained that having multiple relations is the biggest factor contributing to new infections. This behaviour, he said, has increased especially among men.
He also added that in Uganda there are mothers who unknowingly infect their children.
Kihumuro also said the commission did not have enough funds to promote HIV/AIDS prevention, adding that out of the sh10b the commission asked for for prevention, it got only sh1b.