Kampala, (UG);- The 2024 World AIDS Day Celebrations will be held in Eastern Uganda’s Buyende District on December 1st, 2024, under the theme “Accelerating Interventions to End AIDS by 2030.”
While addressing the media at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the Uganda AIDS Commission Chairperson, Canon Dr Ruth Senyonyi reflected on the country’s journey in combating HIV/AIDS and highlighted the challenges that remain. “This year marks 36 years since the first World AIDS Day was commemorated,” she noted, adding that Uganda has made significant progress.
“Back then, the HIV prevalence was in double digits estimated at 18% and being diagnosed was almost a death sentence. Today, thanks to science and technology, we have tools like rapid testing kits, prevention drugs, and lifelong treatments, making HIV manageable.”
Dr Senyonyi commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his leadership in addressing HIV/AIDS as not only a medical issue but a social one, leading to the establishment of the Uganda AIDS Commission in 1992. “Ugandans will remain eternally grateful for his vision, which became a model emulated across Africa,” she said.
Despite the progress, the UAC boss expressed concern about new infections among adolescent girls and young women. “HIV prevalence in girls aged 15–24 is four times higher than their male counterparts,” she revealed.
She also highlighted ongoing challenges with stigma, and poor health-seeking behaviours among men, and babies born with HIV despite the availability of prevention drugs. “In 2023, 4,700 babies were born with HIV. This is unacceptable when we have the means to stop it.”
Dr. Senyonyi called for renewed efforts to address these gaps, particularly among young people, through targeted prevention messages and innovative approaches like the UAC’s new mobile application. “Young people spend a lot of time on social media, and with this app, they can access accurate information without visiting health facilities,” she said.
She also urged communities to address stigma, which continues to hinder testing and treatment. “Stigma creates a refusal to test, denial after a positive result, and non-adherence to treatment. We must fight this at the family, community, and national levels to create a stigma-free environment for those living with HIV,” she emphasized.
As Uganda pushes towards its goal of ending AIDS by 2030, Dr. Senyonyi acknowledged the critical role of donor funding but highlighted the need for self-reliance. “Our response is heavily donor-funded, but with shifting priorities, this funding is reducing. We are developing a Sustainability Road Map to ensure we can fund the majority of our HIV response,” she said.
“Test for HIV and know your status. If you’re negative, abstain, remain faithful, or use condoms consistently. If you’re positive, take your medication as advised. Let’s take individual responsibility and make Uganda an AIDS-free nation.”
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