The Uganda Aids Commission has raised concern over a surge in new HIV infections, revealing that adolescent girls and widows account for the vast majority of new cases.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the Uganda Aids Marathon 2026, scheduled for November 29, 2026, in 10 cities across the country, the Commission’s Director General, Nelson Musooba, described the trend as deeply worrying despite ongoing national interventions.
Dr Musooba said many adolescent girls continue to underestimate the risk of HIV infection, often prioritising fear of pregnancy over the virus, a factor he said is driving vulnerability among the group.
He added that mother-to-child transmission remains a significant challenge, with about 4,400 babies born with HIV in 2024, pointing to gaps in prevention, early testing, and treatment coverage.
Uganda is working toward ending HIV/Aids as a public health threat by 2030, but Musooba stressed that achieving this goal will require intensified public awareness campaigns and sustained behavioural change.
He urged Ugandans to regularly test for HIV and called on those living with the virus to adhere strictly to treatment, noting that consistent medication not only improves quality of life but also reduces transmission.
Musooba warned that rising infections could place a growing financial strain on the country, revealing that the government spends about Shs700,000 annually on treatment for each HIV patient.
He said the upcoming marathon will be used as a platform to expand awareness, leveraging the popularity of sports to engage communities on prevention and testing.
Meanwhile, Dr Robert Mutumba, who heads the HIV/Aids Control Programme at the Ministry of Health Uganda, called on local leaders to take a more active role in the fight against HIV.
He said local leaders are strategically positioned to influence communities and mobilise residents toward prevention, testing, and treatment efforts.
Dr Mutumba emphasised that stronger community involvement will be critical if Uganda is to meet its target of eliminating HIV as a public health threat by 2030.