Uganda calls for responsible living to fight HIV/AIDS by 2030

By Jjunju Francis

01^st Dec 2021

Uganda has observed the December 1^st a World AIDS Day, designated since 1988, internationally to create awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that attacks the immune system of the patient and reduces its resistance to other ‘diseases’.

As of 2017, AIDS had killed between 28.9 million and 41.5 million people worldwide, and an estimated 36.7 million people are living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history.

Uganda is one of the Country’s on the African continent that was worst hit in 1980s but made great strides in curbing its spread in 1990s becoming a world example.

Currently Uganda has got 1.4 million people are living with HIV, with the prevalence rate standing at 5.4% among adults (15-49 years) and the prevalence is much higher among females who are in 6.8% while males are at 3.9%. 1.2 persons are on ARVs.

Infections per year stand at 38000 meaning 730 persons are infected with HIV every week, according to the ministry of health. Children are not exceptional and a total of 5300 (0-14yr) were confirmed to be HIV positive in the year 2020.

Unfortunately In the recent reports released About 240 children who were defiled by their close relatives, parents, guardians and teachers, 301 of them were defiled by persons who are HIV positive, According to the 2020 Annual Police Crime Report. This puts children at a greater risk of contracting HIV.

Uganda has made achievements in treatment, counseling and testing and of yet it is awaiting for the approval and licensing of the injectable HIV drug Cabotegravir that is developed in the country to offer protection against the infection of the disease.

Cabotegravir was in March this year found effective in offering protection against the disease if taken in 48 weeks by negative person as a form of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

Dr. Sheila Bamweyana, the Study Coordinator for HIV Prevention Trial Network -HPTN084 Long Acting Injectabal for PrEP at Makerere University -John Hopkins University -MUJHU says that they submitted the data analysis to the US Federation Drug Authority-FDA for licensure, hoping for positive results.

In his address at the World AIDS Day from Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala President Yoweri Museveni appealed to Ugandans to stay committed to ending HIV by 2030 a program rolled out to ensure that all Ugandans test themselves for HIV and those who are positive are all enrolled on ARVs that helps to suppress the viral load for one to remain healthy and productive.

Museveni called for responsible living but government will continue with the cautious messages to the young people through the use of social media, HIV testing, the gate way for treatment, young ones to delay in engaging in sex and focusing on education will be emphasized.