Uganda’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS
The impact of HIV/AIDS in Uganda, particularly related to the support from the Global Fund:
Prevalence: Approximately 1.4 million Ugandans are living with HIV, making the country one of the most affected in East Africa. New infections have decreased from 150,000 in 2016 to about 53,000 annually
Antiretroviral Treatment (ART): As of 2023, 1.3 million people are receiving ART in Uganda, representing an 88% coverage rate among those diagnosed with HIV
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT): The PMTCT program has reached over 95% of pregnant women, effectively reducing new pediatric HIV infections significantly
Testing Initiatives: The Global Fund has supported nationwide testing programs, providing HIV tests to over 25 million individuals, enabling early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Condom Distribution and VMMC: Over 600 million condoms have been distributed between 2010 and 2023, and more than 5 million men have undergone voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), which significantly reduces transmission rates.
These statistics highlight the substantial impact of the Global Fund’s investments and Uganda’s efforts in combating HIV/AIDS, leading to improved health outcomes and a reduction in new infections.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the sources: Global Fund HIV/AIDS Impact and Ministry of Health Uganda Reports.
Uganda has long been at the forefront of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, with the epidemic posing one of the most severe public health challenges in the country. Despite significant progress, approximately 1.4 million Ugandans live with HIV today, with an estimated 53,000 new infections occurring annually. Through the continued support of the Global Fund, Uganda has made strides in reducing HIV prevalence, scaling up access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and enhancing prevention strategies.
Global Fund Support
Since 2002, the Global Fund has been a vital partner in Uganda’s HIV/AIDS response, committing over $2 billion towards treatment, prevention, and care initiatives. These funds have been essential in bolstering the country’s health infrastructure, expanding access to life-saving ART, and supporting community-led initiatives that focus on prevention, testing, and stigma reduction.
Key Achievements
Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Expansion: With the support of the Global Fund, Uganda has successfully scaled up access to ART, with over 1.3 million people currently receiving treatment. This represents an 88% coverage rate among those living with HIV, contributing to a marked reduction in HIV-related mortality.
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT): The Global Fund’s investments have played a critical role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. By 2023, PMTCT services reached over 95% of pregnant women, leading to a reduction in new pediatric HIV infections.
HIV Testing and Counseling: Over the last decade, the Global Fund has supported nationwide testing initiatives, which have provided HIV tests to over 25 million people. This has enabled early diagnosis and timely initiation of ART, reducing transmission and improving health outcomes.
Condom Distribution and Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC): Between 2010 and 2023, more than 600 million condoms were distributed, and over 5 million men underwent VMMC—a practice shown to reduce female-to-male transmission by up to 60%.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite significant progress, Uganda continues to face challenges in its HIV response, including reaching vulnerable populations such as adolescents, men, and key populations (including sex workers and men who have sex with men). Stigma, discrimination, and limited access to services in rural areas remain barriers to universal HIV care and prevention. The Global Fund continues to support Uganda in addressing these gaps, with innovative programs targeting hard-to-reach populations and reducing stigma in healthcare settings.
Statistics at a Glance
Looking Forward
Uganda aims to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030—95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals receiving sustained ART, and 95% of those on ART achieving viral suppression. With continued Global Fund support, Uganda is on track to further reduce HIV transmission rates and improve the quality of life for those living with the virus.
The Funds Coordination Unit (FCU) was set up in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) as the Principal Recipient (PR) to handle day-to-day oversight duties as they relate to the implementation of the Global Fund Grants.