Uganda to Commemorate International World AIDS Day

Uganda will join the rest of the world on 1st December 2023 to commemorate International World AIDS Day. Addressing the press earlier on Tuesday, Dr. Nelson Musoba, the Director General Uganda AIDS Commission, illustrated strides made in fighting against HIV/AIDS and preparations for the International World AIDS Day celebrations in Uganda.

"On the 1st of December, we shall join the world in commemorating the World AIDS Day. A day when the world stands in solidarity with those who are living with HIV," Dr Musoba said. The theme for this year’s celebrations is 'Ending AIDS by 2030. Keeping Communities at the Centre.'

World AIDS Day will be commemorated in Rakai District in Kibaale Town Council at Kibaale Play Ground. His Excellency president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will be the Chief Guest.

Uganda has made significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS by bringing down HIV prevalence from 18% in the 80s to 5.2%, new infections have reduced to 52,000 annually from 94,000 and AIDS-related deaths have reduced to 17,000 annually.

"There was a 14.3 increase in the number of individuals tested in the general population from 5,998,431 in FY 2020/21 to 6,860,533 in FY 2022/23," Dr Musoba noted when it came to HIV Testing Services. A total of 98% of the estimated 1,433,337 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) as of December 2022 were enrolled on ART as of June 2023 which is 1,403,603.

He said to date, there is no Ministry, Department, or Agency that does not mainstream HIV and AIDS in its activities. H.E the President continues to consistently talk about raising awareness, spreading HIV prevention messages, and fighting.