Uganda will be commemorating World AIDS Day on December 1, 2023, under the theme Ending AIDS by 2030. Keeping Communities at the Centre, a day when the world stands in solidarity with those who are living with HIV/AIDS.
This was revealed by Dr. Nelson Musoba, the Director General at Uganda AIDS Commission while addressing the presser at Uganda Media Centre on November 28, 2023, about strides made in fighting against HIV/AIDS and preparations for the International World AIDS Day celebrations in Uganda. He said that, it is a day when the world stands in solidarity with those living with HIV.
“On 1st of December, we shall join the world in commemorating World AIDS Day which will be commemorated in Rakai district in Kibaale town council at Kibaale Play Ground. His Excellency Kaguta Museveni will be the Chief Guest,” Dr. Musoba said.
According to Dr. Musoba, the country has made significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS by bringing down HIV prevalence from 18% in the 80s to 5.2%, adding that, new infections have reduced to 52,000 annually from 94,000 while AIDS-related deaths have reduced to 17,000 annually.
He said that in HIV Testing Services, there was a 14.3 increase in the number of individuals tested among the general population from 5,998,431 in FY 2020/21 to 6,860,533 in FY 2022/23, and 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 noted that currently, there is no ministry, department, or agency that does not mainstream HIV and AIDS in its activities. He added that, the President has continued to consistently talk about raising awareness, spreading HIV prevention messages, and fighting the virus.
As Ugandans approach to the festive season, he urged everyone to take precautions in the prevention against HIV, adding that, children who are not yet of age should abstain from sex while married adults should remain faithful to their sexual partners.
