The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, has issued a stark warning following a sharp rise in global HIV infections, with new daily cases increasing from 3,500 to 5,800.

According to Byanyima, the surge which represents more than 2,000 additional infections every day, signals a serious setback in the global HIV/AIDS response.

“Last year, the world saw 3,500 people newly infected with HIV every day. Today, UNAIDS estimates that number has grown to 5,800,” Byanyima said.

She warned that the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 continues to stall as health systems, particularly in Africa, struggle to cope. In Mozambique, for instance, HIV testing for pregnant women and exposed infants has been scaled back due to systemic strain.

“Once nothing is done, UNAIDS estimates that by 2029, some 6.6 million people could be HIV positive, and 4.2 million related deaths could occur across the globe,” Byanyima warned.

In Uganda, the latest figures from the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) indicate that 1.49 million people were living with HIV by the end of 2023, with a national prevalence rate of 5.1 percent. Among adults aged 15 to 64, the rate stands at 6.2 percent; 7.6 percent for females and 4.7 percent for males.

The country recorded 38,000 new infections and 20,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023 alone. Young people aged 15–24, especially adolescent girls and young women, remain the most vulnerable group.

Despite Uganda’s commitment to meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2025, modelling data shows that nearly 40,000 new infections could still occur annually. This makes HIV prevention an essential part of the country’s efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat.