“Run From Risky Sex,” Musoba Says as Uganda Cuts New HIV Infections

By Kyeyune Ali

Uganda has registered major progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with new infections and deaths continuing to decline, the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) announced today during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre.

According to the latest national statistics, HIV prevalence now stands at 4.9%, a dramatic drop from 18% in the 1980s. An estimated 1.5 million Ugandans—930,000 women and 570,000 men—are currently living with HIV, and 1.3 million of them are on treatment.

In 2024, Uganda recorded 37,000 new infections, down sharply from 94,000 in 2010, while AIDS-related deaths fell to 20,000, from 54,000 in 2010. Despite the gains, the Commission noted persistent gender disparities: women continue to account for the majority of new infections, while men remain with the largest treatment gaps.

UAC Director General, Dr. Nelson Musoba, said the country’s progress shows that sustained commitment is working, especially in reducing mother-to-child transmission.

“We have seen a reduction in mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Currently, we have 47,000 babies born HIV-positive, which means 94% of all people who test positive have enrolled on treatment, and 97% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression,” he explained.

Dr. Musoba stressed the importance of personal responsibility, reminding the public that HIV prevention is still crucial.

“Your HIV-negative status expires every time you have unprotected sex with someone whose status you do not know. Abstain until you are ready for the consequences,” he warned.

The national response continues to be guided by the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative (PFTI) launched in 2017 by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has long championed the multi-sectoral fight against HIV/AIDS. The initiative aims to end AIDS as a public health threat in Uganda by 2030, focusing on five strategic pillars including prevention, treatment, and eliminating mother-to-child transmission.

UAC emphasized the need for financial sustainability to maintain progress, urging communities, government agencies, and development partners to strengthen funding for HIV services. Officials also called for renewed efforts to involve men in HIV prevention and close the gap in rising infections among adolescent girls and young women.

Key HIV Statistics (2024)

• 37,000 new HIV infections
• 20,000 AIDS-related deaths
• 1,527,238 people living with HIV
• 1.3 million accessing antiretroviral therapy
• Prevalence ranges from 7.7% in Central Uganda to 2.3% in West Nile
• Fort Portal City recorded the highest urban prevalence at 14%

As Uganda continues its march toward ending AIDS by 2030, the Commission urged every citizen to remain vigilant, get tested, stay on treatment, and make informed choices.