Health 5 October 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Experts Urge Shift in HIV Strategy to Find Undiagnosed Cases
Public health experts are calling for a re-evaluation of Uganda's HIV strategy to better identify individuals unaware of their status, a gap highlighted by recent UPHIA survey findings. The survey indicates significant progress in treatment and viral suppression, but a substantial number of people still do not know they are living with HIV. Source: https://observer.ug/news/72822
Health specialists in Uganda are advocating for a more proactive approach to HIV testing, moving beyond traditional clinic-based services. This call comes in the wake of preliminary results from the 2025 Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA), which underscore that while Uganda excels in HIV treatment and viral suppression, a considerable number of those infected remain undiagnosed.
Kenneth Mwehonge, from the Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development, emphasized the need to target communities and specific population groups where HIV is most prevalent. He suggested utilizing existing data on geographical and demographic hotspots to guide these concentrated testing efforts. Mwehonge also proposed adopting strategies similar to those used during outbreaks like Ebola, which involve contact tracing and testing.
The UPHIA survey, a collaborative effort by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, and the Uganda Virus Research Institute, tested over 94% of selected households nationwide. Preliminary findings suggest that between 150,000 and potentially over 225,000 Ugandans may be living with HIV without knowing their status.
Dr. Sam Biraro, a researcher involved in the survey, indicated that approximately 15% of individuals testing positive were unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness is considered the primary obstacle to achieving a comprehensive HIV response, as these individuals are not receiving necessary treatment. The survey also revealed significant regional disparities, with Southwestern Uganda showing the highest prevalence at 8%, and women continuing to be disproportionately affected.
While acknowledging the progress in ensuring diagnosed individuals receive treatment and achieve viral suppression, Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi stated that increasing the proportion of the population aware of their HIV status from 85% to the target of 95% by 2030 is crucial. He highlighted HIV self-testing as a promising method to help close this remaining gap and identify more undiagnosed cases.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)