Uganda AIDS Commission Reveals Young Women Account for Three Quarters of New HIV Infections

Recent data released by the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) indicates that young women continue to bear the heaviest burden of the HIV epidemic in the country. Out of the 34,000 new HIV infections registered in Uganda, young people aged 15 to 24 accounted for 38 percent, with young women making up 77 percent of that age group’s total.

The figures were presented during a media briefing in Kampala, showing that approximately 1.57 million Ugandans are currently living with HIV. Despite these concerning trends among youth, the country has achieved notable progress since 2010. New infections have dropped by 64 percent, AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 66 percent to 19,000, and mother-to-child transmission has decreased by 78 percent.

Treatment outcomes remain strong among adults, with 85.3 percent knowing their status, 99.1 percent of those individuals receiving treatment, and 96.5 percent achieving viral suppression. However, the UAC highlighted challenges such as rising multiple sexual partnerships, low condom use, and sexual violence. Geographically, Fort Portal City recorded the highest prevalence at 16.7 percent.

To address these persistent gaps and shrinking donor support, the UAC announced the upcoming 2026 National HIV and AIDS Symposium. Scheduled for November 16 to 18 at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, the event will focus on sustainable financing, research abstracts, and strategies to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

For more details on the national figures and the upcoming symposium, read the original report on The Observer.