Government Seeks Shs15 Billion to Boost HIV Prevention Messaging

As Uganda presses forward with its ambitious goal to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, the government has presented a case for an additional Shs15 billion to combat the virus. Hon. Milly Babalanda, the Minister in the Office of the President, addressed lawmakers during a plenary sitting to highlight how the funds will directly support the Uganda AIDS Commission.

The requested financing is earmarked for coordinating and expanding prevention messages across the country. Minister Babalanda emphasized that prioritizing prevention interventions remains crucial, particularly through scaling up social and behavioral change strategies such as abstinence and faithfulness to reach diverse demographic groups.

Despite notable progress, including a 65 per cent decline in annual AIDS-related deaths under the Presidential Fast Track objectives, significant hurdles remain. The government continues to grapple with persistent drivers of the epidemic, notably stigma and discrimination, sexual and gender-based violence, and the insufficient use of modern technology to effectively engage young people.

Alarming statistics show that new HIV infections remain unacceptably high at 34,000 annually. Young people bear the brunt of these numbers, with young women aged 15 to 24 accounting for 30 per cent of all new infections. Babalanda stressed that accelerated efforts are necessary to achieve the global “three zeros” commitment: zero new HIV infections, zero stigma and discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Following the presentation, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth referred the ministerial statement to the parliamentary committee on HIV/AIDS for detailed scrutiny to evaluate the specifics of the Shs15 billion funding request.

Read more details on the Parliament of Uganda.