The Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) has reported a rise in HIV cases among newborn babies, estimating that about 47,000 infants are affected, despite a general decline in the country’s overall HIV prevalence to 4.9%.
The commission has linked the surge to increasing cases of mother-to-child transmission during delivery.
Dr Nelson Musoba, the executive director of UAC, said the fight against HIV must be sustained if Uganda is to achieve its goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.
Musoba also noted that HIV prevalence remains high among young people aged 15 to 25, warning that more targeted interventions are needed for this age group.
“As we commemorate this year’s World Aids Day on December 1 in Mbarara, we shall hold a three-day National Symposium on HIV starting on 27 November, to deepen discussions on how to strengthen the fight against HIV,” he said.
UNAIDS country director, Jacqueline Makokha, urged governments to prioritise policies and programmes that support girls to stay safe and avoid early sexual activity.
She said tackling gender-based violence, increasing public awareness and encouraging condom use were all critical in reducing HIV prevalence.
According to the latest commission data, 1,527,238 people in Uganda are living with HIV, with national prevalence standing at 4.9%.
