Uganda is facing a major setback in its fight against HIV/AIDS Due to the executive order of US President Donald Trump that froze support for National HIV Response in Uganda. 21,023 employees working in HIV/AIDS clinics are no longer employed, and condom distribution has come to a halt.
Uganda Aids Commission and other agencies want the government to secure UGX 300 billion to fill the gap.
The Uganda Aids Commission, led by Dr. Nelson Musooba, met with the parliamentary health committee to discuss the crisis. They expressed shock and concern, despite assurances from US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio that AIDS efforts wouldn’t be affected by President Donald Trump’s orders.
The Uganda Aids Commission has revealed that the country spends approximately UGX 1.928 trillion annually on HIV/AIDS efforts, with UGX 1 trillion allocated for medicines. However, the remaining UGX 928 billion, previously supported by the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAAR) and the Global Fund, is now uncertain due to the suspension of US aid.
The commission’s head, Dr. Nelson Musooba, expressed concerns about the impact of the funding gap on condom distribution and HIV/AIDS treatment. Uganda has over 1.5 million people living with HIV, with 90% on treatment and over 200,000 unaware of their status.
The suspension of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAAR) has left a significant gap in funding, with UGX 340 billion previously allocated for HIV/AIDS efforts in Uganda.
Flavia Kyomukama, one of the leaders of HIV/AIDS volunteers, said what happened was a death trap handed to HIV Patients.
The AIDS fighters are now urging the government to secure UGX 300 billion to fill the gap left by the US. With over 1.5 million people living with HIV in Uganda, the need for urgent action is paramount.
