KAMPALA, UGANDA – Uganda’s fight against HIV is broadening its focus beyond treatment to aggressively champion a combination of prevention methods, including condoms and the latest PrEP innovations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The strategic shift was announced by the Head of HIV Prevention at the Uganda AIDS Commission, Dr. Daniel Byamukama, during a media engagement ahead of the high-profile 2025 National HIV and AIDS Symposium.
The symposium will be hosted by Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) from November 26 to 28, 2025.
The event is strategically located in Mbarara, the heart of the region with the country’s highest HIV prevalence, to bring critical attention to the area most in need.
Under the theme, “Building a Sustainable HIV Response to End AIDS as a Public Health Threat by 2030,” discussions will focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of HIV prevention, treatment, and care programs.
Dr. Daniel Byamukama announced a major shift in strategy, stating the fight can no longer rely on treatment alone and must broaden to include condoms and new PrEP innovations.
“We can’t rely on HIV treatment alone. That’s why we’re broadening our focus to include condoms and the latest PrEP innovations. There’s no single solution to reducing HIV, so we must use every available tool in our arsenal,” he stated.
Pioneering a “whole toolbox” approach, officials are bringing experts and resources directly to the front lines, recognizing that no single solution can end the HIV epidemic.
Dr. Byamukama further declared that ending AIDS demands a unified national effort, emphatically stating that the fight against HIV is “not a solo endeavor” for any single group or sector.
He also highlighted a critical disparity in vulnerability, noting that while men and women engage in equally risky behaviors, women often face greater danger due to their male partners’ actions.
“When we assess behaviors that increase susceptibility to HIV, we see that both men and women are at equal risk. Unfortunately, women are often more vulnerable due to their male partners’ behaviors,” Byamukama explained.
The symposium will build momentum for the national World AIDS Day in Bushenyi, with President Museveni’s expected attendance as Chief Guest underscoring the national commitment to the 2030 goal.
The urgency of this renewed strategy is underscored by current statistics: in Uganda, 1.4 million people live with HIV, with 52,000 new infections and 17,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded annually.
Despite these challenges, the nation is nearing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target, with 94% of people knowing their status, 90% on treatment, and 96% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.
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