Mbarara, Uganda – The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has convened a meeting to follow up on the HIV and AIDS research agenda in the Ankole and Kigezi regions.
The engagement hosted at Mbarara University’s Pharm-biotechnology and Traditional Medicines Centre (PHARMBIOTRAC), on Tuesday May 6 2025 brought together stakeholders to discuss the current state of HIV and AIDS care and treatment.
A team of UAC delegation led by Dr. Ruth Ssenyonyi, the Board Chairperson, along with Dr. Dan Byamukama, the Head of HIV Prevention, and Dr. Stephen Asiimwe, the Prevention Officer were welcomed by the Vice Chancellor of MUST, Prof. Pauline Byakika.
During her remarks, Prof. Byakika appreciated the efforts made towards research strengthening and encouraged the UAC delegation to increase communication messages to the community, focusing on prevention.
The MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline further emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
The meeting extensively discussed options for the care and treatment of persons living with HIV and AIDS, with participants suggesting that a review of the current package for care and treatment is urgently needed.
The discussion also touched on proposed fellowships to support graduate students in HIV/AIDS research, aiming to generate more locally grown solutions through relevant research questions.
The meeting was attended by researchers from MUST and Bishop Stuart University, District Health Officers from Mbarara, Rubanda, and Buhweju, biostatisticians from Kanungu, Mbarara, and Kabale, and health officials from the western region of Uganda.