Summary:
- The Uganda Aids Commission plans to distribute over 30 million condoms during the festive season to combat a high number of new HIV infections, with efforts focused on targeting hotspots and addressing vulnerabilities among adolescent girls and young women.
The Uganda Aids Commission (UAC), on behalf of the government, has declared its intention to distribute over 30 million condoms during the festive season across the nation’s 14,000 hotspots where risky sexual activities are prevalent.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Thursday, Dr. Daniel Byamukama, the head of HIV prevention at UAC, disclosed that last year witnessed a concerning 52,000 new HIV infections, a figure deemed unacceptably high in light of the country’s goal to eliminate AIDS by 2030.
Dr. Byamukama assured the public of an ample condom supply, citing a stockpile of more than 450 million condoms, with an additional allocation of close to 30 million for the festive season, strategically distributed nationwide.
He urged the population, particularly the youth, to either practice abstinence or utilize condoms for those unable to exercise self-control. Recognizing the heightened risk during the festive season, characterized by increased sexual activity, multiple partners, alcohol consumption impairing judgment, Dr. Byamukama emphasized the importance of HIV prevention messaging.
The UAC, in its efforts to curb viral transmission, has undertaken the mapping of high-risk hotspots, including bars, hotels, and key trading centers. This year’s condom distribution totaled 141 million, a decrease from the 189 million distributed in the previous year.
The UAC officials clarified that the condom distribution campaign aims to combat new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, which have shown a plateau in the last four years, as per the Annual Joint AIDS Review Report 2022/23. Despite a declining trend in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths from the 2019/20 baseline, there has been stagnation between 2021/22 and 2022/23, necessitating intensified efforts for epidemic control.
The report also highlighted a reduction in HIV prevalence among the adult population (15-49 years) to 5.1% by 2022, emphasizing the disproportionate burden on adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), who contribute 36% of new infections in adults aged 15 to 49 years.
Dr. Vincent Bagambe, the Director of Planning and Strategic Information at UAC, attributed the poor HIV indicators among young girls and women to vulnerability, suggesting that empowering and educating them about HIV transmission is crucial for protection.
Reporting by Daily Express Uganda, Editing by Busiinge Aggrey
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