Stigma, Discrimination Impeding HIV Prevention Efforts

Summary:

• Uganda faces challenges of stigma and discrimination in combatting HIV/AIDS, hindering efforts to end the epidemic by 2030. Key stakeholders emphasize the importance of treatment adherence, collective action, and addressing societal barriers to achieve this goal.

As the international Candlelight Memorial Day approaches on May 17th, Uganda continues to grapple with stigma and discrimination towards individuals living with HIV and AIDS, posing a significant challenge to achieving the goal of ending HIV by 2030. Sarah Nakku, the Country Community Mobilisation and Networking Adviser at UNAIDS, emphasized the impact of this issue during a press briefing at the government-owned media center in Kampala. She highlighted the global decrease in AIDS-related deaths from 41 million to 1.3 million, with Uganda accounting for 17,000 of these fatalities. Nakku stressed the importance of ensuring access to treatment for all individuals living with HIV to effectively combat the epidemic within the next six years.

Despite progress in reducing HIV-related deaths, Nakku expressed concerns about the rising levels of stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with HIV/AIDS and marginalized groups in Uganda. Addressing these societal barriers is crucial for the country to meet its target of ending HIV by 2030. Nakku pointed out the significance of treatment adherence, particularly among young people and adolescents, as a key strategy in the fight against HIV.

State Minister for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, urged men to take a leading role in the campaign to end HIV by 2030, citing their economic empowerment as an advantage. He called upon all government ministries, departments, and agencies to prioritize HIV as a key policy area in their interventions. Kyofatogabye commended the Ministry of Finance for mandating a 0.1 percent allocation for HIV interventions across government institutions.

Dr. Daniel Byamukama, head of the HIV prevention division at the Uganda Aids Commission, emphasized the collective responsibility of individuals in working towards the goal of ending the disease by 2030. He encouraged active participation from all sectors of society and cautioned against complacency or self-sabotage in achieving Uganda’s national commitment to eliminate HIV.

Sharing his personal experience of living with HIV/AIDS for over 35 years, Dr. Steven Watiti highlighted the detrimental impact of stigma and lack of knowledge on treatment adherence. Watiti emphasized the importance of commemorating the Candlelight Memorial Day to honor those who have lost their lives to AIDS and reiterated the potential to end the epidemic through proper medication adherence and achieving an undetectable viral load to prevent transmission.

The Candlelight Memorial Day serves as a solemn occasion to remember those who have succumbed to HIV/AIDS, with candlelight vigils and ceremonies held to raise awareness and demonstrate solidarity with individuals affected by the disease. It stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to combat stigma, improve access to treatment, and ultimately put an end to HIV by 2030.