Uganda needs over Shs1 trillion annually to sustain HIV treatment ‎

‎ Uganda requires more than Shs1 trillion annually to sustain treatment for the 1.5 million people living with HIV, the Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission, Dr Nelson Musoba, has said.

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‎Dr Musoba noted that the funding gap remains a major concern, particularly as the country works towards reducing reliance on international support.

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‎He made the remarks during the Uganda AIDS Marathon 2026 stakeholders’ engagement held at Protea Hotel in Kampala.

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‎Dr Musoba warned that Uganda risks facing a heavier HIV burden if new infections are not significantly reduced.

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‎“We must intensify prevention efforts; otherwise, the number of people requiring treatment will continue to rise,” he said.

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‎He added that the increasing rate of infections among young people could undermine the country’s Vision 2040 targets.

‎“Over 90 percent of new infections are among adolescents. This will make it difficult for young people to contribute meaningfully to Vision 2040 if they are not healthy,” he said.

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‎Stakeholders at the meeting emphasised the need for Uganda to progressively finance its HIV response, calling for collective responsibility from government, communities, and individuals.

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‎Dr Musoba also urged the public to embrace new HIV prevention technologies, including the injectable drug Lenacapavir.

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‎“This new injectable prevention, Lenacapavir, is not a vaccine but an antiretroviral drug that is highly effective when properly used,” he said.

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‎The engagement aimed at discussing the national perspective and strategic direction of the Uganda AIDS Marathon, strengthening private sector involvement, mobilising resources, and advocating for policy and leadership shifts towards ending AIDS by 2030.

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‎The Uganda AIDS Marathon, scheduled for November 29, 2026, will target young people across ten high-risk districts, from Fort Portal to Arua, as part of efforts to raise awareness and reduce new infections.