Epidemiology
Uganda was among the first hard hit countries. Superstitions and witchcraft characterized the initial response from communities amidst lack of clear government response to HIV/AIDS. Consequently, the epidemic progressed very fast to all parts of the country initially concentrating in urban and semi-urban centres.
By end of 1992, the national prevalence rate was estimated at 18.3% with some centres registering rates above 30%. This was followed by a period of steady decline in prevalence rates from the mid 1990s to 2000 to around 6%, attributed to favourable prevention policies. The country has since experienced stabilizing prevalence rates over the last four years with threats of increases in some parts of the country.
The 2004 National HIV/AIDS sero and behaviour survey by the Ministry of Health Surveillance Unit put the national adult prevalence rates at 6.4% which is within the expected range from estimates based on antenatal surveillance. The survey revealed regional, rural/urban, and gender variations in HIV prevalence. The Kampala, central, and North-central regions registered the highest infection rates at around 9% while the West Nile region was at 2.5%. Overall infection rates in urban areas were at 10.7% compared to 6.4% in rural areas while the infection rate amongst urban women was almost twice as high (13%) compared to women in rural areas at 7%.
Click here to view the Uganda Country Report from UNAIDS
National plans
Uganda AIDS Commission spearheads joint planning for and monitoring and evaluation of the national response. Key stakeholders are periodically brought together to identify key priority areas for the national program and for particular areas of the response. This enhances shared perspectives and focus on common problems, and promotes ownership of the national program by the various stakeholders.
Click on the link to download "The Revised National Strategic Framework for HIV/AIDS Activities in Uganda: 2003/04 – 2005/06"
AIDS Service Providers
Click here for an overview of the AIDS Service Providers in Uganda
