)
)
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has officially launched the Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) 2024/25, an important step in the country’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng, while launching the survey on Thursday, said it would serve as a vital baseline measurement as Uganda approaches its 2030 goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.
“This study stands as a critical baseline for our final stretch toward 2030. It is a measure of our resilience and a guide on the road to ending HIV/AIDS by 2030,” she said.
After experiencing delays due to disruptions, data collection for the survey is set to commence in early June 2025.
)
)
)
The study will involve over 14,000 participants aged 15 years and above from across Uganda.
In selected districts, children aged 10 to 14 will also be interviewed to gain insight into their health and risk factors.
The teams conducting the survey will provide home-based HIV testing, screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and immediate return of results with referrals to care where necessary.
Importantly, all survey materials have been translated into local languages to enhance accessibility.
Progress Made but Challenges Remain
Minister Aceng cited Uganda’s progress over the past decade, noting that adult HIV prevalence dropped from 7.2% in 2010 to 5.1% in 2023.
Among women, prevalence declined from 8.5% to 6.6%. AIDS-related deaths have also fallen dramatically, from 53,000 in 2010 to 20,000 in 2023—a 62% reduction.
These gains, she said, demonstrated the positive impact of sustained national commitment to HIV prevention and treatment.
Dr Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, pointed out that despite progress, HIV remains a significant challenge.
An estimated 1.49 million Ugandans currently live with the virus, and while many have been tested and started treatment, some key subpopulations remain undiagnosed.
Groups such as house helpers, bar attendants, massage parlour workers, garage workers, shop attendants, and out-of-school adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to their work and social circumstances.
Survey to Inform National and Global Efforts
The UPHIA survey will collect comprehensive data on access to preventive care and progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets—ensuring 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those treated achieve viral suppression.
Conducted every four to five years, this year’s study also includes a secondary assessment of elevated blood pressure, blood glucose, and obesity prevalence among the general population.
The survey is funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the CDC and supported by Makerere University and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).
“This survey offers household HIV testing and counselling conducted by trained personnel, with results returned directly to participants,” Dr Olaro added.
Call for Rigorous Data Collection
William Popp, the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, emphasised the importance of quality and integrity in data collection as survey teams prepare to go into the field.
“Your commitment to adhering to the protocols and training and ensuring the highest standards of data collection is crucial for enhancing the quality of the findings,” he said.