Uganda has failed to achieve the 95-95-95 target for 2025 in the fight against the HIV/AIDS scourge in the country.

In the year 2000, the Government set a triple 95-95-95 target to ensure that by the year 2025 HIV/AIDS infections would have reduced but according to the latest reports only one 95 has been achieved.

According to the UNAIDS target, by 2025, 95% of the people with HIV should know their cero status, 95% of the people diagnosed with HIV infection would be enrolled on treatment and 95% of all people receiving Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) would have viral load suppression.

While speaking to the press at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the acting Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), Vincent Bagambe said the failure to achieve the 95% of ensuring that by 2025 there are no new infections is because of the increase in new infections especially among the new born babies which is at 4,700 and out of the 95% target they are at 92%.

He also revealed that the target 95% of ensuring that those diagnosed with HIV are on treatment, the report compiled in 2023 shows that it stands at 90%.

Bagambe attributes the failure by pregnant girls and women to get early antenatal care leads to increased transmission of the virus as well as the negligence of some mothers on ART treatment to ensure routine care after birth.

He however explains that the only 95% achieved so far is for viral load suppression.

He noted that Rwanda is the only neighbouring country that has achieved this target with other countries like; Kenya and Tanzania have not achieved the target although their score is higher than Uganda.

He disclosed this ahead of the National HIV/AIDS Symposium 2024 slated for November 3rd this year in Kampala under the theme; “Accelerating Interventions to End HIV/AIDS by 2030”.

By Olivia Nabaggala

23 Oct 2024

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