Uganda Cuts AIDS Deaths by 64% in Fourteen Years

Uganda has achieved a significant public health milestone, reducing AIDS-related deaths by 64 percent between 2010 and 2024. Annual deaths have dropped from 56,000 to 20,000, and new HIV infections have fallen from 96,000 to 37,000 during the same period. In addition, 96 percent of Ugandans receiving antiretroviral treatment now have the virus under control.

Progress Toward Epidemic Control

The Uganda AIDS Commission reports that the country is approaching the global UNAIDS target of 95-95-95, aimed at controlling the HIV epidemic. According to the latest national figures, 94 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 90 percent are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 96 percent of those on treatment have successfully suppressed the virus.

Over 1.4 million Ugandans currently receive ART medication. Presenting the findings to the Parliamentary Committee on HIV/AIDS on October 15, 2025, Tom Etti, Director for Partnership at the Uganda AIDS Commission, said the country’s efforts reflect years of commitment under the Presidential Fast-Track Initiative.

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Uneven Regional Progress

HIV infection and treatment rates in Uganda remain unevenly distributed across regions. Wakiso District records the highest number of people living with HIV—about 180,300—along with 3,950 new infections in the year ending December 2024. Kampala follows with 73,600 people living with HIV and 1,840 new infections.

Other districts showing high case numbers include Buikwe with 30,100 people living with HIV, Mukono with 26,800, Luwero with 25,000, and Mubende with 24,000. Certain areas also report high HIV prevalence among adults: Fort Portal City at 14 percent, Kyotera at 13 percent, and both Kalangala and Soroti City at 12 percent.

Etti noted that while the national trend shows steady improvement, localized disparities continue to challenge Uganda’s ability to fully achieve epidemic control.

Domestic Financing and Donor Independence

The Uganda AIDS Commission has introduced a plan to reduce donor dependence by mobilizing domestic resources. The new framework proposes that by 2027, at least 60 percent of non-commodity HIV program costs will be financed locally, and by 2030, 80 percent of recurrent costs will come from domestic sources.

The strategy involves expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme and exploring new instruments such as health bonds. This shift aligns with Uganda’s goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through increased financial sustainability and self-reliance.

Women and Children Most at Risk

Despite the remarkable reduction in AIDS deaths, young women and children remain vulnerable. In 2024 alone, 4,700 children aged 0–14 contracted HIV. Of the total 37,000 new infections reported, 21,000 were among young women and 11,000 among young men.

Sarah Kayagi, chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on HIV/AIDS, highlighted that twice as many young women are infected compared to men. Etti added that mother-to-child transmission still demands urgent attention, particularly in districts with limited access to antenatal care and early ART for expectant mothers.

The Uganda AIDS Commission continues to strengthen prevention programs for young people and improve healthcare delivery for pregnant women to curb new infections.

The Path Ahead

Uganda’s 64 percent reduction in AIDS deaths demonstrates strong national coordination, effective treatment delivery, and widespread community awareness. With sustained effort and increased domestic funding, the country stands within reach of full epidemic control.

If current trends continue, Uganda could become one of Africa’s success stories in eradicating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030—showcasing how policy, science, and determination can transform national health outcomes.