A recent Uganda population-based HIV impact assessment has revealed alarming rates of AIDS among the elderly population, with women having the highest percentage. According to Dr. Daniel Byamukama, the head of Prevention at Uganda Aids Commission, the assessment shows a prevalence of 7.2% among women and 4.3% among men. This corresponds to approximately 1.3 million adults living with HIV in Uganda.
Dr. Byamukama disclosed these findings during a press conference held on October 23, 2023 in preparation for the upcoming National HIV and AIDS Symposium scheduled for November. The survey also indicated that among adults aged 15 and older, the HIV prevalence was 5.8%.
“Of particular concern is the viral load among older adults, where women between the ages of 45 to 54 exhibited the highest rate at 93.5%, closely followed by men between the ages of 55 to 64 at 91.0%,” said Dr. Byamukama.
While progress has been made in Uganda’s treatment program, with over three-quarters of adults living with HIV having successfully suppressed viral loads, there are still challenges to overcome. Approximately 20% of individuals living with HIV remain unaware of their status, highlighting the need for increased awareness and testing efforts.
The preliminary results of the survey have shown encouraging progress towards achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment to have suppressed viral loads.
The National HIV and AIDS Symposium, set to take place from November 14th to 16th, 2023, at Kololo Independence Grounds, will bring together the Uganda Aids Commission, development allies, and stakeholders. The symposium will focus on the theme “My Responsibility Towards Ending AIDS by 2030,” emphasizing the role and individual contributions needed to combat this epidemic.
As Uganda continues its efforts to combat AIDS, addressing the high rates among the elderly population, particularly among women, will be crucial in achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.