US Aid Freeze Leaves Uganda’s HIV Treatment in Jeopardy

Kampala, Uganda – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has revealed that the Cabinet will discuss the whopping Shs480Bn financial gap left by the US government’s freeze on aid for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in Uganda.

This revelation came in response to concerns raised by Dr. Byakatonda Abdulhu, Workers MP, who sought answers on how the government plans to address the impact of the USAID funding freeze on the 1.4 million Ugandans relying on HIV treatment.

Byakatonda emphasized the need for immediate measures to mitigate the effects of the funding freeze and ensure uninterrupted HIV treatment.

“What immediate measures will government take to mitigate the U.S funding freeze impact and ensure HIV treatment for 1.4 million Ugandans? What strategies are in place to prevent job losses among 12,551 Community Health Workers?” asked Byakatonda.

He also questioned the government’s commitment to allocating 15% of the national budget to health, as per the Abuja Declaration, considering the current allocation stands at only 6.5%.

Furthermore, Byakatonda suggested establishing an Emergency HIV Response Task Force to mobilize alternative funding sources and sustain HIV services.

“Uganda allocates only 6.5% of its national budget to health. When will the government fulfill its Abuja Declaration commitment to increase health funding to 15%? Additionally, will the government consider establishing an Emergency HIV Response Task Force and locally manufacturing essential supplies?” Byakatonda Added.

He also inquired about the government’s strategy to locally manufacture essential supplies and prevent job losses among the 12,551 Community Health Workers whose roles are at risk due to the withdrawal of US support.

In response, Nabbanja acknowledged the significant impact of the USAID funding suspension on Uganda’s HIV/AIDS programs.

To address this crisis, she stated that an additional Shs480Bn is required to bridge the funding gap and sustain essential services.

She added that the Ministry of Health is preparing a Cabinet Memorandum to brief the Cabinet on this issue and acquire guidance on sourcing resources to bridge the funding gaps.

“USAID funding suspension has severely impacted Uganda’s HIV/AIDS programs. To address this, Shs480Bn is needed to bridge the funding gap. The Ministry of Health is preparing a Cabinet Memorandum to address this issue and mobilize resources to ensure continuity of HIV/AIDS interventions,” said Nabbanja.

The government is also engaging with international and local stakeholders to mobilize resources and ensure the continuity of HIV/AIDS interventions.