In a joint effort to curb HIV prevalence, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has launched an HIV self-testing awareness campaign in partnership with Wondfo, KCCA, and Microbio.
The campaign, which kicked off on Friday, began with a focus on boda boda riders in the Central and Nakawa divisions of Kampala City, starting with Mengo Kisenyi’s Musajja Alumbwa Zone, where free HIV self-testing kits were distributed.
The initiative not only provided self-testing kits to boda boda riders but also offered counseling and awareness support, emphasizing the importance of knowing one’s HIV status.
Jackson Kadumye, Senior Communications Officer at the Ministry of Health, stressed the timeliness of the campaign, noting that HIV prevalence in Kampala remains high at 7.4%, above the national rate of 5.1%.
“This campaign is intended to make HIV testing more accessible,” Kadumye said. “We encourage Kampala residents to embrace this initiative and take charge of their health.”
Kadumye added that while the campaign currently focuses on boda boda riders, it aims to reach a broader population, as this group is among those at higher risk. “Boda boda riders are in a unique position to lead this awareness drive and spread the message to other citizens,” he emphasized.
Marvin Lubega, Technical Advisor at Wondfo Biotech Company Uganda, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the partnership aims to help people learn their status and, if needed, access timely treatment.
“With World AIDS Day goals for 2025 on the horizon, we aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status,” he said.
Statistics indicate that Uganda has one of the highest rates of HIV infections among adolescents and young people in Eastern and Southern Africa. Currently, approximately 1.49 million people in Uganda are living with HIV, with 92% aware of their status and over 90% receiving lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ARVs).
The campaign also reached Nakawa Market, where teams provided additional counseling and awareness support to market vendors. Siraje Mutyaba, Chairman of the Kampala Boda Boda Association, urged his fellow riders to support the initiative and encouraged them to limit sexual networks, as this is a key factor in HIV transmission.
The Ministry of Health’s collaboration with Wondfo highlights a critical step in Uganda’s efforts to meet global targets, promote health, and reduce HIV infection rates across the country.
