HEALTH
The Ministry of Health has dismissed claims of a shortage in antiretroviral (ARV) drugs as reported in a recent article published by the New Vision newspaper on March 18, 2025. The publication, titled “Panic as HIV Drug Supply Reduces,” has been described by the Ministry as misleading and exaggerated, fostering unnecessary fear within the public.
In an official statement, the Ministry assured Ugandans that ARVs remain readily available and free of charge at all public and Private Not-For-Profit (PNFP) health facilities. Over 2,000 health centers across the country are regularly supplied with ARVs every two months through the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Joint Medical Stores (JMS). Notably, no stockouts have been reported in the past two years.
Contrary to concerns about the United States Government’s executive order on foreign aid re-evaluation, the Ministry emphasized that ARV procurement continues unimpeded. Furthermore, a transformative, patient-centered healthcare model is being introduced to integrate treatment for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hypertension, and diabetes into routine outpatient and chronic care services. This effort is aimed at boosting service delivery while addressing inefficiencies in siloed healthcare programs.
Uganda’s local pharmaceutical sector has also shown significant progress. Quality Chemicals Uganda Limited, based in Luzira, Kampala, has been manufacturing WHO-prequalified ARVs and anti-malarial drugs since 2023, meeting both domestic and international demands.
The Ministry urged media outlets to uphold ethical reporting standards by verifying facts before publishing, stressing that misinformation on critical health issues undermines national HIV/AIDS response efforts. Collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and individuals living with HIV continues to be a priority, with a focus on education campaigns that promote treatment adherence.
The statement reassured the public of the Government’s unwavering commitment to accessible and free HIV prevention and treatment services. Under the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan 2020/21-2024/25, 1.4 million Ugandans are currently on ARV treatment, with an impressive 89% achieving viral suppression.
The Ministry called for calm and trust in its ability to safeguard the health and well-being of all citizens, affirming its dedication to a steady supply of high-quality ARVs nationwide.
