HIV Advocates Working In A Desperate State Amid Funding Crisis
HIV advocates have urgently appealed to the Ugandan Parliament to approve emergency funds of over 2 billion shillings to address the significant funding gap created by the withdrawal of financial support from HIV/AIDS agencies by the United States. They are also requesting an additional 300 million shillings to ensure continued service delivery for people living with HIV/AIDS, a service previously funded by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Impact of US Aid Withdrawal on HIV/AIDS Services
During a meeting at Parliament with the Parliamentary Health Committee, it was revealed that the suspension of U.S. aid, initiated during President Donald Trump's administration, has affected Uganda's HIV/AIDS response. Funding from PEPFAR previously supported the payment of 4,333 clinical workers across 2,000 areas and 16,690 community health workers and lay workers in over 2,000 health facilities countrywide.
Dr. Vincent Bagambe, Director of Planning and Strategic Information at the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC), highlighted the critical need for over 300 million shillings to continue the functions previously funded by PEPFAR.
Advocates Urge Parliament to Act
HIV advocates, represented by Flavia Kyomukama, Executive Director of the Action Group for Health, Human Rights and HIV/AIDS (AGHA) Uganda, urged Parliament to urgently approve the requested emergency funds. They emphasized the necessity of bridging the funding gap to prevent disruption in HIV care programs and protect the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV/AIDS.
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Parliamentary Response and Concerns
Members of Parliament acknowledged the need for emergency funding but expressed concerns over the continued disbursement of funds to unworthy investments and the prevalence of corruption that undermines the country's development efforts.
The withdrawal of U.S. funds continues to cause significant disruption and uncertainty for HIV care programs in Uganda, emphasizing the urgent need for a sustainable funding solution.
Call to Action
The advocates are calling for swift parliamentary action to approve the necessary funds, ensuring continuity of essential HIV/AIDS services and safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations across the country.