The HIV/AIDS prevalence in Omoro District continues to worry leaders, with a new report from the Uganda AIDS Commission showing an 8% infection rate — higher than the 7% recorded across the Acholi subregion and almost double Uganda’s national prevalence of 4.5%.
According to the report, Omoro registered 210 new HIV infections last year. All the newly diagnosed individuals were enrolled on treatment at 29 health facilities across the district. One AIDS-related death was recorded, attributed to failure to take antiretroviral drugs.
Presenting the findings during Omoro’s World AIDS Day commemoration held Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Opit Primary School, Victor Rwengabo from the Uganda AIDS Commission said Uganda is struggling to prevent new HIV infections by 2030 because transmission remains “unacceptably high.”
He noted that 1.5 million Ugandans are living with HIV, with 1.3 million currently on treatment.
The country has made significant progress — reducing HIV prevalence to 4.9% and cutting annual new infections from 94,000 in 2010 to 37,000 in 2024. AIDS-related deaths have also dropped from 54,000 to 20,000 over the same period.
However, challenges persist, especially for women, who account for 930,000 of all infections, compared with 570,000 among men. Young women aged 15–24 remain particularly vulnerable, making up 78% of new infections among adolescents.
Jackson Okello, chairperson of the Omoro District Network of People Living With HIV, said domestic violence, male dominance, and lack of women’s bargaining power in condom use or HIV testing continue to fuel new infections. He cited traditional practices such as widow inheritance, polygamy, and cleansing rituals as additional risks.
“Fear of stigma and discrimination also stops many people from testing, starting treatment, or disclosing their status,” he said.
He added that high alcohol consumption and substance abuse contribute to risky sexual behaviour.
“These factors are interconnected and require a comprehensive approach to address the HIV epidemic in Uganda,” Okello said.
Assistant District Health Officer Mary Ladong Atim echoed these concerns, noting that sex accounts for 76% of new HIV infections, with multiple sexual partners and low condom use still common in Omoro.
Chief Administrative Officer Donato Olam Oola said the district is committed to supporting national efforts to end new infections by 2030.
“Omoro is preparing a supplementary budget of 1.5% to support HIV surveillance teams because they are currently inactive due to financial challenges,” he said.
