A new multi-agency initiative has been launched in Soroti City to curb rising HIV infections, with a focus on adolescents and young people amid growing concern over high transmission rates.
The intervention, led by the Ministry of Health Uganda, the Uganda AIDS Commission and The AIDS Support Organisation, targets adolescent girls and young women aged 10 to 24, who remain the most affected group.
Recent data show Soroti as an HIV hotspot, with prevalence estimated at 11.3%, more than double the national average of 4.9%, raising concerns about further spread without urgent intervention.
Speaking at an orientation meeting, Soroti City HIV focal person Isaac Ekelot said that although prevalence has declined slightly over time, infection rates remain high among vulnerable populations. He said a structured action plan will guide implementation from city level down to divisions, wards and six town councils to ensure a coordinated response.
The first phase will focus on training stakeholders and profiling young people to better understand risk levels and tailor interventions. Services will include HIV testing, sexual and reproductive health education and prevention tools such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Ekelot urged young people to take responsibility for their health by knowing their partners’ HIV status, using condoms consistently and delaying sexual activity where possible.
Dr. Maureen Kwikiriza of the Uganda AIDS Commission said the initiative aligns with the national goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030 through a coordinated, multisectoral approach.
She said the strategy brings together stakeholders from health, education, community leadership, law enforcement, and cultural and religious institutions, with local authorities leading implementation. Strengthening existing community systems, including Village Health Teams, will be key to sustainability, she added.
Supported by TASO in partnership with the Global Fund, the pilot will be implemented in Soroti City and Namayingo District, with lessons expected to inform a national scale-up.
Health officials say the focus on coordination, local ownership and targeted services could help reduce new infections and improve outcomes for young people in high-burden areas.
