Uganda Baati joins world to become beacon of hope to end HIV by 2030

KAMPALA – Uganda Baati Limited – UBL has joined the rest of the world to put emphasis on the mission to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030.

The move is part of UBL’s giving back to the community. Over the years, UBL has developed a systematic and structured approach to giving back to communities through sustainable CSR interventions.

In partnership with Uganda AIDS Commission, the UBL staff led by the Business Head, Mr. George Arodi, joined hands to commemorate the International Candle Light Day by symbolically lighting candles and launched a two-week-long medical camp through its Chandaria Medical Clinic that will offer free medical services to the public, that include HIV testing and counselling, Malaria testing, blood sugar/blood pressure testing, BMI (all health vital checks) and distribution of condoms.

Mr. George Arodi implored the staff of the company to offer care and be the ambassador in passing the message to end the stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV AIDS. He emphasized the need for enhanced HIV testing and medication for those already affected. With discipline in taking the prescribed medication and proper dieting, those with HIV AIDS are assured of living a normal life, he said.

Through the Uganda Baati-owned Chandaria Medical Clinic, the company commits to continue extending free medical services to those living with AIDS. The Company, through the clinic, will roll out more outreach activities through medical camps countrywide, with emphasis to the needy communities

In order to extend medical services to a wider population, Uganda Baati is opening up another medical clinic in Tororo. This additional presence in Tororo is expected to expand our base by over 60% from the current levels.

Key HIV statistics in Uganda

Over the last four decades, Uganda has made a lot of progress in bringing down the HIV/AIDS prevalence in the country from over 18% in the 1990s to around 5.5% to date.

The Uganda prevalence of HIV among adults (UPHIA) of reproductive age 15 to 49 years was 5.5 percent (7.1 percent among women and 3.8 percent among men) reflecting a slight decrease from 6.0 percent in UPHIA 2016-17.

In the entire UPHIA 2020 survey sample of adults aged 15 years and older, HIV prevalence was 5.8 percent (7.2 percent among women and 4.3 percent among men) corresponding to approximately 1.3 million adults living with HIV in Uganda.

The prevalence of HIV in adults 15 years and above was higher in urban areas (7.1 percent) than in rural areas (5.2 percent).

In addition, the magnitude of HIV prevalence varied considerably across the 11 geographic regions according to the UPHIA 2020, from a low of  2.1 percent in North East (Karamoja) region to 2.8 percent in West-Nile region; 4.2 percent in Mid-Eastern region; 4.2 percent in North East (Teso) region; 4.5 percent East Central (or Busoga region); 5.5 percent in Mid-Western region; 6.0 percent in Kampala; 6.2 percent in Central 2 (Greater Mubende, Luwero and Mukono) region; 6.3 percent in South Western region; 7.6 percent in Mid North region; and 8.1 percent in Central 1 region (greater Masaka).

HIV prevalence in all regions was lower in UPHIA 2020 compared to UPHIA 2016/17 except in mid-north and Central.