By Ojok Michael
A total of 1,670 people, aged 15 to 49, in Acholi sub region contracted HIV/AIDS in 2024, according to data released by the Uganda Aids Commission.
The date was released as Uganda marked World AIDS Day 2025 with a decline in HIV prevalence from 18% in the 1980s to 4.9%, and regional prevalence dropping from 2.8% to 1.4%
According to the data, Gulu City topped the list with 380 cases, Nwoya is second with 280 cases, Pader is third with 250 cases and Agago is fourth with 220 cases.
Others are Omoro district with 210 cases, Amuru district (190 cases), Kitgum district (180 cases) Gulu district (130 cases) and Lamwo district (110 cases).
The new infections brings the total number of people living with HIV/AIDS, aged between 15 and 49 in Acholi sub region to 88,750. This implies that the HIV prevalence rate in Acholi sub region, among the age group, is now at 7%, which is above the national prevalence rate which is at 4.9%.
Nationally, 37,000 new HIV infections were recorded in 2024, bringing the total number of persons living with HIV/AIDs to over 1.5 million, with 930,000 being female and 570,000 being male.
Victor Rwengabo, the Uganda Aids Commission Zonal Coordinator –Mid North in a statement attributes the high prevalence rate to low circumcision rates, polygamy and multiple sexual partners and transactional sex. Rwengabo adds that the other key drivers include poverty, alcohol, drug abuse, gender based violence and inadequate condom use among others.
This come when the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has urged the government to reintroduce the ABC model in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS among the young generation.
The ABC model, which stands for Abstain, Be faithful, and use Condoms, was a government strategy for HIV prevention, encouraging three main behavioral changes to reduce virus transmission.
