USAID/ICARE

According to the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) HIV facts sheet of 2021, there has been an increase in the number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) from 1.2 million to 1.4 million. This increase can be attributed to improved new case finding, care, and treatment services. The Ministry of Health (MOH) report of 2020 indicates that the HIV prevalence among individuals aged 15-49 is estimated to be 5.4%, with females at 6.8% and males at 3.9%.

In the USAID/ICARE Activity districts, the average prevalence rate is 2.9%, with Namayingo having the highest rate at 6.9% and Bugweri having the lowest rate at 2.3%. Among children, the HIV prevalence is 0.5%, which corresponds to approximately 100,000 children aged 0-14 living with HIV. Alarmingly, only 54.3% of HIV-positive children are receiving treatment, and the viral load suppression (VLS) among children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) stands at 24.9%. Furthermore, there have been 5,500 HIV-related deaths among children aged 0-14.

While the UNAIDS target for VLS is 95%, the overall prevalence of VLS among HIV-positive adults in Uganda is 59.6%, with the East-Central region having the lowest rate at 48.8%. These statistics highlight the significant gaps in service delivery and unmet needs within the HIV/AIDS response in Uganda.

In response to these challenges, MUCOBADI has developed an activity to address the aforementioned unmet needs and service delivery gaps. This initiative aims to improve the quality and accessibility of HIV/AIDS services in Uganda, focusing on areas with the highest prevalence rates and the greatest need for intervention.

• ICARE targeted 23,216 OVC (0-17 Years) with comprehensive services and has attained a 94% performance. Of 94% (21,742) served, 75.2% (16,343) are children (0-17 years) while 24.8% (5,399) are primary caregivers.

• Of the 5,399 households served, 1,534 (28%) attended sessions on safe water and hygiene practices during home visits by community health workers,792 households were supported to establish standard washing facilities and 127 were reached with SBCC messages on WASH.

• Over this period, ICARE is implementing memorandum of understanding action plans with 04 USAID funded partners; LPHS/MJAP, LSDA/UPMB, G2G/JRRH, RHITES_EC and ICYD working in 94 health facilities and schools respectively which has contributed to improved service provision to target beneficiaries.

• 11,622 OVC caregivers benefitted from nutritional education at household level.

• 1,623, OVC (<5 years) were supported to access immunization services through outreaches and referrals.

•  4,898 (47%) were supported with education and development services, ranging from scholastic/reading materials, monitoring their attendance and supporting them to re-enrol into schools.  Of the 4,898 who received education and development services, 25% were females and 22% were males

• Linked 232 OVC to USAID/ICYD for Work readiness training (Life skilling) targeting out of school Adolescent Mothers and Youth.

• ICARE supported establishment of 127 ECD groups benefitting 751 children (0-6 years). So far 62% (465) children and their caregiver pairs have completed ECD training on a number of issues including HIV prevention, child growth and development, nutrition, among other issues.

• 1,238 HIV negative Adolescents were enrolled in 273 journeys plus clubs, 496 completed the curriculum and currently report better understanding of the violence prevention and response.