Soroti City authorities have pledged to intensify HIV testing and prevention after the city's HIV prevalence rose from 11.6 percent to 12.4 percent. This significant increase is nearly three times Uganda's reported national prevalence of 4.7 percent. The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) says the increase requires locally targeted interventions to identify the factors driving new infections and prevent Soroti from undermining Uganda's efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The figures were presented by UAC officials during a stakeholder engagement meeting at TASO Soroti Hall on Wednesday, September 17. The meeting brought together city leaders, health workers, and other stakeholders to support Soroti City Council in integrating HIV interventions into its programmes and budget for the 2027/28 financial year. Charles Otai, a UAC official, emphasized the need for specific interventions tailored to Soroti's unique situation.
According to Otai, the city needs to establish the specific factors contributing to its high HIV burden rather than relying on general interventions. He stressed that local leaders, health workers, cultural and religious leaders, young people, and development partners should work together to identify the drivers of new infections. Otai warned that areas with high HIV burdens could slow the country's progress towards ending AIDS by 2030 if not addressed.
Soroti City East Mayor Abdul Latif attributed part of the challenge to Soroti's growing population and its role as a commercial hub that attracts people from across the region. He noted that the concentration of commercial activity, including bars and clubs, particularly in Soroti City East, requires the city to strengthen HIV prevention among different population groups. Latif pledged to push for funding for HIV interventions in the next financial year.
The AIDS Information Centre (AIC) will work with the city to expand HIV testing and sensitization. AIC teams will begin community-based HIV testing in October, targeting wards across the city. Ochogia Abdallah, an advocacy and communications specialist at AIC Uganda, encouraged residents to test regularly, know their HIV status, and use condoms correctly and consistently. He also promoted professional guidance on HIV prevention options such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
AIC currently supports HIV services in 112 government health facilities in the Teso region, working with the Ministry of Health, local governments, and health facilities on prevention, testing, treatment, and care. The organization also supports laboratory services in seven health facilities in the region, including Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. Abdallah called for more open discussions about HIV, sexual health, and prevention to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek services.
UAC officials emphasized that Soroti's response should be based on local evidence identifying the populations, behaviors, and circumstances contributing to new infections. Stakeholders urged residents, particularly young people, to use available HIV testing and prevention services at facilities including Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Kichinjaji Health Centre III, and other nearby health facilities.
Key points
- Soroti City's HIV prevalence has increased to 12.4%, nearly three times Uganda's national average.
- Authorities plan to intensify HIV testing and prevention efforts in Soroti City.
- Locally targeted interventions are required to identify and address the factors driving new infections in Soroti City.
