Clerics calls for increased govt funding in HIV fight after aid halt

A section of religious leaders in Uganda has sounded a warning to the government, urging it to reduce its reliance on foreign funding in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

This caution comes after the US government's recent aid freeze, which sent shockwaves through the health sector.

Rev Canon Gideon Byamugisha, speaking on behalf of the Friends of Canon Gideon Foundation, emphasized the risks of relying on foreign funding.

"Ending AIDS by 2030 will only remain on paper as most People living with HIV/AIDS may progress to AIDS if medication and the support system are not restored," he warned.

Nabweru county sheik, Mr Rajab Habib Kirya, echoed similar sentiment, stressing the need for increased domestic funding.

"Government should strive to ensure that we don’t lose the gains we have made in the fight against this disease... We should have the National Health Budget increased to 15% as per the Abuja Declaration."

The US aid freeze, which was triggered by President Donald Trump's executive order, had a significant impact on Uganda's HIV/AIDS programs. The Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was affected, leaving over 1.2 million people living with HIV uncertain about their treatment.

Although the US Secretary of State Mark Rubio later revised the aid freeze, sparing critical areas like HIV fight, religious leaders argue that it's not sustainable for Uganda to rely on foreign funding for critical sectors like health.

To address this, the leaders are calling for increased domestic funding, including raising the HIV budget funding to Ministry, Department, and Agencies (MDAs) from 0.1% to 0.5%. They also urge the government to invest in local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and to fast-track the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Ms Roseline Biingi Kawiso, chairperson of the Namirembe Diocese Mothers Union, highlighted the need for local production of ARVs and other HIV response-related commodities. "We have companies like CIPLA operating here, but we don't buy their pharmaceuticals. It's high time we incorporate such companies."

The Uganda Aids Commission's data supports the leaders' plea, showing that despite progress, the HIV epidemic remains severe in Uganda, with 200,000 people living with HIV remaining undiagnosed and not on treatment.

In response to the aid freeze, Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwiine assured that the government will prioritize critical areas and provide funding to ensure service provision is not affected. Finance junior minister Amos Lugolobi also stated that the government is working to alleviate the impact of the aid suspension.

However, the religious leaders' warning serves as a reminder that Uganda needs to diversify its funding sources and increase domestic investment in the fight against HIV/AIDS to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.