The Ministry of Health has dismissed reports suggesting a shortage of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, assuring the public that supplies remain stable across all health facilities in Uganda.
In response to a March 18, 2025 article in New Vision titled “Panic as HIV Drug Supply Reduces,” the Ministry clarified that there have been no stockouts of ARVs in the past two years and that the government remains committed to uninterrupted HIV treatment services.
According to a statement released by Dr. Charles Olaro, Director Health Services at the Ministry, ARVs are available and free of charge at all public and Private Not-For-Profit (PNFP) health facilities.
Dr. Olaro clarifies that the government, through the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Joint Medical Stores (JMS), continues to distribute these essential medicines to over 2,000 health centers every two months.
Furthermore, he reassured the public that Uganda’s drug procurement processes remain unaffected despite the U.S. Government’s review of foreign aid policies.
Dr Olaro also revealed that Uganda is transitioning towards a patient-centered healthcare model, where HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis B, Hypertension, and Diabetes services will be integrated into routine outpatient care. This shift aims to improve efficiency and service delivery across all healthcare levels.
Highlighting Uganda’s growing pharmaceutical capacity, he pointed to Quality Chemicals Uganda Limited, which has been producing WHO-prequalified ARVs and anti-malarial drugs since 2023 for both local and international markets.
“Drug procurement remains unaffected despite the ongoing United States Government executive order on re-evaluating and realigning foreign aid. Uganda’s local pharmaceutical sector is growing, with WHO-prequalified manufacturing at Quality Chemicals Uganda Limited in Luzira, Kampala. Since 2023, the company has been producing ARVs and anti-malarial medicines for both local and international markets.” he wrote in the Statement
The Ministry of Health cautioned against misinformation, urging media houses to verify facts before publishing reports that could cause unnecessary fear and disrupt HIV/AIDS response efforts.
“The Ministry of Health calls upon media houses to uphold ethical reporting by verifying facts before publication. Misinformation on critical health matters can create unnecessary panic and hinder national HIV/AIDS response efforts. We urge responsible journalism that aligns with our shared goal of protecting public health.” he stated
Adding that : “Additionally, the Ministry remains committed to collaborating with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), People Living with HIV, and all stakeholders to ensure continuous. access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. We also encourage CSOs to support treatment literacy campaigns to promote adherence and improve health outcomes for all people living with HIV. ‘
He indicated that the government remains committed to ensuring continuous access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services, with 1.4 million Ugandans currently on ARVs and an 89% viral suppression rate.
The Donald Trump administration’s recent decision to significantly reduce foreign aid has severely impacted HIV/AIDS research and treatment programs across Africa. Notably, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), established in 2003, has faced substantial funding cuts, leading to the closure of health clinics and disruption of services.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned that eight countries Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Ukraine, are at risk of exhausting their HIV medication supplies due to these funding reductions. This shortage could result in millions of new HIV cases and deaths.
In South Africa, which has the highest number of HIV-positive individuals globally, the funding cuts have led to clinic closures, disrupted treatments, and job losses among healthcare workers. Experts predict that these cuts could lead to 500,000 deaths in South Africa over the next decade.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is considering terminating grants involving South Africa, which would further hinder HIV research efforts in the region. Researchers have criticized this potential move as “profoundly unethical,” emphasizing that infectious diseases do not respect borders.
