By Agnes Kiconco

KIU, Main Campus - Uganda today joins the rest of the world to celebrate World AIDS Day held under the theme “National Solidarity and a Shared Responsibility Towards Ending AIDS."

As we celebrate World AIDS Day, the Ministry of Health has on Twitter noted that our solidarity has enabled us achieve significantly in the fight against HIV since a decline in HIV infections from 100,000 in 2015 to 53,413 in 2019 has been recorded.

More to that, AIDS related deaths stood at 21,000 in 2019 compared to 65,000 in 2015 and HIV testing for pregnant mothers stands at 96% where as enrollment of HIV+ pregnant women stands at 95%.

"The number of Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) treatment facilities across the country stands at 2,015," the Ministry of Health tweeted.

In commemoration of this day, the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine advised citizens to protect each other to stay safe.

"Happy new month. Today 1st December, we commemorate the World Aids Day. Let's all protect each other to #StaySafe," tweeted Dr. Diana.

The Ministry of Health Director General Health Services also called upon his fellow men to take charge and protect themselves and their loved ones.

"Test for HIV and know your HIV status. We all need to be responsible to sustain the gains we have made as a country in the fight against HIV. This is my message to you as we honor World AIDS Day today," he tweeted.