The Ministry of Health has dismissed media reports suggesting a shortage of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in Uganda, calling them misleading and inaccurate.
The Ministry issued a statement in response to an article published by New Vision on 18th March 2025, titled “Panic as HIV Drug Supply Reduces”, which it says exaggerated the situation and caused unnecessary public anxiety.
According to the Ministry, “ARVs remain available and free in all public and Private Not-For-Profit (PNFP) health facilities.”
The drugs are distributed every two months through the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Joint Medical Stores (JMS) to over 2,000 health facilities.
Officials further assured the public that “over the past two years, there have been no reported stockouts of ARVs.”
The statement also addressed concerns regarding the impact of the ongoing United States Government executive order on re-evaluating foreign aid.
The Ministry clarified that “drug procurement remains unaffected despite the ongoing United States Government executive order on re-evaluating and realigning foreign aid.”
In an effort to improve healthcare delivery, the Ministry is shifting towards a patient-centered model that integrates HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Hypertension, and Diabetes services into routine outpatient care. This approach aims to enhance service efficiency and accessibility.
“A shift towards a patient-centered model is underway, integrating services for HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis B, Hypertension, and Diabetes into routine outpatient and chronic care services across all healthcare levels,” the statement read.
“This long-planned reform enhances service delivery and addresses inefficiencies in vertical health programs.”
Furthermore, Uganda’s local pharmaceutical industry continues to grow, with Quality Chemicals Uganda Limited in Luzira, Kampala, manufacturing WHO-prequalified ARVs and anti-malarial medicines for both local and international markets since 2023.
“Uganda’s local pharmaceutical sector is growing, with WHO-prequalified manufacturing at Quality Chemicals Uganda Limited in Luzira, Kampala.”
The Ministry urged media houses to exercise responsible journalism and verify facts before publishing health-related reports, emphasizing that misinformation could create unnecessary panic and hinder national efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“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.”
Additionally, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to HIV prevention and treatment services. Uganda has made significant progress in its HIV/AIDS response, with 1.4 million people currently receiving antiretroviral treatment and an 89% viral suppression rate.
“We reassure all Ugandans that HIV prevention and treatment services remain accessible and free nationwide. The Government of Uganda remains fully committed to ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, effective antiretroviral treatment.”
The Ministry called upon Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and stakeholders to continue supporting treatment literacy campaigns to promote adherence to ARV therapy.
“We also encourage CSOs to support treatment literacy campaigns to promote adherence and improve health outcomes for all people living with HIV.”
Dr. Charles Olaro, Acting Director General of Health Services, reiterated that the government remains fully committed to ensuring a steady supply of high-quality antiretroviral treatment and encouraged all people living with HIV to take advantage of these essential services.
