Save785 youths and KPs from new HIV infections

Summary

Truck drivers, fisherfolk, commercial sex workers, drug users, and adolescents/young people in Uganda continue to be at high risk for new HIV infections due to limited access to prevention services. Approximately 25% of new HIV infections occur among key populations (KPs) and their partners. HIV prevalence increases from 1.1% in young people aged 15–19 years to 3.3% in those aged 20–24 years. However, HIV testing rates are significantly lower in younger individuals: only 47.3% of those aged 15–19 years have ever tested for HIV, compared to 84.4% in the 20–24 age group.

The project aims to reduce new HIV infections among KPs and adolescents in Tororo and Busia Districts (bordering Uganda and Kenya) by 2026 through enhanced awareness, increased access to prevention services, and greater utilization of available resources. However, new infections are rising due to the suspension of USAID funding. This report covers the period from December 2025 to March 2026 and includes an overview of the project's results, challenges, and recommendations.

Project Results for the Quarter

• 92 KPs sensitized on HIV/AIDS prevention strategies
• 475 male condoms secured from the district and distributed to KPs and out-of-school adolescents
• 54 KPs and out-of-school adolescents received PrEP
• 18 KPs and out-of-school adolescents received PEP
• 72 KPs and out-of-school adolescents received HIV self-test kits
• 92 KPs and out-of-school adolescents received HIV testing services
• 7 new HIV-positive clients identified and enrolled in ART

Implementation Challenges

Several challenges continue to affect the target beneficiaries:

• Limited funding hindering effective project implementation
• A lack of lubricants for condom use
• Inadequate condom supply, with many KPs and adolescents purchasing them at high prices from the open market
• Low supply of self-test kits from the government, resulting in low uptake of self-testing
• High condom prices in border districts
• Inadequate HIV prevention services in border schools, where many adolescents live and are sexually active
• High loss to care and treatment among HIV-positive KPs, particularly truck drivers who travel long distances
• Many hotspot sites lack condom dispensers, and those that have them are old and need maintenance

Recommendations

To reduce new HIV infections in the border districts, it is essential to secure the support of sustainable partners due to the diverse cultural dynamics in the area. Continued partnership and funding are critical to the success of this project

Links:

• http//www.kado.or.ug