What Happened in Uganda?

HIV prevalence has declined significantly in Uganda. According to Ministry of Health data, prevalence among pregnant women has declined consistently since the early 1990s at almost all of the country's sentinel sites.

Published in 2002, this 17-page report provides insights into how Uganda has managed to so successfully control its HIV epidemic. The report is a synthesis of presentations made in February 2002 at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by researchers with long-term experience in HIV prevention in Africa.

The report details some of the epidemiological, socio-cultural, and political elements that these researchers identified as likely affecting the course of the epidemic. Impact data from USAID/Centers for Disease Control programmes in Uganda is provided, in addition to data from various surveys. The report concludes by suggesting that, for those hoping to replicate Uganda's progress, "a comprehensive behavior change-based strategy, ideally involving high level political commitment and a diverse spectrum of community-based participation" may be an effective strategy.

Click here to access the report in PDF format.