Uganda Sees 34,000 New HIV Cases in 2025, Young Women Most Affected
In 2025, Uganda reported 34,000 new HIV infections, with young women particularly impacted, making urgent interventions critical.
Uganda has reported approximately 34,000 new HIV infections for the year 2025. Despite a significant drop of 64% in new infections since 2010, the statistics reveal that young people aged 15 to 24 represent a disproportionate share, accounting for 38% of these cases.
Disproportionate Impact on Young Women
The data shows a stark difference in infection rates between genders, with young women comprising 77% of new cases among this age group. This translates to a male-to-female ratio of about one to four, highlighting the severe impact HIV has on adolescent girls and young women in Uganda.
Current Statistics and Prevalence Rates
According to figures released during a media briefing on November 3, around 1.567 million people are currently living with HIV in Uganda. This total includes approximately 1.496 million adults aged 15 and above, along with 71,000 children aged 14 and younger.
Women represent 66.3% of adults living with the virus, compared to 33.7% for men. The national HIV prevalence among individuals aged 15 and older stands at 5.9%. In the 15-49 age bracket, the prevalence is 5.5%, with women at 7.2% and men at 3.5%.
For the demographic of young people aged 15 to 24, HIV prevalence is reported at 1.5%. Within this group, girls have a higher rate of 2%, compared to 1% for boys.
Urban Challenges and Geographic Discrepancies
Mr. Tom Etii, Acting Director General of the Uganda AIDS Commission, pointed out that urban areas face ongoing challenges, particularly for adolescent girls and young women. He expressed concern over the rising prevalence in cities like Fort Portal, Mbarara, Soroti, and Lira, noting that in some cases, young women account for a staggering number of new infections.
In terms of regional disparities, the South Western region of Uganda has the highest HIV prevalence at 8%, followed closely by South Buganda at 7.3%, North Buganda at 7.2%, and Mid North at 6.8%. Conversely, Karamoja and West Nile regions report the lowest prevalence levels at 1.3% and 1.4%, respectively.
Key Populations and Transmission Rates
High-risk populations contribute to a significant portion of new HIV infections, accounting for approximately 55% to 70% of cases, or between 20,300 to 25,900 individuals. Certain groups, such as female sex workers (31%), fisherfolk (22-29%), and men who have sex with men (13%), experience notably higher prevalence rates.
Encouragingly, the transmission rate of HIV from mother to child has seen a significant decline of 78% since 2010, with about 4,400 new pediatric HIV cases expected in 2025. New maternal infections during pregnancy contribute significantly to this issue, underscoring the need for effective interventions.
Progress and Future Challenges
While Uganda has made significant advancements in HIV treatment and viral suppression, gaps remain in identifying individuals living with HIV, especially among children. Among adults diagnosed with HIV, 85.3% are aware of their status, with 99.1% of those receiving treatment achieving viral suppression.
For men and women, these numbers are similarly promising, yet the epidemic is becoming increasingly concentrated among women, young people, and urban populations. Concerns have also arisen regarding behavioral indicators such as increased sexual partnerships and rising instances of gender-based violence.
Despite setbacks due to financing issues, access to diagnosis and treatment remains strong. However, the report warns that without intensified prevention efforts, Uganda may miss its 2030 targets aimed at reducing new infections and related deaths by 90%.
Mr. Etii emphasized the critical need for targeted interventions focusing on the most affected populations, particularly adolescent girls and young women, as part of the strategy to curb new infections and meet future health goals.
The data compiled reflects a collaborative effort involving various organizations, including the Uganda AIDS Commission and the World Health Organisation, ensuring a thorough approach to tackling the epidemic.