Poverty, Stigma Impede HIV, TB Service Access in Uganda - EOC Report

Efforts to control HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda are being hampered by deep-seated issues of poverty, stigma, and geographical distance, according to a recent human rights and equity assessment by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

The EOC’s findings, presented at a dialogue in Kampala, highlight that vulnerable groups consistently struggle to access healthcare, remain on treatment, and attend crucial medical appointments. These challenges extend beyond the mere availability of medication, delving into the social and economic conditions that dictate a person’s ability to seek and maintain treatment.

Julius Kamya, an EOC commissioner, stressed that for effective epidemic control, health services must be universally accessible, irrespective of an individual’s location, age, gender, disability, or economic status. “Everybody must be able, regardless of their ability, of their location, their age, their gender, and anything that may hinder access to these services must be addressed by all of us,” he stated.

Geographical barriers are particularly acute in remote communities. Petua Isabilye, an EOC principal, pointed out that long distances, poor infrastructure, and high transport costs, especially for island communities, lead to missed appointments. In some instances, residents reportedly face costs as high as Shs80,000 to hire a boat for emergency medical transport.

To counter these issues, the Ministry of Health is expanding community and mobile services, including deploying 16 mobile TB vans equipped with advanced technology. The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is also exploring the integration of social protection and economic empowerment programs to support vulnerable individuals living with HIV, TB, and malaria.

UNAIDS representative Constance Nyasha urged stakeholders to move beyond identification of problems to implementing practical solutions. She emphasized that achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 requires health systems that are equitable, people-centered, protect human rights, and actively combat discrimination and stigma, ensuring all individuals can access services with dignity and without fear.

Read more about the findings and discussions at the Daily Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/poverty-stigma-blocking-access-to-hiv-tb-services-eoc—5572610