The Ministry of Health has swiftly responded to recent allegations of dwindling antiretroviral (ARV) drug supplies in Uganda, assuring the public that HIV/AIDS treatment remains readily available and accessible nationwide.
A recent article published by the New Vision on March 18, 2025, sparked concerns about potential shortages, prompting the Ministry to issue a press release to set the record straight.
Dr. Charles Olaro, Ag. Director General Health Services, labeled the claims as “misleading and inaccurate” and stated that they “misrepresent the actual status of antiretroviral (ARV) drug availability in Uganda.”
Ministry emphasized that ARVs are consistently distributed to health facilities, with no stockouts reported in recent years.
Dr. Olaro clarified that ARVs are available and provided free of charge at all public and Private Not-For-Profit (PNFP) health facilities.
The distribution of ARVs is managed through the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Joint Medical Stores (JMS), which deliver ARVs to over 2,000 health facilities every two months.
“Over the past two years, there have been no reported stockouts of ARVs,” Dr. Olaro stated, contradicting the New Vision report’s assertions .
Concerns about the impact of a United States Government executive order on foreign aid were also addressed, with Dr. Olaro confirming that drug procurement remains unaffected.
The growth of Uganda’s local pharmaceutical sector is another positive development, with Quality Chemicals Uganda Limited producing WHO-prequalified ARVs and anti-malarial medicines since 2023.
The Ministry is also implementing reforms to improve healthcare delivery, shifting towards a patient-centered model that integrates services for HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis B, Hypertension, and Diabetes.
Dr. Olaro urged media houses to exercise responsibility in their reporting, emphasizing the potential for misinformation to “create unnecessary panic and hinder national HIV/AIDS response efforts.”
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to collaborating with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), people living with HIV, and all stakeholders to ensure continuous access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.
“We reassure all Ugandans that HIV prevention and treatment services remain accessible and free nationwide,” Dr. Olaro stated.
Uganda has made significant progress in its AIDS response, with 1.4 million people currently on antiretroviral treatment and achieving 89% viral suppression.
