AIDS is a serious public health problem in Uganda, together with malaria and tuberculosis. Although measures by the Government and nongovernmental organizations to prevent HIV have helped lower the estimated prevalence from over 30% in the early 1990s to an estimated 7% in 2005, the current prevalence is still unacceptably high (Ministry of Health (MoH), 2005).

Emerging data suggest that among segments of Ugandan society there have been important behavioural changes. People report that they have reduced the number of sexual contacts, based on Government advice that people love carefully, love faithfully or stick to one sexual partner. However, this does not mean that Ugandans are no longer vulnerable to HIV infection.

By October 2005, over 65 000 people with AIDS in Uganda had access to ART - more than half of the people estimated to be in need of treatment. However, it is estimated that each year an additional 50 000 people will require access to ART (UN Integrated Regional Information Networks, 2005).