By James Alomu

AIDS Information centre Uganda has moved to correct misinformation surrounding HIV prevalence in Soroti City, following the circulation of inaccurate statistics in a recent media report. The information centre reaffirmed that Soroti City’s HIV prevalence stood at 12.5 percent as of December 2024, ranking it second in the country after Fort Portal, which recorded a prevalence of 13.5 percent.

The clarification came after an article by Ahmed Wetaka of Uganda Radio Network reported figures that did not align with official data. Abdallah Ochoggia, Advocacy and Communications Specialist at AIDS Information Centre Uganda, an implementing partner in the Teso sub-region funded by CDC/PEPFAR, emphasized the importance of relying on verified statistics. He confirmed that Soroti District, separate from Soroti City, had a prevalence of 2.8 percent in the same period. According to the Uganda AIDS Commission’s 2025 factsheet, both areas have since registered improvements, with Soroti City’s prevalence dropping to 11.6 percent and Soroti District to 2.5 percent.

Despite the encouraging trend, serious concerns persist. Authorities have identified 120 commercial sex “hot spots” across Soroti City, with troubling reports that some secondary schoolgirls engage in transactional sex for as little as 1,000 to 2,000 shillings. Sheikh Obilan, a community leader, expressed deep concern, stating that such practices undermine cultural values, religious principles, and the social fabric of the Teso sub-region.

In light of the ongoing challenges within the national HIV response, the Uganda AIDS Commission is preparing for the National HIV and AIDS Symposium scheduled for November 26 to 28, 2025, at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. The annual gathering brings together researchers, policymakers, political leaders and service providers to evaluate progress and share research findings. This year’s theme, “Building a Sustainable HIV Response to End AIDS as a Public Health Threat,” reflects the country’s broader commitment to long-term, evidence-based interventions.

The revelation that Soroti City had ranked first in an earlier misreported HIV prevalence estimate caused significant anxiety among residents. However, health authorities attribute the ongoing decline in prevalence to effective partnerships between the Ministry of Health, Uganda Cares and Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, under the leadership of Senior Executive Consultant Dr. Watmon Ben. AIDS Information Centre–Uganda continues to support HIV service delivery across the Teso sub-region, working with 112 government health facilities and four private not-for-profit facilities, including Acument Health Centre III in Amuria.

Collective efforts from health institutions, development partners and community structures continue to play a pivotal role in reversing HIV trends, offering hope for a stronger and more resilient HIV response in the Teso sub-region and across Uganda.

Abdallah noted Injectable Hiv prevention services are now available in Soroti,marking a significant step forward in expanding modern Hiv protection in the region. Residents can access the long acting injectable drug Cabotegravir(CAB-LA) at Kichinjaji Health Centre II in Soroti city and at Soroti Regional Refferal Hospital,Where services are offered confidentially and safely. Health officials note that the rollout compliments the already widespread availability of Prep and Pep across health facilities in the teso sub region ,ensuring timely access to medication ,counseling and support for individuals at risk of or exposed to HIV.The expanded range of prevention options is strengthening community health efforts and empowering residents to take proactive measures in reducing new HIV infections.