Summary:
Dr. Charles Olaro, the Acting Director General of Health Services, reaffirmed that ARVs continue to be distributed bi-monthly to over 2,000 health facilities through the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Joint Medical Stores (JMS).
KAMPALA: The Ministry of Health has assured the public that antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) remain available and free of charge in all public and Private Not-For-Profit (PNFP) health facilities across Uganda.
This clarification follows concerns raised by a misleading report published in the New Vision on March 18, 2025, titled “Panic as HIV Drug Supply Reduces.” The Ministry emphasized that ARV supplies have not been affected and remain consistently accessible.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Dr. Charles Olaro, the Acting Director General of Health Services, reaffirmed that ARVs continue to be distributed bi-monthly to over 2,000 health facilities through the National Medical Stores (NMS) and Joint Medical Stores (JMS). He emphasized that in the past two years, there have been no reported stockouts of ARVs.
Dr. Olaro further clarified that drug procurement remains unaffected despite the ongoing United States Government’s executive order on re-evaluating and realigning foreign aid.
He also highlighted a shift towards a patient-centered healthcare model, which integrates services for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hypertension, and diabetes into routine outpatient and chronic care services across all healthcare levels.
“This long-planned reform enhances service delivery and addresses inefficiencies in vertical health programs,” he stated. “Uganda’s local pharmaceutical sector is expanding, with WHO-prequalified manufacturing at Quality Chemicals Uganda Limited in Luzira, Kampala. Since 2023, the company has been producing ARVs and anti-malarial medicines for both local and international markets.”
Dr. Olaro urged media houses to uphold ethical reporting by verifying facts before publication.
“Misinformation on critical health matters can create unnecessary panic and hinder national HIV/AIDS response efforts. We call for responsible journalism that aligns with our shared goal of protecting public health,” he noted.
He also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), People Living with HIV, and other stakeholders to ensure continuous access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.
Furthermore, he encouraged CSOs to support treatment literacy campaigns to promote adherence and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV.
Reassuring Ugandans, Dr. Olaro emphasized that HIV prevention and treatment services remain accessible and free nationwide.
“The Government of Uganda remains fully committed to ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, effective antiretroviral treatment. We encourage all people living with HIV to fully utilize these essential services. This commitment is clearly outlined in the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan 2020/21–2024/25. Uganda’s progress in the AIDS response is evident, with 1.4 million people currently on antiretroviral treatment, achieving an 89% viral suppression rate,” he elaborated.
