The Ministry of Health has confirmed that over 1,000 health workers have lost their jobs following US President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, which froze aid to several countries, including Uganda. The decision has significantly affected the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which funded HIV clinics nationwide.
According to Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, the freeze impacted both government and mission hospitals. She estimated that over 1,000 medics lost their jobs, though some have been rehired during a waiver period. The Ministry has assessed the staffing gaps and plans to present a funding request to the Cabinet.
Uncertainty for Affected Health Workers
When asked about displaced staff, Dr. Atwine assured the public that organizations and hospital administrators were managing the transition. Those who worked in hospitals remain under hospital management, while district health offices handle those stationed in local centers. The Ministry of Health is overseeing those who worked directly under PEPFAR funding.
Dr. Atwine emphasized that qualified individuals would receive priority for future opportunities. However, Uganda’s dependence on PEPFAR funding left its HIV care, prevention, and treatment programs vulnerable to funding cuts.
PEPFAR’s Role in Uganda’s HIV Response
Uganda relied heavily on PEPFAR, which contributed about $300 million annually for:
- Antiretroviral (ARV) medication
- Laboratory supplies
- Health worker salaries
In contrast, the Ugandan government allocates Shs50 billion annually to procure ARVs for public health facilities. Dr. Atwine explained that PEPFAR-funded ARVs also supported private healthcare providers, including mission hospitals, covering 40% of HIV patients (approximately 400,000 people).
With the loss of PEPFAR-supported staff, the Ministry aims to ensure continuity of care for affected patients.
Integrating HIV Services into General Healthcare
Despite the funding setback, patients continue to receive care at facilities like Kayunga Hospital. Last week, the Ministry issued guidelines for health workers on managing services more efficiently.
Previously, HIV clinics operated as standalone units, but the government has now integrated them into general healthcare services. Dr. Atwine noted that while the vertical HIV service model was effective, it also weakened the overall health system by isolating HIV care from other medical services.
Ensuring Continuous HIV Treatment
To eliminate HIV as a public health issue by 2030, Uganda must ensure uninterrupted treatment for over 1 million people on ARVs. The Ministry is also urging HIV-positive mothers to deliver at health facilities to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Uganda’s HIV Burden in Numbers
- 1.5 million people live with HIV
- 1.2 million are on ARV medication
- 4,000 children are born with HIV annually
The government is now working on long-term solutions to sustain HIV services and reduce dependence on external funding.
