Sosyal Bilimler ve Sağlık Bülteni

Derleme Makale

No. 17 (2026)

A Review on the Situation in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS in Uganda and the Conditions of Workers Living with HIV

Submitted
December 17, 2025
Published
2026-03-11

Abstract

HIV is prevalent across all age groups, yet it is more commonly observed among young adults, who constitute the primary working-age population, particularly in countries with a young demographic structure such as Uganda. This review examines the current situation in Uganda’s fight against HIV and the existing literature on the work experiences of employees living with HIV, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within occupational working conditions. By analyzing the findings of research articles, policy reports, and institutional studies conducted in this field, it outlines the general situation regarding employment participation policies, stigma, specific health arrangements, and employee rights for workers living with HIV. Despite Uganda’s legal framework aimed at protecting employees living with HIV, it suggests that there are significant inconsistencies in practice. This review reveals the need to strengthen the implementation of labor policies, integrate HIV-sensitive approaches into employee health programs, and promote policies aimed at reducing stigma. It also emphasizes the need for a more coordinated and empathetic approach to ensure equal working conditions for employees living with HIV across Uganda. Furthermore, investigating the barriers and supportive factors related to the employment participation of workers living with HIV is necessary for preventing discrimination in this area.

References

  1. Agwu, E., Pazos, V., Ihongbe, J. C., & Ssengendo, J. (2011). Appraisal of the inherent socio-demographic dynamics of HIV/AIDS epidemic in four districts of South-Western Uganda. SAHARA-J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS, 8(3), 150–155. https://doi.org/10.1080/17290376.2011.9724997
  2. Campbell, C., Scott, K., Nhamo, M., Nyamukapa, C., Madanhire, C., Skovdal, M., & Gregson, S. (2013). Social capital and HIV Competent Communities: The role of community groups in managing HIV/AIDS in rural Zimbabwe. AIDS Care, 25(1), 114–122. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2012.748170
  3. Dixon-Fyle, K. & Mulanga, C. (2004). Responding to HIV/AIDS in the world of work in Africa: The role of social protection. https://www.dev.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/%40ed_protect/%40protrav/%40ilo_aids/documents/publication/wcms_117142.pdf
  4. Erwansyah, R. A, Audilla, A., Prasetio, O. D., & Nursalam, N. (2023). Barriers to People with HIV in Accessing Work: Systematic Review. Prisma Sains: Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu Dan Pembelajaran Matematika Dan IPA IKIP Mataram. https://doi.org/10.33394/j-ps.v11i3.8023
  5. Henry Mugenyi. (2025, February 17). Uganda’s HIV Fight in Jeopardy as USAID Funding Ends. Nilepost. https://nilepost.co.ug/health/243416/ugandas-hiv-fight-in-jeopardy-as-usaid-funding-ends
  6. International Labour Organization. (2016). HIV & AIDS and the World of Work. https://www.ilo.org/projects-and-partnerships/projects/hiv-aids-and-world-work
  7. Kato Jumba K. (2024). Innovations in HIV Treatment and Care in Uganda: Evaluating the Impact of New Antiretroviral Therapies and Healthcare Models. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES, 9(2), 72–75. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2024/9.2.727500
  8. Kiggundu Reuben, et al.,. (2024). Restarting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine, 72(102647). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38800799/
  9. Lujintanon, S., Eshun-Wilson, I., Tourneau,N. L., Beres, L., Schwartz, S., Baral, S., Thompson, R., Underwood, A., Fox, B., Geng, E. H., & Kemp, C,G. (2024). Implementation strategies to improve HIV care cascade outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review from 2014 to 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.26263
  10. Ministry of Health. (2025). AIDS control Program. https://www.health.go.ug/programs/aids-control-program/
  11. Mugerwa, R. D., Marum, L. H., & Serwadda, D. (1996). Human immunodeficiency virus and AIDS in Uganda. East African Medical Journal, 73(1), 20–26. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8625856/
  12. Muriisa RK, & Jamil I. (2011). Addressing HIV/AIDS challenges in Uganda: Does social capital generation by NGOs matter? SAHARA J: Journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance, 8(1), 2–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/17290376.2011.9724978
  13. Nachega, J. B., Uthman, O. A., Peltzer, K., Richardson, L. A., Mills, E. J., Amekudzi, K., & Ouédraogo, A. (2015). Association between antiretroviral therapy adherence and employment status: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 93(1), 29–41. https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.14.138149
  14. Nanyonjo, G., Asiki, G., Ssetaala, A., Nakaweesa, T., Wambuzi, M., Nanvubya, A., Mpendo, J., Okech, B., Kitandwe, P. K., Nielsen, L., Nalutaaya, A., Welsh, S., Bagaya, B. S., Chinyenze, K., Chinyenze, K., Fast, P., Price, M., & Kiwanuka, N. (2020). Prevalence and correlates of HIV infection among adolescents and young people living in fishing populations along Lake Victoria Fishing Communities in Uganda. The Pan African Medical Journal, 37(208). https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2020.37.208.26124
  15. Obeagu, E.I. & Obeagu, G.U. (2024). Preventive measures against HIV among Uganda’s youth: Strategies, implementation, and effectiveness. Medicine, 103(44). https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000040317
  16. Parkhurst, J. O. (2011). Evidence, politics and Uganda’s HIV success: Moving forward with ABC and HIV prevention. Journal of International Development, 23(2), 240–252. https://doi.org/10.1002/jid.1667
  17. Perri, M., Craig-Neil, A., Gaspar, M., Hunter,C., Kendall, C., Alexander,O., & Pinto, A.D. (2021). A qualitative study of barriers to employment experienced by people living with HIV in Toronto and Ottawa. Nternational Journal for Equity in Health, 20(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12939-020-01356-4
  18. Prisca Wanyenya. (2025, February 17). UAC Seeks UGX 300 Billion to Offset US Aid Freeze. Parliament Watch. https://parliamentwatch.ug/news-amp-updates/uac-seeks-ugx-300-billion-to-offset-us-aid-freeze/
  19. Rajabiun, S., Lightner, J. S., Sullivan, M., Flaherty, J., Nguyen, C., Ramirez-Forcier, J., & Myers, J. J. (2023). It Comes in Steps and Stages: Experiences of People Living with HIV in Achieving Employment. Nternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186778
  20. Rapaport, S.F., Peer, A.D., Viswasam, N., & et al.,. (2022). Implementing HIV Prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Interventions Targeting Systems, Communities, and Individuals. AIDS Behav, 27, 150–160. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-022-03751-0
  21. Razzano, L. A, Hamilton, M. M, Yost, C., Pashka, N., & Perloff, J. K. (2015). Employment outcomes for individuals with HIV/AIDS and co-occurring mental health factors. American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 18(1), 19-41. https://doi.org/10.1080/15487768.2015.1001700
  22. Robinson R, Okpo E, & Mngoma N. (2015). Interventions for improving employment outcomes for workers with HIV. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 5. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858
  23. Seeley, J., Tumwekwase, G., & Grosskurth, H. (2009). Fishing for a Living but Catching HIV: AIDS and Changing Patterns of the Organization of Work in Fisheries in Uganda. American Anthropological Association. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1548-1417.2009.01022.x
  24. She, B., Lu, F., Zhao, R. et al. (2024). Examining the Effects of PrEP Use on Sexual Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Chinese Men who have Sex with Men: A Cross-Sectional Study. 28, 3128–3138. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04398-9
  25. Sprague, L., Simon, S. E., & Sprague, C. (2011). Employment discrimination and HIV stigma: Survey results from civil society organisations and people living with HIV in Africa. African Journal of AIDS Research, 10, 311–324. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2011.637730
  26. Tan, S. Y., Ow Yong, L. M., Foong, J. Y. E., Wong, N. H. S., Chew, L. L., & Koh, Y. L. (2013). Securing and Sustaining Employment: Concerns of HIV Patients in Singapore. Social Work in Health Care, 52(10), 881–898. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24255973/
  27. Tveit Kathrine. (2004). Combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic: An analysis of why Uganda has been relatively successful in fighting HIV/AIDS. http://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-9729
  28. Twinomugisha, B., Gwanzura Ottemöller, F., & Daniel, M. (2020). Exploring HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination at the Workplace in Southwestern Uganda: Challenges and Solutions. Advances in Public Health, 1, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8833166
  29. Uganda AIDS Commission (a). (2025). New and Events Updates. https://uac.go.ug/media/attachments/2024/09/13/message-for-the-dg-for-website-4-09-2024-final.pdf.
  30. UNAIDS (a). (2025). Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Aids targets 2025. https://aidstargets2025.unaids.org/
  31. UNAIDS (b). (2024). Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS: Understanding measures of progress towards the 95–95–95 HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets. https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2024/progress-towards-95-95-95.
  32. UNAIDS (c). (2025). Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS: Programme Coordinating Board. https://www.unaids.org/en/whoweare/pcb
  33. Van Engen, M. & Gartzia, L. (2024). Leadership, social support, and work-life balance of employees. In Maintaining a Sustainable Work–Life Balance. Edward Elgar Publishing., 69–78. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380065265_Leadership_social_support_and_work-life_balance_of_employees
  34. Wagner, A. C., Hart, T. A., McShane, K. E., Margolese, S., & Girard, T. A. (2014). Health care provider attitudes and beliefs about people living with HIV: Initial validation of the health care provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale (HPASS).". AIDS and Behavior, 18(12), 2397-2408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0834-8
  35. Walch, S. E., Lezama, M. A., & Giddie, L. T. (2005). Managing HIV in the Workplace: A Primer for Managers and Supervisors. The Psychologist-Manager Journal, 8(1), 55–73. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15503461tpmj0801_6
  36. Wambui Kibibi J. (2024). The Role of Community-Based Programs in HIV/AIDS Management in Uganda: Challenges, Strategies, and Impact. Newport Iternational Journal of Research in Medical Science, 5(3), 10–15. https://nijournals.org/the-role-of-community-based-programs-in-hiv-aids-management-in-uganda-challenges-strategies-and-impact/
  37. World Bank Group. (2026). Prevalence of HIV, total (% of population ages 15-49)—Uganda. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.DYN.AIDS.ZS?locations=UG
  38. World Health Organization (a). (2024). HIV and AIDS. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
  39. World Health Organization (b). (2025). The Global Health Observatory Explore a world of health data. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/hiv-aids/data-on-the-size-of-the-hiv-aids-epidemic
  40. World Health Organization (c), 2026). Prevalence of HIV among adults aged 15 to 49 (%). Geneva: WHO; 2024. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/prevalence-of-hiv-among-adults-aged-15-to-49-(-)

Most read articles by the same author(s)