Mbale, Uganda – Health officials in Mbale District have expressed growing concern over the decline in adherence to Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) among people living with HIV, despite a 100% enrollment rate at the start of treatment.
According to Robert Wandwasi, the HIV Focal Person for Mbale District, data reveals that while every newly diagnosed individual is successfully initiated on ART, many fail to remain consistent with their medication over time.
Statistics show that after six months, only 78% of patients are still on treatment. Encouragingly, retention rises to 93% at the 12-month mark, but by the 24th month, the figure drops again to 81%.
Wandwasi emphasized that these fluctuating numbers highlight challenges in long-term adherence, which poses a serious risk to both individual health and broader efforts to control the spread of HIV.
“Starting treatment is not the problem—we are at 100% initiation. The challenge is ensuring that patients remain committed to lifelong treatment. Non-adherence can lead to drug resistance, treatment failure, and increased HIV transmission within communities,” Wandwasi said.
He noted that stigma, lack of consistent counseling, poverty, and limited follow-up mechanisms contribute to this decline. In some cases, patients abandon treatment after feeling better, unaware that ART is a lifelong commitment.
Health experts stress that continuous support systems, community sensitization, and improved follow-up care are critical to improving retention rates. Strengthening peer support groups and addressing socio-economic barriers could also play a major role in ensuring that patients remain on treatment for life.
Uganda has made significant progress in scaling up HIV treatment services, but experts warn that without improved adherence, the gains achieved in reducing new infections and AIDS-related deaths may be reversed.
Source: URN
