Over the last decade, data from HIV sentinel surveillance sites indicate the declining rates of HIV, steadily moving toward stabilization (Refer to Figure 1).  The overall prevalence rate sited in 2001 was 5.0% (UNAIDS), closely comparing with 6.1% in 2000.  The rates for urban and rural sites in 2001 were 8.8% and 4.2% respectively compared with 8.7% and 4.2% in 2000.

In December 2001, the Ministry of Health AIDS Control Programme surveillance sited a cumulative total of 60,173 AIDS cases up from 58,165 in 1999.  In addition, Ugandas cumulative number of AIDS deaths since the beginning of the epidemic is estimated at 947,552 (December 2001) up from 848,492 in 2000.  As can be seen, the increase in AIDS cases and deaths are quite disparaging.

In spite of the declines in HIV prevalence, the infection rates are still high. There is need for more concerted efforts to further reduce the prevalence and incidence rates and improve on existing HIV prevention and control strategies with more innovations. (Refer to Figure 1)

The impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic had, and currently has, a profound impact on Ugandas economic growth, income and poverty levels. The disease has been a drain on the economy. Families are spending heavily on care of the relatives. Declining productivity of sick workers has negatively affected the overall production in the manufacturing sector; hence the sales and profits have declined. In the agricultural sector, a decrease in production of cash crops in favor of food crops for daily survival has been witnessed in severely affected districts, notably Rakai. The public health system is overwhelmed by the demands for palliative care services as more than 55%of hospital beds are occupied by patients with HIV/AIDS related illness.  It is estimated that in half of the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, annual per capita income is falling by 0.5-1.2% as a direct result of AIDS.  In particular, the economy of families suffers significantly.  According to the Ministry of Health, nearly 80 percent of those infected are between the ages of 15 and 45; this is often the most economically productive age group and often acts as fenders of families.  AIDS has the biggest threat to development and communities are highly threatened.  In most regions within Uganda, highly trained expertise is depleting.  For instance, there is a shortage of trained teachers increasingly dying of AIDS.  In Uganda, where it experiences detrimental effects, exacerbated by HIV/AIDS, there is an increase in cases of patients and deaths that often take place against a setting of deteriorating public services, poor employment prospects, and endemic poverty compromising communities well-being.  HIV is dramatically reducing the number of children attending formal education.  The Uganda AIDS Commission states that up to a third of the children who get infected with HIV are less likely to survive to school-going age.  In addition, there are many children who have lost their parents to AIDS or are living in households that cater to AIDS orphans and may be forced to drop out of school in order earn an income to fend the needs of themselves  and in some cases, close relatives.