In the fight against HIV/AIDS, community sensitization remains one of the most effective tools for prevention. Across Uganda, many people still lack accurate information about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment leading to stigma, misinformation, and risky behaviors that perpetuate new infections. Recognizing this, the Upper Nile Conservation Initiative (UNCI) has placed community sensitization at the center of its HIV prevention strategy.

According to the latest data from the Uganda AIDS Commission (2024), an estimated 1.53 million Ugandans are living with HIV, with women accounting for about 930,000 of these cases compared to 570,000 men. The adult HIV prevalence rate currently stands at 4.9%, a slight decrease from 5.1% in 2023, reflecting steady progress in the country’s response. Encouragingly, Uganda recorded about 37,000 new HIV infections in 2024, down from approximately 96,000 in 2010 a significant reduction of over 60%. AIDS-related deaths have also dropped by 64%, from 56,000 in 2010 to around 20,000 in 2024, largely due to expanded access to treatment and increased awareness. Uganda is nearing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with about 94% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 90% of those on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 96% achieving viral suppression. While these achievements are commendable, the statistics underscore the need to sustain community sensitization efforts to close remaining gaps particularly among rural populations, adolescents, and key vulnerable groups.

UNCI believes that sustainable HIV prevention begins with informed communities. Through its ongoing engagements, the organization conducts sensitization sessions in local communities, schools, and workplaces creating safe spaces for open discussions about HIV prevention, stigma, and access to treatment.

These sessions are interactive dialogues where participants share experiences, ask questions, and debunk myths surrounding HIV. We also engage community leaders, health workers, and peer educators to ensure that HIV information shared is trusted and locally relevant.

One of the barriers to HIV prevention in Uganda is the limited access to health services in rural and hard-to-reach areas. To address this, UNCI has established project clinics in key locations such as Kyotera, Lira, and Kisoro districts. These clinics offer free HIV testing and counseling, treatment, PrEP and PEP services and general health care for road construction workers and nearby communities.

By bringing healthcare closer to people’s workplaces and homes, UNCI reduces the stigma and logistical barriers that often discourage individuals especially men and youth from seeking testing and care.

Community sensitization thrives on collaboration. UNCI works closely with district officials, local leaders, and community-based organizations to ensure that sensitization activities are inclusive and sustainable. District leaders play a vital role in mobilizing participants, coordinating health personnel, and ensuring that interventions align with local development priorities.

This multi-sectoral approach reinforces community ownership and ensures that HIV prevention messages are amplified through existing local structures from churches and schools to boda-boda groups and women’s associations.

Through its community engagement efforts, UNCI has witnessed a shift in attitudes among participants. More individuals are voluntarily testing for HIV, couples are discussing prevention options such as condom use and PrEP, and community members are actively challenging stigma against people living with HIV. Through community sensitization, UNCI is  nurturing a culture of openness, empathy, and shared responsibility in safeguarding public health.

The fight against HIV cannot be won in isolation. It requires consistent education, collaboration, and community-driven action. As UNCI continues to engage communities across Uganda, it remains clear that knowledge is power and prevention begins with awareness.