Clarification On HIV Prevalence In Soroti City And Information On Cabotegravir Injectable

 December 3, 2025   |    99 views

I write to correct the widely circulated report by Observer online publication on 24-Nov 2025 claiming that HIV prevalence in Soroti City is 12.5%. This figure is incorrect and does not reflect the latest verified data According to the most recent fact sheet from Uganda AIDS Commission (2025), HIV prevalence in Soroti City has in fact dropped to 11.6%, while in Soroti District (outside the city) the rate stands at 2.5%, based on HMIS data for the Teso region.

It is misleading to present outdated or speculative numbers as current facts especially on it’s publication can fuel stigma, panic, and misinformation in our communities. As an organization that works on HIV advocacy and service delivery in the region, we call on all media houses to ensure they use verified and up-to-date data when reporting on HIV statistics.

At the same time, we wish to highlight some encouraging progress in HIV prevention services in Soroti. Among these is the introduction of the long acting injectable drug Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), which is now available at Kichinjaji Health Centre II in Soroti City as part of a program supported by AIDS Information Centre Uganda with funding from CDC/PEPFAR and in collaboration with Ministry of Health. 

What CAB-LA does

• Cabotegravir is a long-acting injectable form of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) meaning it is used to prevent HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative but at substantial risk. 

• The drug is given as an intramuscular injection (typically in the buttocks), with an initial dosing phase (usually two injections a month apart), then maintenance injections every two months for as long as the person remains at risk. 

• Once in the body, cabotegravir slowly releases over time, maintaining drug levels in cells such that if a person is exposed to HIV, the virus is prevented from establishing an infection. 

• Compared to daily oral PrEP pills, CAB-LA offers a more discreet, less frequent, and highly effective prevention option especially appropriate for individuals who may struggle with daily pill regimens, or who prefer a long-acting method. 

We believe that combining correct data with information about improved prevention services gives the public a clearer and more hopeful picture of the HIV situation in Soroti.

We therefore urge the media to correct the incorrect 12.5% figure, and to publish the verified 11.6% prevalence. At the same time, we call on community members to learn about, access, and consider using CAB-LA if they are HIV-negative and at risk and to continue practicing other proven prevention measures such as condoms, testing, and regular follow-up.

Thank you for your attention to this correction.

Sincerely,

Abdallah Ochoggiah 

Advocacy & Communications Specialist, AIDS Information Centre-Uganda