The Kampala HIV&TB Stakeholders’ Meeting
Ambassador William P. Popp launches the HIV project in Kampala, promises more 12M USD funding to HIV epidemic control.
U.S Ambassador William W. Popp addressing participants during the Kampala HIB & TB stakeholders’ meeting
The Ambassador buying edibles from the DREAMS beneficiaries after his remarks at the Stakeholders’ meeting and participants in a group photo with the ambassador.
On 28th August, U.S Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp launched the Five-year Kampala HIV Project implemented by ROM in Kampala District. Hosted at Hotel Africana, the Ambassador and a team from U.S Embassy was welcomed by ROM Executive Director Josephine Kaleebi, KCCA Director of Public Health and Environment -Dr. Daniel Okello.
“It is an honor to join the Kampala HIV & TB stakeholders’ meeting and announce $12 Million in additional PEPFAR funding through CDC to Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative. With over $6.5B invested by the United States government in Uganda’s fight against HIV, 1.4M Ugandans receive ARV treatment.” He said.
“ROM has been receiving PEPFAR funding for over two decades and today we are very happy to launch yet another five-year project to end HIV. Please reach all key populations without stigma and ensure everyone has access to these resources.”Amb. Popp added.
ROM E.D Josephine Kaleebi appealed to the Ugandan government and other stakeholders to invest more in HIV prevention as this is the only way we can eliminate the pandemic. “I urge you to put a lot of resources in HIV prevention; We usually screen but we need more drugs because lack of drugs frustrates the patients.” She explained. Josephine also shared that introducing financial literacy in HIV programing is very important. “Prevention messaging with and economic aspect are key drivers to improving the situation among young people because it cuts the dependency syndrome and helps them gain ownership of their lives.” She added.
ROM’s Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Coordinator Nehemiah Kighoma presenting at the Stakeholder’s meeting.
