E-DRUG: Uganda achieves 3 by 5 target 6 months ahead of schedule
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The Ministry of Health, Uganda has announced the achievement of the 3 by
5 Target for Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) six months ahead of schedule.
Interesting to note one of the reasons attributed to this success and
which is again listed as one of the opportunities for providing
universal access to ARVs - Availability of drugs and the low cost of
drugs and diagnostics.
The full press release is reproduced below for your information.
Kind regards
Joseph Serutoke
WHO/Uganda.
"Serutoke Mr. Joseph" <serutokej@ug.afro.who.int>
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
15th July 2005.
Since Uganda announced universal access to antiretroviral therapy in
July 2004, 64,024 people are receiving ARVs. This is more than the
government target of 60,000 patients (targeted) for treatment by the end
of 2005.
Contributing factors:
1. The overall strengthening of the health system which started with
ART drug trials in 1992 at the Joint Clinical Research Centre
The UNAIDS/MOH HIV/AIDS drug access initiative launched in 1997
Development of the National Strategic Framework for expansion of
HIV/AIDS care and support in Uganda, National Policy and technical
guidelines for ART.
This resulted into improved infrastructure, capacity building,
equipment for health facilities and advocacy for the reduction of the
cost of ARVs and Lab reagents.
2. Scale up of HIV counseling and testing resulting in increased demand
for HIV/AIDS care services.
3. Improved Human resource capacity through training.
4. Strong partnership with stakeholders including the private sector and
donors.
5. Availability of drugs
6. A well coordinated ART program by the Ministry of Health.
The Government of Uganda appreciates the effort of all Ugandans and
partners towards the achievement of our target. Support has been
received from several partners including, the World Health Organization
(WHO), World Bank, United States Government, the Global Fund to Fight
AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), MSF, GTZ, CRS, TASO and Uganda
Cares.
The goal of Government is to provide treatment to every eligible Ugandan
by 2007. This will be achieved and sustained with the available
opportunities which include:
1. Continues low cost of drugs and diagnostics
2. Increased partner support
3. Motivation and retention of the Human resource capacity.
Signed by Dr. Sam Zaramba
Ag. Director General for Health Services
Ministry of Health
P.O. Box 7272
KAMPALA
Uganda.