Fear of Recognition Driving Patients Away From HIV, Malaria Services – Study

By Skika Reporter.

A new study has revealed that fear of stigma and being recognized within local communities is forcing many Ugandans to avoid nearby health facilities, creating a major barrier to HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria prevention and treatment services.

The study, conducted by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) across 40 districts and cities in March, found that many people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups continue to travel long distances to access healthcare out of fear of discrimination and social exclusion.

The findings are contained in a report titled Documentation of Human Rights and Equity Violations: An Assessment of Access to HIV/Aids, TB and Malaria Services by Vulnerable Populations in Uganda.

According to the report, stigma remains deeply entrenched in communities and health facilities, discouraging many people from seeking treatment, disclosing their health status or adhering to medication.

“Many people living with HIV still feel compelled to seek services in distant districts out of fear of being recognised. This disrupts continuity of care and heightens health risks,” said Abdallah Ochoggia, the advocacy and communications specialist at the Aids Information Centre.

The report found that women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, people living with HIV and communities in hard-to-reach areas face the greatest challenges in accessing healthcare services.

Researchers documented widespread cases of discrimination in health facilities and communities across the country.

In Kasese District, female sex workers, cross-border traders and young people reported avoiding health facilities because of judgmental attitudes from some health workers and poor treatment experiences.

In Busia District, truck drivers, female sex workers, men who have sex with men and other mobile populations were found to fear being identified or targeted when seeking healthcare services.

Similarly, fishing communities in Namayingo District cited fear of disclosure and social exclusion as major factors limiting the uptake of malaria prevention services.

The report also found that women and adolescent girls in Lwengo and Kalungu districts face additional barriers linked to gender-based violence, lack of partner support and household stigma, which negatively affect treatment adherence.

Equal Opportunities Commission chairperson Safia Nalule Jjuuko said Uganda has made notable progress in combating HIV, TB and malaria, but social barriers continue to undermine these gains.

“The latest evidence demonstrates that HIV, TB and malaria continue to impose a heavy and unequal burden on different population groups,” Ms Jjuuko said.

“Uganda’s greatest remaining challenges are social, behavioural and structural. Communities still confront stigma, discrimination, mobility constraints, gender inequality, food insecurity, harmful cultural norms, weak social support systems and geographical isolation,” she added.

The study also highlights persistent weaknesses within the healthcare system, including drug stock-outs, staffing shortages and inadequate health infrastructure, which further discourage people from seeking care.

Despite significant improvements in HIV control, the report notes that approximately 100 Ugandans still contract HIV every day. The Uganda Aids Commission estimates that 1.5 million people are living with HIV, while national adult prevalence stands at 4.9 percent.

Tuberculosis also remains a major public health challenge, with an estimated 90,000 new cases recorded annually. However, more than 30 percent of cases remain undetected, increasing the risk of continued transmission.

Meanwhile, malaria continues to be the leading cause of outpatient visits and hospital admissions, accounting for about 30 percent of outpatient cases and 20 percent of inpatient admissions nationwide.

Health advocates argue that reducing stigma is now as important as providing medicines if Uganda is to sustain gains made against the three diseases.

Flavia Kyomukama, the executive director of the National Forum of People Living with HIV/Aids Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU), said fear of disclosure remains one of the biggest obstacles facing people living with HIV.

“Fear of being recognised discourages many individuals from collecting their medication in nearby health facilities,” she said.

Experts are now calling for stronger community sensitisation programmes and greater integration of HIV services into general healthcare systems to reduce discrimination and improve access to treatment