Zombo’s HIV-Positive community turns to heavy drinking amid misinformation on funding cuts

Zombo: The leadership of the Forum for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Zombo District has raised concern over a disturbing trend, some individuals living with HIV are turning to excessive alcohol consumption after misinformation spread about U.S. government funding cuts to Uganda’s AIDS Commission.

In January 2025, the Trump administration announced a suspension of trillions of dollars in federal aid under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The decision triggered global anxiety about the future of HIV/AIDS programs, particularly in developing countries.

Despite these developments, President Yoweri Museveni assured Ugandans last month that the country would remain unaffected by the U.S. funding withdrawal, downplaying widespread concern across the continent.

However, in Zombo District, misinformation has taken root. The Forum for People Living with HIV/AIDS, which has over 4,000 members, reports that the news has been widely misinterpreted. Many people now wrongly believe that life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) drugs will no longer be available.

The impact is particularly visible in Padea Town Council and Warr Sub-County, where community members have been overheard saying, “We are now going to die because the drugs are no longer available.”

Collins Canudwoga, Chairperson of the Forum, confirmed these developments during an interview on Friday, April 11, 2025. He expressed deep concern over the psychological toll the misinformation is having.

“We have sufficient stocks of antiretroviral medications to meet current needs,” said Canudwoga. “People should not believe these unverified claims.”

He noted that peer educators across the district have reported increased alcohol consumption driven by fear, frustration, and the false belief that treatment is no longer available.

“This stems from misinformation,” Canudwoga reiterated. “I want to assure my people: we have enough ARVs in stock.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), harmful alcohol use contributes to 6.9% of the global disease burden among men and 2.0% among women. It is a leading risk factor for premature death and disability among individuals aged 20–39, accounting for 13% of deaths in this age group.

Vulnerable populations, especially those living with HIV, face heightened risks. Alcohol use can reduce adherence to HIV treatment, accelerate disease progression, and increase vulnerability to opportunistic infections.

Health experts stress that people living with HIV should avoid excessive drinking, strictly follow their ARV regimens, monitor their health, and practice safe sex.

Zombo Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Bruno Manano, urged for responsible use of media and communication platforms. He called on local leaders to deliver accurate, timely updates to the public to counter harmful rumors.

Experts highlight several ways alcohol consumption harms those living with HIV which include; reduced ART adherence, accelerated disease progression, increased comorbidities, risky sexual behaviour and non-disclosure of HIV status.

Alcohol, while deeply embedded in global social settings, has devastating health effects. WHO estimates that alcohol is responsible for 2.6 million deaths annually and contributes to 4.7% of the global disease burden.

Uganda still bears a heavy HIV burden, with an estimated 1.5 million people living with the virus. Although treatment access has improved, the rate of new infections and AIDS-related deaths remains high.

The Uganda AIDS Commission has outlined a sustainability roadmap aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 — a goal now just five years away.

President Museveni has often cautioned against “reckless living” during his World AIDS Day speeches, urging the public to stay disciplined in lifestyle and health practices.

Globally, AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 69% since their peak in 2004 and 51% since 2010.

In 2023, an estimated 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses — a marked reduction from 2.1 million in 2004 and 1.3 million in 2010.

Back in Zombo, Canudwoga warns that reports of alcohol abuse among HIV-positive individuals in Padea and Warr are “sky-high.” He is calling for urgent action to provide accurate information, mental health support, and stronger community outreach.

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