1.4 million people are currently living with HIV in Uganda. Of all new HIV infections, 29% were
among adolescent girls and young women, despite this group only representing 10% of its
population (Uganda AIDS Commission, 2021).
Young mothers living with HIV have multi-layered issues to manage, including pregnancy,
childbirth and parenting, alongside lifelong antiretroviral therapy, preventing HIV transmission to
their infant, potentially caring for a child with HIV, mental health challenges and often HIV
associated stigma and discrimination. Young mothers and their children are at greater risk of
HIV infection as well as poverty, violence, exclusion, poor education, and early childhood
developmental delays. A high number of children and pregnant and lactating young women
living with HIV are still unaware of their HIV status or are not able to start or continue their
treatment. Various barriers are hindering them to access or to continue accessing the services
they need to live healthy lives or to ensure children are born and remain HIV free (WHO/
UNICEF, 2021).
Uganda Young Positives and Joy for children Uganda is implementing a ‘Babies Living
Optimally and Opportunely with Mothers’ (BLOOM) project in Kyenjojo district, Rwenzori
sub-region, Toro region in Western Uganda in five Sub-counties namely Nyabuhaburwa,
Nyatungo, Kyenjojo TC, Kigarale and Butiiti (two villages per sub-country). Kyenjojo is one of
the highest HIV prevalence districts in Uganda, with a prevalence of 7.4% in 2022, higher
than the national prevalence of 5.8% (UPHIA 2020).
The project works to achieve a healthy future for children and their young mothers (10-24)
living with or exposed to HIV in Uganda and will aim at:
- Reduction of vertical transmission for children born to young mothers during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding/lactation period;
- Improved treatment coverage, adherence and retention in care for young mothers living with HIV
- Improved treatment coverage and outcomes for children living with HIV who have a young mother.
