As the world intensifies efforts to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030, Uganda has taken a major step forward with the launch of a new paediatric HIV/AIDS medicine designed specifically for children living with HIV.
The launch was officiated by deputy speaker of parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, representing President Yoweri Museveni, during a ceremony held at Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) in Luzira, as the company marked 20 years of operations.
The new paediatric HIV medicine is a combination of Abacavir, Dolutegravir, and Lamivudine, designed to ensure safety, efficacy, and ease of use for children. According to UNAIDS, children continue to lag significantly behind in HIV/AIDS treatment.
An estimated 72,000 children under 15 years are living with HIV in Uganda. Of these, only 80 per cent know their HIV status, 75 per cent are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and just 50 per cent have achieved viral suppression.
In comparison, adults in Uganda have a treatment cascade of 93 per cent tested, 99 per cent on ART, and 90 per cent virally suppressed. While ART coverage for children has improved steadily over the past decade from 48 per cent in 2014 to 75 per cent by September 2024, this remains below the UNAIDS 85 per cent target.
One significant improvement is that children living with HIV have transitioned from taking multiple pills daily to just one pill per day, greatly simplifying treatment adherence. During the launch, Tayebwa lauded QCIL for its commitment to local manufacturing and its role in reducing Uganda’s disease burden.
“QCIL stands as a premier model for import substitution and industrialisation. For too long, our country has been dependent on goods and raw materials from abroad. This is a model we must replicate across other sectors, from agro-processing to textiles and machinery to build a resilient economy,” Tayebwa said.
He said QCIL’s work is not merely a business success, but a public health victory, allowing Ugandans to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Tayebwa also advocated for the integration of herbal and natural medicine into Uganda’s pharmaceutical production.
“Uganda is rich in biodiversity and traditional medicine. Our scientists have already identified several potent compounds with proven therapeutic potential. I want to see companies like QCIL partner with Ugandan researchers, universities, and traditional practitioners to develop and commercialize scientifically validated herbal medicines,” he added.
He further assured government support and market access for QCIL’s medicines through the National Medical Stores (NMS). Ajay Kumar Pal, CEO of QCIL, highlighted the company’s two-decade journey in producing affordable, quality medicines, calling the launch of the paediatric HIV drug a landmark achievement.
“Looking ahead, this new chapter represents a significant investment in our mission to expand access to critical medicines by manufacturing in Africa, for Africa. The new factory will make QCIL the only manufacturer of TB medicines in the region,” said Pal.
Emmanuel Katongole, QCIL chairman and co-founder, said the investment will increase the manufacturing capacity from 1.4 billion to 2.4 billion tablets annually, and introduce specialised lines for TB treatments, injectables, and other innovative products.
“We are strengthening our ability to serve both Uganda and the wider African market with high-quality, affordable medicines, reducing reliance on imports,” he said.
Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng reflected on the historical neglect of children in the global HIV response.
“Children were always forgotten. Even when the outbreak of HIV was first announced, the world focused on adults, and children came later. Today, we are happy that we can prevent mother-to-child transmission and also treat our children effectively.”
She said the launch of the new medicine marks a hopeful turning point for paediatric HIV care in Uganda and the region, with renewed focus on the health and well-being of children living with HIV.
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