The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has urged the government to reintroduce the ABC model in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS among the young generation.

The ABC model, which stands for Abstain, Be faithful, and use Condoms, was a government strategy for HIV prevention, encouraging three main behavioral changes to reduce virus transmission. 

Speaking during the World AIDS Day commemoration at Kizinda Playground in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality under the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” Bishop of West Ankole Diocese Johnson Twinomujuni, on behalf of the President of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, highlighted that the ABC campaign was the backbone of HIV prevention in the late 1980s and 1990s. 

He expresses concern that the decline of the ABC campaign, combined with messaging favoring science-led approaches, has led young people born after 2000 to normalize casual sex.

He calls for reflection and dialogue on how the ABC model can be revamped to benefit future generations.

Twinomujuni commends the government for scientific advancements such as long-acting antiretroviral medication, used to reduce HIV risk, especially among high-risk groups, including young women, pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers.

However, he calls for a faster rollout and broader coverage to reach more communities.

The Executive Director of Uganda AIDS Commission, Dr. Nelson Musoba, notes that Uganda is making strides in combating HIV.

He highlighted the expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among adults, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced viral loads.

Uganda marked World AIDS Day 2025 with a decline in HIV prevalence from 18% in the 1980s to 4.9%, and regional prevalence dropping from 2.8% to 1.4%.