By; Ama Joycelyn Tseyiboe
The Regional Advocacy and Policy Manager for East and West Africa, Diana Tibesigwa is calling for renewed commitment from government and stakeholders to strengthen access to lifesaving services, reduce stigma, and improve overall health outcomes for people living with HIV.
Speaking on GTV’s breakfast show on December 2, 2025. Emphasized that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing many individuals from knowing their HIV status. They note that fear of being judged discourages people from seeking testing and treatment, ultimately affecting national efforts to reduce new infections.
“We must create an enabling environment where people can access care without fear. HIV should not be treated as something deadly or shameful,” she said .
She also highlighted some systemic challenges within the health sector, particularly gaps in human resources for health as a major obstacle to effective service delivery , advocating for greater investment in digital and gateway technologies that allow patients to receive follow-up care without frequent visits to health facilities. These innovations, have the potential to ease pressure on the system while improving patient adherence and outcomes.
The organization is also pushing for a broader approach to prevention. While biomedical interventions remain critical, she stressed the importance of integrating condom use and other primary prevention methods into national strategies. A key part of this effort is promoting comprehensive sexuality education to ensure that young people and the wider population have accurate, age-appropriate information about sexual health.
As part of the advocacy work, she continues to engage government partners on policies that guarantee free HIV testing, access to condoms, and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. She said “ these measures are essential to reducing new infections and securing a healthier future for all.”
