Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act Threatens HIV Response, Says PEPFAR Chief.Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni on May 26, 2023, has been widely criticized by human rights groups, foreign governments, and health organizations for its harsh and discriminatory provisions against LGBTQ+ people.
The new law
The law imposes life imprisonment for gay sex and the death penalty for ‘aggravated homosexuality’, which includes having gay sex with someone below the age of 18 or where someone is infected with a life-long illness including HIV. The law also criminalizes the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality, which could include advocacy, counseling, or providing health services to LGBTQ+ people.
One of the most vocal critics of the law is Dr. Deborah Birx, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy, who oversees the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR is the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history, and has invested over $100 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response since 2003, saving 25 million lives and preventing millions of HIV infections. Uganda is one of the countries that has benefited from PEPFAR’s support, receiving more than $4 billion since 2004 to fight HIV/AIDS.
In an interview with The Daily Monitor, Dr. Birx expressed her deep concern about the impact of the anti-gay law on Uganda’s HIV response, which she said was in ‘grave jeopardy’. She said that the law has created a climate of fear and stigma among LGBTQ+ people, who are already disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.
She said that many LGBTQ+ people have been discouraged from seeking vital health services, such as testing, treatment, and prevention, for fear of being attacked or punished. She also said that some health workers have been harassed or arrested for providing care to LGBTQ+ people.
Dr. Birx said that the anti-gay law not only violates human rights and dignity, but also undermines public health and security. She said that by driving LGBTQ+ people underground and away from health services, the law increases the risk of HIV transmission and resistance among them and the general population. She also said that the law contradicts Uganda’s own national HIV/AIDS strategy, which recognizes LGBTQ+ people as a key population that needs special attention and support.
PEPFAR Calls for Repeal of Anti-Gay Law and Respect for Human Rights
Dr. Birx said that PEPFAR is committed to working with Uganda to address its HIV/AIDS challenges, but also urged the government to repeal the anti-gay law and respect human rights for all. She said that PEPFAR’s approach is based on science, evidence, and best practices, and that it does not impose any values or beliefs on its partners.
She said that PEPFAR respects Uganda’s sovereignty and culture, but also expects Uganda to respect its obligations under international law and treaties.
Dr. Birx said that PEPFAR has not cut any funding to Uganda because of the anti-gay law, but has redirected some funds to civil society organizations that provide services to LGBTQ+ people. She said that PEPFAR will continue to monitor the situation closely and evaluate its impact on its programs and partners. She also said that PEPFAR will continue to engage with the government and other stakeholders to advocate for human rights and health access for all.
Dr. Birx also appealed to Ugandans to stand up for their fellow citizens who are LGBTQ+ and to reject violence, hatred, and discrimination against them. She said that Ugandans have a proud history of fighting for freedom and justice, and that they should not let fear or prejudice divide them. She said that Ugandans have a common enemy in HIV/AIDS, and that they should work together to defeat it.
PEPFAR Celebrates 20 Years of Saving Lives and Controlling HIV/AIDS
Despite the challenges posed by the anti-gay law in Uganda, Dr. Birx also celebrated PEPFAR’s achievements and impact in the global HIV/AIDS response over the past 20 years. She said that PEPFAR has transformed the course of history by turning an HIV diagnosis from a death sentence into a manageable condition. She said that PEPFAR has supported 20 countries to achieve epidemic control of HIV or to reach UNAIDS’ 90-90-90 HIV treatment targets, which means that 90% of people living with HIV know their status, 90% of those who know their status are on treatment, and 90% of those on treatment have suppressed viral loads.
Dr. Birx also highlighted PEPFAR’s contributions to strengthening health systems, advancing gender equality, empowering youth, promoting innovation, enhancing security, and fostering partnerships. She said that PEPFAR is a testament to the power and generosity of the American people, and to the strong bipartisan support across ten U.S. congresses and four presidential administrations. She also thanked the host governments, civil society, faith-based organizations, private sector, and other partners for their collaboration and commitment.
Dr. Birx said that PEPFAR’s work is not done yet, and that it will continue to pursue its vision of ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. She said that PEPFAR will remain focused on data, policies, populations, and partnerships to achieve this goal. She also said that PEPFAR will continue to uphold human rights and dignity for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
