About UPHIA 2024-2025

Understanding Uganda's HIV Response through rigorous research and community engagement

What is UPHIA 2024-2025?

UPHIA Survey Team

UPHIA Survey Team

Expert researchers conducting household interviews

Key Survey Components

Understand the comprehensive approach that makes UPHIA 2024-2025 a robust and scientifically rigorous assessment

Household Selection

Using scientifically rigorous sampling methodology, households are randomly selected across all regions of Uganda to ensure national representativeness. The selection process follows a multi-stage cluster sampling design based on the Uganda National Population and Housing Census.

The sampling frame includes approximately 25,000 households across 15 regions of Uganda, with stratification by urban and rural areas. Each region contributes proportionally to the national sample size to ensure accurate representation of Uganda's demographic diversity.

Community Engagement

Before data collection begins, extensive community engagement activities are conducted to inform communities about the study, build trust, and ensure voluntary participation. Local leaders and health workers are briefed about the study objectives and procedures.

Community engagement includes meetings with local government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and community health workers. Information sessions are held to educate communities about the study benefits and address any concerns about participation.

Data Collection

Trained field teams conduct structured interviews with eligible household members to collect demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and health-related information. All interviews are conducted using standardized questionnaires and follow strict quality assurance protocols.

Data collection includes individual interviews for adults (15+ years), household interviews, and collection of biological specimens. All data collectors undergo intensive training on interview techniques, ethical conduct, and use of electronic data collection tools.

Laboratory Testing

Blood samples collected from consenting participants undergo comprehensive HIV testing in certified laboratories. Testing includes HIV status determination, viral load measurement for those HIV-positive, and additional biomarker analyses to provide comprehensive epidemiological data.

Laboratory procedures follow international standards and include quality control measures. Testing is performed using dried blood spots (DBS) and includes HIV antibody testing, HIV DNA/RNA testing for confirmation, and viral load testing. All specimens are processed in accredited laboratories with strict chain of custody protocols.

UPHIA in Action

Field Training

Field Training

Preparing our teams

Community Engagement

Community Engagement

Building relationships

Data Collection

Data Collection

Gathering insights

Why UPHIA 2024-2025?

Measure HIV Epidemic Impact

Provide nationally representative estimates of HIV incidence, prevalence, viral load suppression, and other key HIV indicators to assess the current state of the HIV epidemic in Uganda and measure progress toward national and global HIV targets.

Inform Policy and Program Development

Generate high-quality evidence to inform national HIV policies, strategies, and program planning. Support evidence-based decision-making for resource allocation, program design, and implementation strategies to optimize HIV prevention, care, and treatment efforts.

Strengthen Health System Capacity

Build local capacity for population-based HIV surveillance, enhance laboratory systems, strengthen data management and analysis capabilities, and contribute to the development of a sustainable HIV monitoring and evaluation system in Uganda.

Who is Conducting the Survey?

UPHIA Leadership Team

UPHIA 2024-2025 is led by the Ministry of Health with support from the Uganda AIDS Commission, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and Uganda Virus Research Institute. The survey is implemented by Makerere University School of Public Health in collaboration with international partners.

Key Leadership

Ministry of Health Leadership
Makerere University School of Public Health
International Technical Partners

Implementation Partners

Government of Uganda

  • Ministry of Health
  • Uganda AIDS Commission
  • Uganda Bureau of Statistics
  • Uganda Virus Research Institute

Technical Partners

  • Makerere University School of Public Health
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • ICAP at Columbia University
  • PEPFAR

Collaborative Leadership

UPHIA Team Collaboration

Joint Planning Sessions

Cross-institutional collaboration for survey success

Technical Meeting

Technical Coordination

Expert teams working together for quality outcomes

How is the Survey Conducted?

Sample Selection Process

Step 1

Sample Selection

Enumeration areas are randomly selected from the national sampling frame, followed by random selection of households within each area. This scientific approach ensures representative data from across Uganda.

Scientific Sampling • Representative Data
Household Visit Training

Step 2

Household Visit

Trained survey teams visit selected households to explain the survey, obtain consent, and conduct interviews with eligible household members. Community engagement is key to building trust.

Trained Teams • Community Trust
Biomarker Collection Training

Step 3

Biomarker Collection

With consent, blood samples are collected for HIV testing and other health assessments. Rapid HIV test results are provided immediately with appropriate counseling and support.

Immediate Results • Counseling Support
Laboratory Testing Discussion

Step 4

Laboratory Testing

Samples are transported to central laboratories for viral load testing, recent infection testing, and quality assurance. Advanced laboratory techniques ensure accurate results.

Advanced Testing • Quality Assurance
Results Return and Care Linkage

Step 5

Results Return

Laboratory results are returned to participants through health facilities. Those testing positive are linked to care and treatment services with ongoing support and follow-up.

Care Linkage • Ongoing Support

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Can Any Person Be Part of the Survey?

UPHIA uses scientific sampling methods to select participants. Only households that are randomly selected can participate in the survey. This ensures that the survey results represent the entire population of Uganda and provide accurate insights into the nation's HIV status.

Who is Eligible?

  • All members of randomly selected households
  • Adults aged 15 years and above
  • Children aged 0-14 years (with parental consent)

Participation is:

  • Completely voluntary
  • Confidential and anonymous
  • Free of charge with health benefits

Selected for UPHIA?

If your household is chosen, you're making a valuable contribution to Uganda's health future. Your participation helps shape policies and programs that benefit all Ugandans.

Representative Data National Impact Community Benefit

UPHIA 2024-2025 Goals

Measure HIV Prevalence

Determine current HIV prevalence rates across different populations and regions

Assess Service Coverage

Evaluate the reach and effectiveness of HIV prevention, care, and treatment services

Inform Policy Decisions

Provide data to guide national HIV response strategies and resource allocation