By Juma Nsubuga
The Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Hajjat Safia Nalule Jjuuko has applauded Uganda Network on Law, Ethics, HIV/AIDS (UGANET),TASO and Global Fund for their continued support towards strengthening Uganda’s Multi-sector response to epidemic diseases like HIV /AIDS,TB, Malaria among others.
Nalule made the remarks at the 7th national dialogue on HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, Human rights and Law.
The dialogue was organized under the theme: Building Bridges for Health, Human rights and Justice at Sky hotel Kampala.
Addressing the gathering as a key note speaker, Nalule thanked the organizers (UGANET) for recognizing the indispensable role of human rights, equity and inclusive governance in Uganda’s public health landscape.
“Today’s dialogue provides an important platform for us to reflect,strategize and recommit ourselves to a future where no Ugandan is left behind in accessing life saving HIV,TB and Malaria services” she said.
She confirmed to the gathering that her commission (EOC) has also progressively realigned its interventions to address the persistent marginalization and discrimination faced by persons living with HIV/AIDS,TB and Maliria. “This dialogue has come at a pivotal moment as a country (Uganda) must recognize that eliminating HIV/AIDS,TB and Malaria is not just a biomedical endeavor but its a struggle for social justice,fairness and equal opportunity” she said adding that the dialogue must also re-affirm the principle that health is a right, not a privilege and development is only complete when all Ugandans are included and supported to live dignified healthy lives.
Nalule further called upon UGANET and TASO to be a catalyst for renewed commitment,mutual accountability and bold action.
Meanwhile UGANET executive director Grace Nayiga said that
UGANET remains firmly committed to a rights-based HIV response one that strengthens accountability, challenges discriminatory practices, elevates community voices, and supports institutions to fulfil their constitutional and statutory mandates effectively.
“As we engage in today’s discussions, I invite us to be both reflective and forward-looking. Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 will not be achieved through biomedical interventions alone” she said adding that, It will require sustained attention to law, justice, gender equality, and human dignity.
“As UGANET approaches three decades of advocacy, we do so with renewed clarity of purpose: to ensure that progress in the HIV response is equitable, lawful, and anchored in dignity for all” she added.
