Funding the promise: monitoring Uganda's health sector financing from an HIV/AIDS perspective

Background: HIV/AIDS prevalence in Uganda is beginning to show an upward trend despite increased inflow of funds to fight HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Objectives: To monitor health sector financing from an HIV/AIDS perspective so as to produce recommendations for effective health service delivery mechanisms in Uganda Methods: We reviewed the literature and conducted key interviews with service users, policy makers and HIV/AIDS program managers at national and local government levels. Thematic and content analysis guided the presentation of results. Results: While efforts have been put in place to meet its national minimum health care package, much of the support in HIV/AIDS is from donors and NGOs. There is still no clear harmonisation of funding mechanisms and big short fall in health sector budgeting especially at local government level. At this rate Uganda may not achieve its targets Conclusion: HIV/AIDS funding in Uganda is largely dependant on donors. There is need for increased and sustained financing from the government if the impact of HIVAIDS is to be reduced. Key words: Health financing, HIV/AIDS, funding, budgeting African Health Sciences 2009; 9(S2): S81-S85