Ugandan AIDS activists concerned over proposed cuts in nation's health budget

AIDS activists in Uganda are worried about a proposed reduction in the country's health budget, as Parliament begins "a months-long budgeting process for the ... next fiscal year," VOA News reports. "AIDS activists have expressed concern that Uganda's proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes a six percent cut in health funding to $307.5 million," which "is less than 10 percent of the country's overall budget," the news service writes. Joshua Wamboga of The AIDS Support Organization said a lack of financial commitment from the government could undermine efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the country, VOA notes, adding, "Government officials said the cut to the health budget reflects construction projects in that sector that have been completed and no longer require funding." According to VOA, "The budget is months away from being finalized and activists hope there is still time to increase funds" (Green, 5/15).