A survey conducted by Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) in 2020 indicates that youths do not conduct regular testing of HIV, and those who test positive do not go for medication as prescribed by the medical practitioners.
Even though the prevalence of new HIV infections decreased from 0.27 percent of the population in 2010 to 0.08 per cent in 2019, Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment indicates that 1.2 percent of girls aged 15-24 are HIV positive while the boys’ rate stands at 0.5 percent.
Married women between the ages of 25-29 who are HIV positive stand at 3.4 percent while married men’s prevalence status stands at 1.3 percent.
Aime Ernest Nyirinkindi, HIV Clinical Mentor at RBC, says that although all services to prevent HIV/AIDS are available in Rwanda, the challenge lies in getting young people to make the most of them effectively.
Speaking during a community HIV awareness campaign which kicked off from April 21 to 30 in the Eastern Province, Nyirinkindi explained that the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and reduce its prevalence.
The ten day campaign initiative which includes entertainment is focused in Eastern Province, a region with the highest number of new infections in the districts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, and Rwamagana, districts alongside the city of Kigali.
According to Nyirinkindi , RBC is working with different schools to remind everyone including the youth to conduct regular testing.
“We have noted a significant reduction in the number of babies born to women with HIV, from 11 per cent in 2010 to under two per cent in 2023, though condomless sex is still a challenge, despite their availability at shops, health centers, pharmacies, and at the 24/7 condom distribution kiosks.
“We urge parents and teachers to educate young people about the use of condoms, and regular testing as an important way to reduce prevalence of the virus” He points out
The campaign is also encouraging male students to be circumcised to reduce their chances of contracting HIV from sexual contact.
Marcel Rutikanga, who studies at Karangazi High School, says that they know the dangers and consequences of the AIDS epidemic because they’ve observed people who are affected.
“Our educators and parents often educate us to use condoms as the second most common import way while abstaining as the first priority” Rutikanga says.
Gilbert Manishimwe the TTC Health School Director says that some of the courses students study include reproductive health in addition to the Clubs they have in the school.
In addition, some students say that the influence that the teachers put on them to avoid temptations, should also reach out to their parents at home.
