From Stigma to Support: Rwanda’s Journey Toward an AIDS-Free Future

Rwanda marked the 36th celebration of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, joining the global community in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The event, held in Rubavu District, was centered on the theme “End AIDS, My Responsibility,” which called for both personal and collective action. This year’s observance emphasized the importance of regular HIV testing, adherence to antiretroviral treatment, and supporting those living with HIV. Additionally, the celebration focused on reducing stigma and fostering a more inclusive environment for people living with the virus.

Rwanda has made remarkable strides in HIV prevention and treatment over the past two decades. The country has been recognized by the Global UNAIDS Report 2023 for achieving the 95-95-95 targets, with 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 97% receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 98% achieving viral load suppression. Its continued commitment to the fight against HIV positions it well to meet the UNAIDS target of ending AIDS by 2030.

During his speech, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin NSANZIMANA, shared powerful insights on the nation’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. He highlighted Rwanda’s demographic dynamics, noting that 1,000 people are born daily, while 100 die, including seven attributed to AIDS. Though this marks significant progress from a decade ago when over 20 AIDS-related deaths occurred daily, the minister emphasized the urgency of reducing this number further.

He underlined progress in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates, which have dropped from 2% to below 1%, representing approximately one transmission per week. However, challenges persist among vulnerable groups, particularly female sex workers, who exhibit a 35% HIV prevalence rate, down from 50% a decade ago. He emphasized the importance of addressing stigma and integrating these populations into societal and healthcare frameworks.

“It means AIDS is still a problem. We’re still dealing with a serious problem. However, look at the number 10 years ago. It was almost three times. Actually, more than 3 times. At that time, it was more than 20 people dying every day because of AIDS. It moved from 20 on a daily basis to 7. It’s progress, but it’s still very high. It’s a very high number. Compared to other causes of death, that makes the 100 a day,” stated Dr. Nsanzimana.

Daily new HIV infections stand at nine, a reduction from 25 ten years ago. Most new infections occur among young people aged 20 and below, underscoring the need for targeted communication using modern platforms like social media to reach and inform the younger generation.

“Communication is key; communicating to this new generation can’t be done the same way we’re communicating to us, to the people before us. We have to adapt to technology, to social media; there are many ways these people are communicating, and use them, work with them. That’s how we can tell HIV is still there. Please, let’s prevent more infections. Awareness without an intervention is a miss of a solution,” he added.

The minister also called for rapid adoption of long-acting antiretroviral therapies (injectables administered biannually) to enhance patient adherence and reduce treatment costs. He advocated for integrating prevention and management of emerging diseases such as Mpox and Marburg virus into existing HIV/STI programs to ensure a comprehensive health response.

He concluded by highlighting the need for sustained investments in HIV care, not only as a financial expenditure but as a strategy that saves lives and sustains communities. He called on all stakeholders to continue efforts to reduce infections and deaths, tackle stigma, and deliver innovative treatments, ensuring Rwanda remains a global leader in combating HIV/AIDS.

This commitment to innovation, collaboration, and compassion encapsulates Rwanda’s vision for a healthier future.

Prof. Claude Muvunyi Mambo, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), highlighted Rwanda’s progress in combating HIV/AIDS while urging collective efforts to address remaining challenges. Reflecting on the global theme, “Take the Right Path: My Health, My Rights,” he emphasized shared responsibility among individuals, communities, and institutions to achieve the 2030 AIDS eradication target.

He acknowledged progress made, yet noted significant challenges, especially in regions like Rubavu, where high mobility and vulnerable populations, including sex workers and transport operators, contribute to elevated risks of HIV transmission. He also highlighted the compounded risks posed by emerging health threats, such as M-pox, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.

 “I think it’s all about accessibility to make sure that we end stigma. So a major focus will also be put on combating stigma around HIV/AIDS and also M-pox, which I think is going to help us to prevent people from seeking help,” he stated..

To tackle these issues, RBC launched a six-month nationwide campaign focusing on awareness, service accessibility, stigma reduction, and community collaboration. The campaign aims to enhance HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services, with special attention to high-risk regions like Kigali, the Eastern, and Western Provinces. Mobile clinics and community engagement are key strategies to ensure healthcare access.

“Our efforts over the next six months will be guided by the belief that ending AIDS is my responsibility. This is going to be a very collective responsibility that falls on all of us, every student, every citizen, every headquarters, and also every leader to play their part in ensuring that Rwanda becomes a country where no one has to suffer from the burden of HIV and AIDS,” Prof. Muvunyi said.

A strong emphasis was placed on combating stigma, which remains a barrier to seeking care. The campaign seeks to foster inclusivity and mobilize all stakeholders—students, leaders, educators, and citizens—in making HIV eradication a collective goal.

Concluding his address, Prof. Muvunyi called for unity, urging everyone to join efforts toward an AIDS-free Rwanda. “Ending AIDS is my responsibility,” he stressed, envisioning a future where no Rwandan suffers from HIV or related health threats.

This year’s observance serves as a rallying call for action, solidarity, and hope in the global fight against AIDS.

In a heartfelt testimony, Afazali Jean Lèonce, an AIDS patient, reflected on his initial struggle upon diagnosis. Overwhelmed with despair and a deep resentment for life, his story captures the emotional challenges faced by those living with the virus. His journey highlights the importance of resilience and support in overcoming such adversity.

He said, “The doctor’s lessons provided me the confidence to begin taking Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs)”

Afazali, who is also a member of the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV (RRP+), expressed gratitude to the Rwandan government for providing free medicine. He is now working on education and collaborating with 30 ambassadors nationwide to raise awareness about HIV prevention and support those living with the condition, emphasizing that HIV is not the end of life.