Bridging the Gap: Religious Leaders Empowered to Tackle HIV and SRH Challenges in Rwanda

In a concerted effort to enhance Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) awareness and HIV prevention among young people, the Rwanda Interfaith Council on Health (RICH), in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), organized a two-day training program in Muhanga district.

Held from December 11 to 12, 2024, the initiative focused on strengthening Parent-Adolescent Communication (PAC) as a vital tool for addressing health challenges. Bringing together 36 participants, including religious leaders and family and youth department heads from various religious organizations, the training aimed to equip them with accurate information and practical strategies to foster open family dialogue on these critical issues.

Eraste NTIHEMUKA, the head of programs at Rwanda Interfaith Council on Health (RICH), highlighted that the training coincides with World AIDS Day, which was celebrated on December 1, 2024, but the activities will continue for six months. The purpose was to enhance the role of religions and churches in promoting knowledge on reproductive health and HIV prevention.

He said, “So we have prepared this training using especially the approach that we prioritize these days to develop family-based responses that help in health promotion. We are focusing on improving parent-child communication.”

He expects that after receiving information about HIV, individuals will become aware of sexual reproductive health issues, particularly among young people. They will help in preventing new HIV/AIDS infections, addressing family issues like teenage pregnancies, and encouraging testing and HIV/AIDS prevention. They will emphasize the importance of being close to those with HIV/AIDS to ensure proper medication intake.

Ntihemuka noted that the Rwandan community faces a significant issue with sexual reproductive health due to cultural barriers and a lack of openness. Talking about reproductive health is often shy, and many parents lack knowledge about how to communicate with children. “This issue was addressed through training to challenge silences and educate them on effective communication strategies. This helps prevent children from receiving incorrect information from other sources and helps them develop better communication skills.”

He stated that post-training; participants will enhance their knowledge and skills in sexual and reproductive health, mental health, HIV and GBV prevention, and promoting parent-child communication, particularly in addressing SRH issues in families and youth.

Hadjat Niyirama Hidaya, who came from Rubavu district, expressed that this training provided numerous benefits that would benefit her family, society, and the neighborhood as a whole.

She said, “I have 8 children. We usually discuss sexual reproductive health, as well as AIDS prevention, but the way I used to talk to them is different from what I was trained. I used to surprise them, but I didn’t prepare them. What I benefited from here is that I have to notify them and tell them about the day, dates, and topics of the discussion, ensuring everyone is prepared for the conversation.”

She emphasized her role as a representative of Muslim women in religion and aims to assist them by teaching them that family conversation with children are crucial for a good family.

Ishimwe Kwizera Laurence, who represented the Young Catholic Students (JEC), learned from training that regular communication with families is crucial, as they are the first source of school life and knowledge. She emphasizes the importance of asking parents for clarification and understanding, as they are the first to understand and respond to his concerns.

She urged youth to consult their parents and seek advice when they are unsure, as social media can sometimes mislead and lead them in the wrong direction.

Bishop Japhet NKUYEMURUGERO, who came from the Association of Baptist Churches in Rwanda (AEBR), appreciated the training for its assistance in managing his family responsibilities, particularly in discussing sexual reproductive health with children, as it provided valuable knowledge on how to effectively communicate and find suitable time for discussions.

“I prioritized family and personal time during training, focusing on being role models and making children friends. We have to organize and encourage participation in conversations, ensuring that the children are involved and engaged in the process. This approach ensures a positive learning environment,” he said.

“Teaching spirituality is crucial for a healthy soul and body, especially in today’s technologically-driven world. Children are exposed to vast amounts of information, which can lead to misinterpretation and misinterpretation, necessitating extensive communication to effectively convey this knowledge,” he added.

Theoneste Ibrahim MUJYANAMA, Secretary Executive of the Muslim Community in Ngororero district and representative of the Muslim Youth Leadership Council (MyLC), emphasized the importance of family-based education in addressing the disappearing culture of teaching sexual reproductive health and preventing HIV and unplanned pregnancies.

He argued that parents should be the first to teach their children these topics, and even teachers should contribute to the education process. This approach promotes a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Rwanda has made significant progress in HIV prevention and treatment, meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. With 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 97% on antiretroviral therapy, and 98% achieving viral suppression, the country is well-positioned to meet the UNAIDS goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

Despite socio-economic progress, young people continue to face significant challenges, particularly in sexual and reproductive health, leading to issues such as adolescent pregnancies and HIV infections. According to The Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (RPHIA) (2018-2019), 0.4% of adolescents (ages 10-14) are living with HIV, equating to around 5,900 affected youth. The 2019-20 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) shows that 59% of young women and 57% of young men have comprehensive HIV prevention knowledge, with higher awareness among those in urban areas and those with more education.

During the 36th World AIDS Day celebration in Rubavu District on December 1, 2024, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin NSANZIMANA, emphasized personal and collective responsibility in the fight against AIDS. Highlighting Rwanda’s demographic dynamics, he reported a reduction in AIDS-related deaths and new infections over the past decade. However, he stressed the need for continued efforts, especially in reaching young people under 20, through targeted communication on modern platforms like social media.

Dr. Laurence NTAWUNGA, Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) staff in HIV Division, emphasized that religious individuals organize and monitor families, they should be promoting parent-child communication, providing information, monitoring youth, and encouraging testing to assess their status.

“Also, they have to know that even though they are teaching about spirituality, there is another reality of life that they should think about,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of a partnership between parents in a child’s upbringing, as it is crucial for a child’s biological survival and prevents a gap that could lead to AIDS easily if it is not closely communicated.