Rubavu, 1 December 2024 – Rwanda joined the global community to observe World AIDS Day 2024, an occasion to reflect on the significant strides made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to reaffirm the country’s unwavering commitment to ending the epidemic by 2030.
Over the past 30 years, Rwanda has intensified efforts in HIV prevention and treatment. According to the UNAIDS Global Report 2023, Rwanda is among the five African countries that have successfully met the 95-95-95 targets, which include:
- 95% of people living with HIV are aware of their status.
- 97% are receiving antiretroviral therapy.
- 98% have achieved viral load suppression.
These accomplishments demonstrate Rwanda’s determination and progress toward achieving the UNAIDS goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
In his remarks, Dr. Sabina Nsanzimana, Minister of Health emphasized that despite the commendable progress that have been made, HIV/AIDS remains a critical public health concern “Out of the 100 deaths recorded every day in Rwanda, 7 are attributed to HIV/AIDS. Additionally, we are registering 9 new infections daily, mostly from young people (14-25). While these figures have decreased threefold over the past decade, they remain a clear indication that HIV remains a public health concern”. Minister Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin said, adding that collective action was essential to achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
Prof. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) made the same observation, noting that while World Aids Day 2024 makes us reflect on the progress made in fighting against HIV/AIDS, “it also reminds us of the work that remains to be done”. The theme for this year “End AIDS, my responsibility”, he said, “echoes a crucial truth: the fight against HIV is a shared responsibility, and it requires all of us as individuals, communities, government and organization partners, to work together towards a World free of AIDS.”
The theme “End AIDS, my responsibility” underscores the critical need for both personal and collective action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Key actions include: regular testing to ensure early detection and treatment, adherence to treatment to prevent the spread of the virus and supporting people living with HIV (PLHIV) and eliminating stigma and discrimination to foster an inclusive society.
This year’s World AIDS Day was held in Rubavu District, a key cross-border hub with high population mobility. The movement of people between Rwanda and neighboring countries increases the risk of the spread of infectious diseases like HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and Mpox.
On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2024, a 6-month national campaign on HIV/AIDS awareness was launched. This campaign aims at: raising awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, increasing access to services especially in rural and underserved areas, ending stigma around people with HIV/AIDS and Mpox as well as collaboration with Communities to ensure that HIV prevention and treatment messages reach all corners of the country.
