Rwanda has made significant strides in combating HIV, with the latest data showing that 95% of people living with the virus are aware of their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of individuals on ART are achieving viral suppression. This success underscores the country’s commitment to tackling a virus that weakens the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis and certain cancers.
However, challenges remain. HIV prevalence among people aged 15–49 stands at 2.7%, and 0.5% of children under 15 are living with the virus, according to Dr. Vanessa Mupenzi, Director of HIV Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Research at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).
Combating Myths and Misconceptions
Misconceptions about HIV transmission persist, fueling stigma and hindering prevention efforts. Dr. Gilbert Mbaraga of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Rwanda emphasized that myths, such as the belief that HIV can be spread through casual contact like hugging or shaking hands, are not based on scientific evidence.
“HIV is only transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Misunderstanding this leads to unnecessary discrimination,” Dr. Mbaraga said. He also debunked myths about mosquito transmission and animal-to-human spread, emphasizing that HIV is specific to human-to-human transmission.
One of the most critical public health messages, according to Dr. Mbaraga, is “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U). This principle states that individuals on effective ART who achieve undetectable viral levels cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners.
Understanding Transmission and Prevention
Deo Mutambuka, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV (RRP+), outlined the primary modes of transmission, including unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, proper medical interventions, such as ART, can significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission rates.
Prevention methods include consistent and correct condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at high risk, and regular HIV testing. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is another critical tool, especially for emergency cases, as it prevents the virus from establishing itself if taken within 72 hours of exposure.
Mutambuka emphasized that stigma reduction is key: “You cannot contract HIV from hugging, shaking hands, or sharing meals. Educating the public about these facts is crucial to reducing discrimination.”
Despite Rwanda’s progress, stigma remains a significant barrier, particularly for adolescents and young people. Dr. Mupenzi noted that social media often glamorizes risky behaviors, contributing to a false sense of security among youth.
Targeting high-risk populations is another priority. Dr. Basile Ikuzo, Director of the HIV Prevention Unit at RBC, highlighted efforts to expand preventive measures like PrEP, PEP, and voluntary medical male circumcision. He also stressed the importance of integrating HIV care with services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
However, the increasing number of new infections among young women remains a challenge. “We are addressing these gaps through targeted interventions and improved outreach for high-risk groups,” Dr. Ikuzo said.
Rwanda has made commendable progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care. However, addressing stigma, combating myths, and reaching marginalized groups remain vital. Public education, innovative strategies, and strengthened healthcare services are essential to achieving the country’s goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.
As Dr. Mupenzi aptly concluded, “The fight against HIV is not just about medicine; it’s about changing mindsets, reducing stigma, and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
