According to RBC, youth are among the most affected, with sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) being at particularly high risk of infection.
HIV was first detected in Rwanda in 1983 and spread rapidly from 1986 onwards, with the peak of infections occurring between 1988 and 1996. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, although antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps to suppress its progression.
Dr. Ikuzo Basile, head of the HIV Prevention Department at RBC, revealed that 230,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV, with 3,200 new infections recorded annually.
'When we examine HIV-related deaths, we estimate that 2,600 people die from AIDS-related complications every year. Among Rwandans aged 15 to 49, 2.7% are living with HIV," Dr Basile revealed.
Regarding children aged 0 to 14 with HIV, 80% are receiving treatment.
RBC highlights that sex workers and men who have sex with men remain among the most vulnerable groups. The organization is increasing efforts to provide targeted interventions for these populations.
According to Dr. Ikuzo, 35% of sex workers in Rwanda are living with HIV, while 5.8% of MSM are infected. Only 43% of MSM know their HIV status.
'When you compare these figures to the general population, they remain alarmingly high, which is why we prioritize these groups in our prevention efforts,' he said.
On a positive note, 99% of HIV-positive mothers in Rwanda can now give birth without transmitting the virus to their children, thanks to effective medical interventions.
Youth face rising HIV infections
Dr. Ikuzo emphasized that youth remain particularly vulnerable, especially in Kigali City and the Eastern Province, which consistently report the highest rates of new infections.
'Young people aged 15 to 29 account for most new infections, with young women being the most affected,' he said. 'Among older adults, men are more likely to be HIV-positive than women, indicating that men are transmitting the virus to younger women.'
In Eastern Province, 1.7% of young people aged 10 to 24 tested positive for HIV, and 27% of those tested also had sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr. Ikuzo stressed the importance of condom use not only to prevent HIV but also to protect against other STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
Testing and treatment gaps among youth
Despite awareness efforts, youth remain less likely to get tested. For instance, in the Northern Province, only 30% of young people know their HIV status.
HIV transmission methods have changed over time. Cases from blood transfusions or mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding have significantly declined due to improved health interventions. Today, unprotected sexual intercourse remains the leading cause of HIV infection.
Dr. Ikuzo highlighted that people who inject drugs are also at risk of contracting HIV through shared needles.
Access to medication
Among the 230,000 people living with HIV in Rwanda, 97% are currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART)â€"a major achievement exceeding the government's initial goal of 95% coverage.
There are 600 health centers across Rwanda offering free HIV treatment, including public hospitals and select private clinics.
Male circumcision and HIV prevention
A recent study by the Ministry of Health found that 56% of men aged 15 to 64 in Rwanda are circumcised, with the highest rates reported in Kigali City.
Dr. Ikuzo urged uncircumcised men to undergo voluntary medical male circumcision, as it reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 60%.
In 2019, 87% of people diagnosed with HIV were receiving treatment. This figure has now increased to 97%, reflecting significant progress in controlling the epidemic.
However, young people still face challenges in adhering to treatment. Data show that 63% of HIV patients on medication are women, while 37% are men.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/health/article/rwanda-records-3-200-new-hiv-cases-and-2-600-deaths-annually-rbc
