Muhanga: People demand consistent HIV prevention education

Residents of Mushishiro Sector in Muhanga District are calling on the authorities to strengthen efforts to provide them with HIV prevention education as a way of curbing its spread, saying that some people still lack sufficient knowledge on the matter.

Philemon Byukusenge, one of the residents who spoke to mamedecine.rw, said that although there are occasional teachings on HIV prevention, a significant number of people still do not fully understand the issue.

“Sometimes, during meetings we learn about HIV prevention but it doesn’t happen often. I believe the authorities should establish a permanent program for training the public on HIV prevention, just the same as a regular schedule for community general assemblies. I think that would help people take it more seriously because many still lack proper knowledge on the subject.” says Byukusenge.

He continued: “Some men, after getting married, feel disappointed when their wives delay conceiving. Instead of going to the doctor, they engage in sexual intercourse to check if they can have a child. Also, sometimes a man wants to control everything in the household, and if the woman doesn’t comply, he goes elsewhere where he feels respected. They don’t think about the risk of contracting HIV through these bad behavior.”

The need for a permanent of HIV prevention education program is also highlighted by some young people, who say they need more knowledge on the issue and also pointed out challenges they face.

Celine (name changed): “I have some knowledge about HIV prevention, but not enough. I know it is transmitted through sexual intercourse and that using condoms is a way to prevent it. However, we feel fear while buying condoms. What I would ask from the authorities is to give us more training.” says Celine.

Joseph Nsanzabera : “The youth are reckless and don’t listen. If you try to advise them, they ignore you. Some are into drugs and alcohol, which leads them into sexual promiscuity. I think if the authorities put in place a regular HIV training program, it would be helpful.” says Nsanzabera.

Gustave Niyonzima, Executive Secretary of Mushishiro Sector, reassured the people, promising that their request would be taken seriously.

“Actually, the program to educate people on HIV prevention already exists through discussions we hold with them. Now, we are going to put more effort into it so that it becomes consistent.” says Niyonzima.

A study by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) on the health and living conditions of Rwandans conducted in 2019–2020 revealed that 2.7% of adults aged 15–49 are infected with HIV. Among them, 3.5% are women and 1.7% are men. Among the youth aged 15–24, those who are infected are 0.7%.

A report from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) for the year 2022–2023 states that some of the effects of HIV infection include depression, sadness, shame, and social exclusion, which can negatively impact the health and well-being of those living with HIV.

Fulgencie MUKAMUSONI