Despite efforts made by various players involved in the fight against AIDS in Rwanda, to limit the spread of this pandemic and reduce its impact, this infection still persists. For more than two decades now, the HIV infection has amounted to a real public health problem in the country. A recent survey report dubbed as Evolution Of knowledge and behavior related to HIV/AIDS among the Youth in Rwanda reveals the existence of
behavior among the Youth that is likely to put them at the risk of HIV infection. Two national level surveys carried out in 2005 and 2006 indicate that the first sexual relations occur relatively early among certain teenagers. One shows that 15% of males and 5% of females aged 15-19 years had extramarital sexual relations before the age of 15 years. The other reveals as 13% of the set of the females aged 15 years to 24 years and 24% of the males of this same age bracket are sexually active. However, the rate of systematic use of the condom during unprotected sexual relations is relatively very low both in females (1.3%) and males (1.1%).
In an exclusive interview with me, Charles Gahima, the Rwanda Director General of National Curriculum Development Center said that effects and prevention of HIV/AIDS are taught in the current curriculum in schools. “We have HIV/AIDS taught from Primary 4 through to all Second levels as a cross cutting subject whereas Condom use as a prevention strategy is part of the teaching and government sensitization campaign.” He said
Gahima further added that prevention and condom use education is available at high learning institutions but not yet at school level noting that debates are underway on its advantages and disadvantages. According to Gahima, the prevalence rate among the youth is currently at 1.5 percent with a target of achieving 0.5 by the end of next year.
The National Aids control Commission (CNLS) has been on the fore front carrying condom campaigns across the entire country. According to Valens Hakizimana, behavior change and Communication Officer under CNLS, though condoms have not been introduced in secondary and primary schools, this doesn’t mean that condom education is not done.
“Pupils are taught the importance of condoms in the fight against HIV, but they are most interested in the sexual abstinence choice. “Hakizimana adds “Discussions are being made basing on evidences to bring the condoms in schools.”
The DHS 2005 found that the average age of the first sex is 15. But in BSS 2009, it was found that average age of the same was 16 for boys and 17 for girls. The CIO noted that some even have been found to begin at the age of 12. “We are using interpersonal communication with anti AIDS Clubs, and other channels of communication to sensitize the youth and created awareness; hence the urgent need of the introduction of condom us and HIV prevention education in Primary and Secondary schools.”
A very high proportion of youth so far has displayed a good Knowledge of protections against HIV /AIDS through Proper condom use, one faithful partner and abstinence. “The Southern province of Rwanda has the highest percentage (86.9) of youth claiming that the proper use of condom protects against HIV/AIDS, the Western province has the lowest percentage (77.8%). “ he notes
He however he said that there is still a problem in the taboos surrounding sex education. “This is really a problem and it affects sex education, for example some parents cannot talk about condom use with their children, other people cannot even buy condoms in public.” Adding that this has contributed negatively in the HIV prevention issues.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Health recently attributed the drastic increase in the use of condoms this year to the sensitization on condom use through social marketing strategies, and setting up free condom dispensing spots in public institutions, including hospitals.
Social marketing approach guarantees availability of condoms through the commercial sector with a total market approach while public sector approach permits distribution of free condoms, with health facilities being the traditionally accepted final distribution points.
Last year, over 11.4 million condoms where distributed under the public sector approach while over 12.1 million were distributed through social marketing. According to Arthur Asiimwe, the Director General of the Health Communication Centre in the health Ministry, a recent survey shows that condom use has increased by 43 percent among the youth aged between 14 - 24 and 83 percent in the commercial sexual workers, as compared to the previous 2000 and 2006 surveys.
Despite the taboos and stereo typing that come along with the use of condoms and its discussions, the Government of Rwanda has taken it personal to ensure the whole country is aware of the pandemic.
Early this year, Members of Rwanda Parliament in partnership with National AIDS Control Commission (CNLS) conducted a great mobilization action on condom use in all the 30 districts. At the tour, the acting CNLS Executive Secretary, Gaston Rusiha encouraged people to make decision to protect themselves by using Condoms thanking the Rwanda Parliament for its commitment to fight against AIDS.
Among other measures that the Government has taken against the spread of HIV/AIDS is the introduction of the Anti HIV Vaginal Gel. After approval from the Medical Ethics Rwandan Project Ubuzima will spend the next three years conducting a research on an Anti-HIV gel for women. This is part of the microbicide medical products and is believed to reduce the risk of HIV infection among women.
The research is based on microbicide products that contain an Anti retroviral compound, Dapirivine that is being developed as vaginal gels, films and rings to help protect women from HIV infection during sexual intercourse.
In a potential breakthrough in the prevention of AIDS, researchers reported that a vaginal gel containing an existing AIDS drug can cut in half a woman's chances of getting HIV from an infected partner.
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