World AIDS Day: Rwanda announces new HIV targets

KIGALI, Rwanda

Rwanda targets having 95% of all its citizens infected with HIV aware of their status, with access to drugs, and with their viral load suppressed, the health minister said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a ceremony marking World AIDS Day in the capital Kigali, Daniel Ngamije said a recent survey found that the East African country is on track in its HIV response, in line with the 2030 targets (90-90-90) set by UNAIDS.

Currently at least 84% of infected people in Rwanda are aware of their HIV status, 97% among them are on antiretroviral drugs, and 90% of those under treatment have suppressed their virus load, he said.

He attributed Rwanda’s achievements in the fight against HIV and AIDS to advocacy and resource mobilization, global solidarity and partnership, access to services, community engagement and accountability at all levels.

“Over the next 10 years the objective is to have '95-95-95' as our goals whereby 95% of our people should know their HIV status, 95% should suppress the virus in their bodies, and for those knowing their status, access to HIV treatment should reach 100% [from 97%],” he said.

HIV prevalence in Rwanda stands at 3% with 2.5% in rural areas, and 4.8% in urban areas, according to the latest figures by the health ministry.

The WHO has called on global leaders and citizens to rally for “global solidarity” to maintain essential HIV services during the COVID-19 outbreak, and beyond.

The annual World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease.

KIGALI, Rwanda

Rwanda targets having 95% of all its citizens infected with HIV aware of their status, with access to drugs, and with their viral load suppressed, the health minister said on Tuesday.

HIV prevalence in Rwanda stands at 3% with 2.5% in rural areas, and 4.8% in urban areas, according to the latest figures by the health ministry.

The WHO has called on global leaders and citizens to rally for “global solidarity” to maintain essential HIV services during the COVID-19 outbreak, and beyond.

The annual World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease.