A plan by the National Aids Commission’s (CNLS) to help HIV/Aids patients uplift their incomes through cooperatives is nearing its final phase.

This was revealed Thursday by the Deputy Executive Secretary of CNLS, Antoine Semukanya, at a meeting held at Hotel Alpha Place, Kigali  "It is through cooperatives and not non-profit associations that people living with HIV/AIDS will be able to effectively gain from our support,” Semukanya said

He confirmed that a national campaign to ensure that all local associations committed to fighting the stigma of AIDS  among patients and help them join cooperatives was underway. 

"Beyond treatment, we are interested in their sustainable livelihoods,” Semukanya pointed out..

An official from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said forming cooperatives will help AIDS patients tackle the growing burden of high costs of living. Damien Mugabo, who is the chairman of the national Taskforce for Cooperatives, assured the members that they could benefit from any grant.

"You have a right to solicit grants, but must make sure it is put to proper use,” Mugabo advised.

Ends