TODAY Rwanda will officially mark World Aids Day. The Day was globally commemorated on December 1.  Globally about 34 million people are living with HIV, while more than 35 million people have died from Aids. UNICEF also reveals that at least 40 million people are infected with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa with the bulk of new cases among young people, aged 15-25.  This is the age bracket where the majority of students in higher institutions of learning fall.  Education Times assessed how universities in Rwanda are coping with the issue of HIV/Aids. 

A survey done by this paper established that in most institutions of higher learning, the subject of HIV/Aids is treated with secrecy. Many of the university officials approached did not want to open up on the magnitude of HIV/Aids prevalence among students and staff.

However, many said they have policies on HIV/Aids and counsellors.

More needs to be done to sensitise students on the dangers of risky behavior like engaging in unprotected sex with sugar daddies and sugar mummies in exchange for gifts, which exposes them to HIV.  All universities should also have policies that fight stigma and discrimination against staff and students living with HIV/Aids.