Rwandan Non-Governmental Organizations Forum on HIV/AIDS last week (Friday), held a one-day workshop on the epidemic’s preventive technologies at Hotel La Palisse Nyandungu, in Gasabo district.

The meeting would specifically discuss, among other things, the role of NGOs during the 2008 World Aids day Campaign and also to increase the knowledge and awareness of participants on the clinical trial on HIV/AIDS vaccine; male and female condoms and double protection (both sexual partners wearing condoms), male circumcision and HIV prevention.

"The objective of this particular meeting is to mobilize NGOs on the 2008 World Aids day ‘HIV preventive technologies literacy’ campaign,” explained Fulgence Kamari, the Media Consultant for the National AIDS Control Commission (CNLS) in his opening remarks.

Participants in this forum received explanations on the preventive technologies still being tested. These include vaccines which will help in stimulating the body’s immune system to fight HIV and microbicides which are substances such as gels or creams that could reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

"We want to organize ourselves in a way that will make the World AIDS Day campaign a success,” explained Kamari. He also called upon all Rwandans especially married couples, to turn up in big numbers for blood testing and counseling during campaign time.

The World AIDS day campaign will begin on October 30 and end on January 7, 2009.

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