Dear Editor,

As we start the new year—2009, all Rwandans should unite and say no to Aids. I would like to share my strategy and resolution about fighting the Aids scourge.

I hope it will be useful and make sense, because I am sick and tired of seeing people dying of Aids yet all has been said and done to stop the epidemic.

The public should be continuously reminded of how this deadly epidemic has robbed us of our loved ones.

This has not only affected families but also the country’s development.

We should know that each single person lost because of Aids is a great loss to Rwanda’s development process. This means that we the people who are still safe, should persistently protect, educate and sensitise those who are ignorant and careless—most especially the youths.  

Women who are most vulnerable should spearhead this fight against HIV/Aids. What we should do as women is to tirelessly stand our ground against Gender Based Violence and continue to teach our children how to protect themselves against this killer disease.

The Government should also increase facilities to support the many vulnerable children who are orphaned, as a result of this pandemic. 

HIV/Aids doe not segregate against looks, gender, age or the pocket size. Everyone is vulnerable.

My strategy therefore focuses on dealing with stigma in society and work towards the long term goal of raising generations that are Aids free. Together we can fight against Aids in 2009 and the years to come.

Kimisagara