SOUTHERN PROVINCE

KAMONYI – Sector leaders in Kamonyi district have pledged to fight HIV/Aids through promotion of behavioral change within the community.

The leaders also set an example on September 16, by taking voluntary testing after undergoing a three day training on handling HIV/Aids prevention and infection held at the district offices.

The training attracted leaders from 12 sectors. It was sponsored by the Rwandan Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA).

"This training is aimed at empowering and involving local leaders in government’s bid to sensitize residents to combat the Aids scourge and use family planning methods appropriately”, said Alexis Rukundo a RALGA official.

He added that HIV/AIDS Programmes have been considered to be integral components of RALGA’s plan. This is particularly of relevance since local authorities, as public figures can function as change agents towards the population.

The trainees also promised to lead by example by  promoting government efforts of disseminating family planning and HIV/Aids awareness in their respective communities.

Similar trainings were also held in various districts countrywide under a project known as the RALGA GF HIV R7 (Global Fund project Round 7).

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