EASTERN PROVINCE

RWAMAGANA—An unspecified number of residents are flocking for HIV/Aids testing and counseling services in Rwamagana.  
On Wednesday and Thursday alone, 250 residents showed up for the services.

Epiphanie Mukamunana, an employee of Population Service International (PSI) Rwanda, said the turn up was recommendable.

"This turn up is an indication of how people wish to know their HIV/Aids status,” Mukamunana said.

Theoneste Mbarushimana told me he was just passing by but up on learning that the VCT services were free, he made a stop over to first take the services.

"I was just bypassing. I saw the tents and inquired to know what is going on only to be told that they are testing residents. I can’t leave this place. I must test to know my HIV/Aids status,” Mbarushimana said.

"It helps me to change my behavior. I will abstain from sex outside marriage,” he said.

Three sites have been set up through Rwamagana town to quicken the exercise. The sites are set at Kigabiro Sector headquarters, at Ecole Praimaire Protestant and at Rwamagana market.

The testing has been organized by PSI-Rwanda in conjunction with the Rwanda’s Treatment Research and AIDS Center (TRAC).

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