KIGALI - Members of the Rwanda Network of Parliamentarians for Population and Development have launched a reproductive health and anti HIV/AIDS crusade in 18 universities and other higher institutions of learning.

The Newtork’s Program Officer, Jean Marie Mbonyimana told this reporter at the weekend that though universities are home to thousands of people, they were still not connected to the national health system.

The Parliamentarians selected a team of 47 students who will be the focal point, linking students to the lawmakers.

"These 47 students will be trained and equipped with the necessary capacity to enable them educate their fellow students anytime,” Mbonyimana said

He also said that the team had visited Rusizi island where they provide special lessons with the hope of making the island an example of change.

"The Rusizi Island has so many issues. Young girls are married off at very tender age and child bearing is very high. Most of their students go to school in neighboring DRC because maybe it’s cheaper there. That’s why we had to pick a weekend to visit,” he said

The parliamentarians’ network was established in 2003 and  now has 87 members from the Lower Chamber of Parliament and the Senate.

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