Over the past few years, a number of countries, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia have expanded and improved their HIV/Aids surveillance systems, conducting new and more accurate studies.

This new data has been used to help produce a better understanding of the pandemic that has remained a challenge in our land and therefore, which we must all confront.

The 2007 figures indicate that the scourge has so far killed 25 million people worldwide; the total number for 2007 only being 2.1 million. In Sub-Saharan Africa only, where Rwanda lies, the 2007 figures indicate 22.5 million infected; 1.2 million new infections established in 2007 and 1.6 million adult and children deaths.

First we need to accept the challenges the epidemic has posed in our land and then re-awaken our strategies in keeping society abreast with these current figures of the scourge; thirdly we have to devise concerted measures of confronting these challenge in Africa starting from our ever green land – Rwanda.

Since 1982 when the first case of AIDS was reported in Africa, the fight has been on but more people are infected, more are dying and orphans are increasingly left behind.

We should not accept defeat but hold the challenges by the horns with the support of our political leaders at the forefront.

Globally there is an acceptable red ribbon created to be used as a consciousness raising symbol that demonstrates compassion for people living with the Aids scourge and their care givers; we can revitalise the usefulness of this tool which has been a powerful psychological component in the fight against the epidemic, although it has recently declined in popularity.

Despite the different accolades worn by Rwanda, of this Sunday Magazine examine the epidemiology of the scourge and the challenges that still live on. You’ll also read more stories on the country’s inspiration to Somalia, humour and health issues.

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