THE Executive Secretary of the National Commission against HIV/Aids (CNLS), Dr. Anita Assimwe, has called upon religious leaders to double their efforts towards the fight against HIV/Aids and other pandemic diseases in the country.

Dr.Assimwe made the call, on Friday, while addressing members of the Rwanda Interfaith Network against HIV/Aids (RCLS) during the hand-over ceremony of the outgoing head of RCLS, Dr Gahungu Bunini and ushering in the new boss, Bishop Thaddee Ntihinyurwa.

"RCLS has done tremendous work in the fight against HIV/Aids since its establishment, but I advise you as its members and employees to continue improving your day-to-day activities against this disease because it’s among the top challenges our country is still facing,” Dr Assimwe said.

She requested religious leaders to always collaborate with the government and other concerned institutions in the fight against HIV/Aids and to compile reports on the Aids situation in the country.

Bishop Ntihinyurwa thanked the RCLS for appointing him to head the body and said that he will do his best to improve their programs and activities in fighting against HIV/Aids in the region through sensitizing and mobilizing religious leaders to take it as one of their priorities.

Bertrand Thierry Nigagire, Program Officer RCLS, said that since 2003, they have only been involved in HIV/Aids activities but noted that with effect from next year, they will begin to fight against other pandemic diseases like Tuberculosis and Malaria.

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