GICUMBI - People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) were yesterday called upon to form income generating cooperative societies.

The call was made by Gicumbi District Aids Control committee (CDLS) coordinator, Jack Ngarukiye, in a meeting with sector representatives of PLWAs at Byumba Anglican Church Diocese conference hall.

"After forming cooperative societies, we will help them to get development partners to support their activities,” he said. "It is easier that way.”

Ngarukiye further called on existing PLWA cooperatives committees to strengthen their projects through working hard and playing key roles in fighting HIV.

"You should be at the forefront in the fight to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS through promoting condom use and encourage infected expectant mothers to deliver from hospitals, to ensure that children are born free of HIV/AIDS”, added Ngarukiye.

The chairman of PLWAs in the district, Modest Hategekimana, urged the residents to identify vulnerable children living with AIDS so that they receive the scholarships provided by the Ministry of Gender and Family promotion (MIGEPROF).

"People living with HIV/AIDS should actively participate in the ongoing programme to identify vulnerable orphans for education assistance,” Hategekimana said. 

He also advised existing PLWAs cooperative societies with no offices to secure land and construct the offices, as World Vision International is willing to provide construction materials.

"World vision has pledged to avail iron sheets, doors and windows for those cooperatives intending to construct offices,” Hategekimana noted.

He hailed Ababerarugo Byumba town cleaning cooperative society, which belongs to former prostitutes for their exemplary performance to end prostitution and generate income for their members.

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