NYAGATARE-Visually impaired persons in Nyagatare District have been called upon to play a crucial role in fighting against HIV/Aids within their communities.

The call was made Sunday, at the end of a four-day sensitisation workshop on HIV/ Aids organised by the platform of visually impaired people in Nyagatare District.

The training brought together members of the platform from 14 sectors of the district.

Sam Badege, the head of persons with disabilities in the district, called on members to be good messengers and spread the skills gained from the training.

"You have gained a lot of knowledge on HIV awareness. You should spread the knowledge across to your communities,” he said.

One of the participants, Kamukama Ubarijoro, a resident of Rwimiyaga Sector, said that persons with disabilities are still sidelined in development and vowed to be their advocate in the sector.

"Some impaired people, especially children, are still denied access to education. We have learned a lot here beyond HIV awareness and I will advocate for our rights,” he said.

Badege requested persons with disabilities in the district to start small income generating activities that could drive them out of poverty.

"Poverty is the main source of HIV/Aids in rural communities, but once you set up small income generating activities, it will be one of the solutions,” he urged.

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