EASTERN PROVINCE

KAYONZA — Rwandans should stop any kind of stigma directed towards people living with HIV/Aids, an official has said.

Addressing residents who turned up for celebrations to mark the Family Day on Thursday, Beatrice Kagoyire, the president of Rwanda Net work of People Living with HIV/AIDS (RRP+), said people should change their attitude towards HIV-infected people. The celebrations were held at Rwinkwavu Stadium in Rwinkwavu sector, Kayonza district.

"Quite often people living with HIV/AIDS have been stigmatized. A day like this one should remind us of the need to change our attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS,” Kagoyire said.

She also advised Rwandans to go for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in order to know their status and appealed to parents to play a central role in safeguarding children from the virus.

Jean-Pierre Ayingoma, of the National Aids Commission (CNLS) blamed the Aids stigma on the low levels of people seeking VCT. He observed that a recent report indicated that 55% of Rwandans do not know their HIV/AIDS status.

Ayingoma urged people living with the virus to stop producing children in order to live longer.

Anita Umutesi, the district Vice Mayor called on residents to feel the plight of Aids orphans in the district. She noted that there are about 500 Aids orphans who are unable to meet their school fees in the district.

Umutesi criticized parents who do not encourage their children to go for VCT services. She observed that children are the future leaders, and safeguarding them means safeguarding the future of the nation.

She cautioned children against indulging in sex at a tender age, saying it would expose them to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

She appealed to organizations providing VCT services to extend their services nearer to the children, in places like their respective schools.

The day was organized by RRP+ in conjunction with Kayonza district and facilitated by CNLS and UNICEF.

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