Church leaders from Shyira and Kivu dioceses have been asked to step up the fight against Gender Based Violence and HIV in the region.The call was made by Vincent Ndayambaje, the Musanze vice mayor in charge of economic development, during a worship organised by Mothers Union leaders from Shyira diocese in Musanze district.It drew pastors and Mothers Union leaders from nine districts of Northern and Western provinces."We appreciate the role of church leaders in national development, especially in our district. You are playing a big role in education, health and in poverty reduction, however we encourage you to keep up what you are doing to minimise gender based violence and the spread of HIV in the areas you work with,” Ndayambaje said.Presentations at the workshop showed that Gender Based Violence is not only a contributing factor to the burden of HIV and Aids, but also undermines the efforts of HIV prevention.It is, therefore, a challenge that requires combined efforts and synergy where the church is a key participant."Mothers Union strives for the welfare of Rwandans, we want to minimise GBV and HIV in the area because it threats development,” said Rev. Immaculee Nyiransengimana, one of the participants."The participants confirmed that GBV is still rampant in their communities and many people are still hesitant to go for the HIV test,” she observed calling on residents to willingly go for HIV test.