Restoring dignity among people living with HIV

TODAY, the Rwanda Network of People living with HIV—better known as RRP+ (Réseau Rwandais des Personnes vivant avec le VIH) — marks its 10-year anniversary. This is an opportunity to acknowledge their achievements and valuable contribution towards the AIDS response in Rwanda. RRP+, through their tireless advocacy secured the commitments of leaders to guarantee respect for the rights of people living with HIV and encourage the implementation of universal access to healthcare in Rwanda. At the grassroots level, RRP+ created solidarity between its members—from building houses for the poorest amongst them to implementing income generating activities. These projects make people stronger not only materially, but also mentally. Living with the virus exposes one to exclusion, humiliation and many other types of discrimination. This can result in low-esteem and depression that negatively impact their empowerment. RRP+ has become a safe place where people can speak freely and rely on each other. People living with HIV do not want to be considered as victims rather they want to actively participate in the solution. Their role is essential in the realisation of the three zeros: Zero New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS-related Deaths, Zero Discrimination”. Around the world more than 7 000 people are newly infected with HIV every day. A revolution in prevention politics, policies and practices is critically needed. This can be achieved by fostering political commitments and catalysing transformative social movements regarding sexuality and HIV education for all, led by people living with HIV, women and young people. In Rwanda, it is estimated that 94% of the people living with HIV have access to treatment. In the absence of an HIV vaccine, medicine has made enormous progress. People living with HIV are living longer thanks to the treatment. The improvement of access to treatment and the treatment regimens is due in part to people living with HIV who have been the strongest advocates for better care and treatment. UNAIDS advocates for a holistic approach to the epidemic. Greater link between treatment and primary health, maternal and child health, TB and sexual and reproductive health services will further reduce costs and contribute to greater efficiency. The vision of “Zero-discrimination” goes beyond the dignity and rights of the people living with HIV. Stigma and discrimination fuel the HIV epidemic as people remain fearful of getting an HIV test to know their status, which is the first step towards prevention or treatment. Although young people are significantly at high risk of HIV infection, 38% of females and 46% of males aged between 15 and 24 years old living in Rwanda have never been tested for HIV. Stigma and discrimination further increase the vulnerability of key populations to HIV. In Rwanda, an estimated 51% of the sex workers were living with HIV. UNAIDS strongly advocates for zero tolerance of violence against women and discrimination against people living with HIV, and key populations. Ten years ago the involvement of people living with HIV had to overcome several obstacles and the stigma and discrimination resulting from lack of knowledge about HIV. Today, UNAIDS is proud to work with RRP+ towards an AIDS response that leaves no one behind. The writer is the Director of UNAIDS- Regional Support Team for Eastern & Southern Africa.