Police launch free HIV testing

Police officers operating in the Western Province, together with other counterparts in crime prevention including personnel under District Administrative Security Support Organ (DASSO), received free HIV testing courtesy of Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with the Ministry of Health. The exercise began on June 5 by a team of medical personnel from Kacyiru Police Hospital, and will last for ten days. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr Wilson Rubanzana, the coordinator for Isange One Stop centers and Specialised Medical Programme, who spearheaded the exercise, noted that the exercise targets to offer free tests to over 100 individuals, after which counseling and sensitization sessions will be held on HIV/AIDS protection. “Those who freely desired to know their status were encouraged to come along with their families and this will be the case throughout the entire exercise. We also have a team of professional counselors who talk to the families before and after the testing,” he said. “Maintaining law and order requires healthy officers and crime preventers. This exercise indicates the importance of knowing one’s HIV status – and RNP ensures to supplement ongoing government development programmes in health, economic and social welfare”. RNP currently runs a hospital - Kacyiru Police Hospital - and twelve health centers established across the country, geared towards supporting the countrys health development. In late May, a similar exercise was conducted in Nyamagabe District.

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Police launch free HIV testing