Local media are reporting statistics showing that more than 9,000 people were infected with HIV in 2023 alone, which is a rise from 8,507 that were infected in 2022. Although Rwanda has a track record of mitigating new infections, these numbers are not promising. The WHO targets that by 2025, 95 percent of all people living with HIV should have a diagnosis, 95 percent of those should be taking lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 95 percent of people living with HIV on treatment should achieve a suppressed viral load for the benefit of the person’s health and for reducing onward HIV transmission. ALSO READ: What to know about Rwanda’s new preventive HIV drug Rwanda is one of the countries that have made significant achievements in managing HIV/AIDS, having reached the 95-95-95” target set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). However, the targets also include preventing new infections, and thousands of people per year is not a small number. Even one new case should be prevented. But since we’re here, let us join hands to end the spread of the virus. Stopping HIV is not to just tick some boxes and look good in the global community. HIV does weaken the immune system and increase a person's chances of having other infections and diseases. Many people die every year because of this. Although people living with HIV can expect to live as long as their peers who do not have it- with effective medication, why take the chances? ALSO READ: Rwanda should consider manufacturing ARVs — expert Let us protect ourselves and others by using condoms, testing regularly, and consistently taking medication if diagnosed positive. Other ways of protection include Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is medicine taken to reduce the chances of getting HIV infection. Protection is never an outdated new year resolution. Prevention is better that cure, like the saying goes.
