HIV infections among truck drivers declining

A new survey by the association of Rwanda Truck Drivers has revealed that HIV/Aids infections among truck drivers on the central and northern corridors has reduced from14% in 2006 to 5.9% in 2009. Speaking to The New Times, the association’s (Association des Chauffeurs de Poids Lourds au Rwanda) Secretary General attributed the reduction to some of their efforts. Theodore Murenzi revealed that they have established a centre in the five major stop points of Rusizi, Huye, Rubavu, Rusumo and Magerwa in Kigali. Other centres have been established in Jabana, Gatsata, Runda, Gatuna, Nemba, Kabuye and Shyorongi. “We have established recreational services in those centres to provide services they could need and also to keep them occupied to reduce interactions with people in the community around those stop points,” Murenzi said in an interview. “All services provided by theses centres like games, television and voluntary HIV testing are free,” Murenzi however revealed that the epidemic is still alarming among truck drivers because they engage in sexual activities with commercial sex workers who currently count for 56% of the HIV infection. Among 4,027 members of truck drivers association, 82 of them tested positive in a routine voluntary testing. Ends

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HIV infections among truck drivers declining