RDF partners with community in AIDS fight

NYABIHU - Drew Cares International, an NGO, on Wednesday donated an assortment of communication and sound equipment to Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF)’s Anti-AIDS clubs attached to the 205 Brigade in Musanze district. The facilities are meant to facilitate awareness campaigns on abstinence, use of condoms and faithfulness. ‘’We are fighting to eliminate HIV/Aids from our midst. With this support we intend to intensify the fight,’’ said senior staff sergeant JMV Bicahaga, the chairman of RDF’s Anti Aids club known as ’Together as one for Life’. Handing over the facilities, Drew Cares International country director Ahmed Abajobir said his organization was positive that the support would boost the clubs’ anti Aids campaign to curb the prevalence of HIV among soldiers and the local population. ‘’We are committed to supporting the fight against HIV/Aids especially among the RDF. Through partnership with the US Department of Defence, the next step is to support income generating activities which will ensure the sustainability of the clubs,’’ said Abajobir, promising more support in the future. Part of the club’s outreach program is undertaken through drama. RDF Director of Medical Services Dr. Charles Murego, who witnessed the hand-over ceremony for the equipment, commended Drew Cares International for their continued support towards anti-AIDS activities within the army. “I challenge you to make better use of the donated equipment by reaching out to a bigger segment of the community in your fight against the Aids scourge,” said Murego. Micheal Grillo, Director of the HIV/AIDS prevention program at the US Department of Defence advised RDF personnel to ascertain their sero-status through voluntary testing and to thereafter abstain or remain faithful to one partner. Ends