NGO launches HIV prevention campaign in schools

A local non-governmental organisation, Volunteers Initiative for Sustainable Development and Anti-Poverty Campaign (VISDAPOC), is conducting an exercise aimed at empowering secondary students to actively fight HIV/Aids.The campaign, carried out in collaboration with PSI Rwanda, started over the weekend, bringing together students from eight schools at College Doctrina Vitae in Ndera Sector, Gasabo District.“We are going to mainly use Anti-HIV/Aids clubs in schools to sensitise fellow students to avoid involving themselves in actions that can easily lead them into contracting the HIV virus,” said Antoine Niyitegeka, the project coordinator. During the event, representatives from PSI and VISDAPOC, had interactive sessions which included debates and drama demonstrating temptations youth may go through leading to HIV contraction. “When students are directly involved, they will be able to protect themselves and others from this and other deadly diseases,” he said.Students who spoke to The New Times said that the debates helped them to discover more information about HIV/Aids.“Among other things, I have realised that as a student or any other person who is not yet officially married, abstinence is the perfect way to prevent HIV,” said Helve Nsanzabande, one of the participants.The 19-year old called upon fellow youth and the general public to embrace HIV tests and counselling services. “We now know that the earlier an HIV positive person goes for treatment, the more their chances of living longer,” he said.Alphonsine Niragire, a Senior Four student at Springs Academy, said that the meeting was beneficial as it encouraged students, especially girls, to resist temptations.

National

NGO launches HIV prevention campaign in schools