HIV/ AIDS testing should be encouraged

Dear editor, I believe all adult members in the society have undergone an HIV/AIDS test to determine their status. In Rwanda some organisations have taken the initiative to create awareness and provide free testing to those who are willing. This is a very good venture though the turn up is still low. A large number of people are still afraid to take it, reason being that they are not ready to face life with HIV. The HIV stigma needs to be extensively addressed so as to overcome people’s fears and see them go for testing. Those who find out that they are negative, should stay safe by abstaining if not married and if married remain faithful to their partners.If all fails, use condoms for protection( ABC). However,those with HIV should not be mistreated or avoided but instead find their CD4 count before getting onto ARV’s. Through proper counseling and feeding HIV positive people can lead normal happy lives like the rest. Living positively will lead to a longer life. NYAMASHEKE

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HIV/ AIDS testing should be encouraged