A weeklong campaign against HIV/AIDS that was concluded at the National University of Rwanda left at least 670 students circumcised while 360 underwent voluntary testing and counselling. The campaign which was held under the theme: “youth, let us join efforts in protecting ourselves and others against HIV for a brighter future”, was part of activities to wrap up an anti-HIV/AIDS Campaign which began last week. While concluding the campaign, the Minister of Health, Dr Agnes Binagwaho, challenged varsity students, and the youth in general, to make every efforts to rid their communities of HIV/AIDS.Binagwaho told the students that they have the ability to champion for an HIV-free society.“Together, we can build a generation free of HIV, and many things depend on you,” she told students at the oldest and biggest institution of higher learning.She reminded students that the country expected a lot from them, thus advised them to strive for good health.“We have already invested so much in you, and your parents and guardians, plus yourselves invested much from Primary school to where you are today.“You are the elite of this country; protect yourselves from HIV AIDS. And, for those of you who have been infected, get care and treatment”.The seven-day exercise conducted at the Huye based university sought to increase awareness among the youth, especially students and those in the surrounding communities, on ways to protect them against HIV.Activities which marked the week included male circumcision, sensitisation gatherings through sport competitions and entertainment and Voluntary Testing and Counselling (VTC).Male circumcision is being used globally as one strategy to reduce the numbers of new individuals acquiring HIV AIDS.The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended male circumcision as a tool to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS. Studies show that circumcised men have around 60 percent-risk free chances of not acquiring the virus during sexual intercourse.But, Binagwaho cautioned students against believing that circumcision was a magic bullet to avoiding contracting the disease.“Circumcision is not enough, you still need ABC,” she said, in reference to Abstinence, Be Faithful and Condom.“Circumcision reduces the risks [of contracting HIV] but it doesn’t prevent it,” she clarified as she called for continued joint efforts to “reach the three zeros: zero new infection, zero deaths due to HIV/AIDS, and zero stigma”Prof Silas Lwakabamba, the university rector observed that the campaign was needed for the university community to remain aware of the consequences of unprotected sex.He remarked that the university has a highly sexually active age group; something which he said could expose them to risks of contracting AIDS.There have been cases of unwanted pregnancies at the university, he said but efforts to establish the figures were futile by press time.Lwakabamba noted that the University was also involved in the fight against the pandemic but called for support from other partners, including the ministry of health.At the closure of the campaign, students were entertained by local musicians Urban Boys, Dream Boyz and R&B songbird Knowless.
