Amazing HIV/Aids experiences in Gicumbi

In African tradition, sex is considered a private issue. The young are barred from sex by telling stories insinuating that it is a taboo to play sex until the right age. Sex life is never discussed in public.Unfortunately, with this information age, children are exposed to so much information that is unrestricted. That way, the idea that sex is a taboo for young people has completely become obsolete. HIV/Aids is real and has no cure. Research shows that the young or youth are the most affected group in this era given their social sexual behaviors. So, to fight the disease effectively, much emphasis has to be focused on changing the social behaviour of society, especially that of the youth. Society for Family Health (SFH) Rwanda, the first ever indigenous social health marketing entity in the country, believes that understanding behaviour of people in order to change them for the better is the most sustainable way of fighting killer diseases such as Aids. Gicumbi HIV/Aids experienceIn its outreach programs, SFH works through Community Based Organisations (CBOs). These are residents living in areas of operation volunteering to work with SFH to implement its activities. In Gicumbi District, there operates two CBOs; these are associations—both composed of 12 volunteer community health workers. In their daily interactions with the people and families of Gicumbi, they have a lot of experiences to share. This experiences of volunteers can compel more HIV/Aids interventions by both government and development partners. Sadia Samusi, one of the volunteer health workers, said, “We teach them how to use condoms, encourage them to get tested and counselled.” She said they use various methods to reach out to as many residents as possible. “We go to people’s homes to teach them. Usually, many infected persons come to health centres to collect medicine. It is an opportunity for us to directly talk to them. Samusi is equipped with a tutorial guide book and has enough condoms (of both Plasir and Prudence type) distributed by SFH at affordable prices. People in Gicumbi say Plasir is giving them more ‘satisfaction’ and that they need more of the brand on the market. Before SFH started these interventions Samusi says many people did not know their HIV status and could spread the disease unknowingly and recklessly. Amazing HIV/Aids myths Based on some revelations, more HIV/Aids awareness is needed to benefit rural folks. In Gicumbi, some infected persons, after taking anti-retrovirals for some time, claim they have been healed of HIV. They think that the disease is just like other treatable disease. Samusi said: “We sensitise them that this not true, because when you observe discipline and take medicine accordingly, the virus reduces considerably in the body. That way, the test could show negative but doesn’t mean you’re cured. Medicine reduces infectious diseases caused by the virus and makes it completely dormant. But if you stop taking the medicine, the virus is re-energised.” Strong believers of Christian faith in Gicumbi say HIV/Aids can heal. Because they so much believe in the Bible, they go by the teachings that Imana niyo Icyiza (God is the one who heals). So some Christians are hesitant to take anti-retroviral medicine. Apparently, some folks recycle condoms. After sex, one keeps it for another turn with another sex partner. HIV treatment comes in two forms, tablets (ARVs) or injections. Samusi says Gicumbi residents prefer injections.