Rwanda joined the global community on December 01, 2025 in commemorating World AIDS Day under the national theme “Resilient Communities, Renewed Response.” The official celebrations held at Kinyinya Health Centre in Kigali brought together government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, health professionals, and communities of People Living with HIV (PLHIV). It was a moment to reflect on the country’s progress and reaffirm commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Cerebrations were held at Kinyanya Health Centre, which serves more than 2,000 recipients of care, with over 90% having achieved good viral load suppression. The event underscored the importance of empowering communities (especially PLHIV networks, youth, key populations, and grassroot organizations), as equal stakeholders and partners, not merely beneficiaries in the HIV response. The emphasis was to empower them in driving prevention, care, treatment, and stigma reduction efforts.
In her remarks, Jeanne Umuhire, the Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), highlighted the critical role young people play in preventing new HIV infections. She noted that many ideas and messages come from religious institutions, parents, and various sectors, and therefore, young people must learn to distinguish and choose what truly empowers and builds them.
She said: “I encourage young people to keep seeking information from different sources and to make informed choices. Different institutions have their way of communicating and parents have theirs, but we can still choose wisely for ourselves. Prevention and treatment services are available, so we must also continue encouraging others to use them. To families and institutions who stand by us, let’s continue working together to fight stigma.”
Sylvie Muneza, the Chairperson of the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/RRP+, commended the Government of Rwanda’s efforts in the fight against HIV and noted how this year’s theme aligns well with the new strategies aimed at eliminating new infections and empowering communities, especially PLHIV.
“We, people living with HIV, appreciate the Government of Rwanda for choosing this year’s theme ‘Resilient Communities, Renewed Response.’ This message aligns well with the strategies we have put in place to prevent new HIV infections, as we continue encouraging those living with the virus to adhere to treatment.”, said Muneza.
Speaking at during the ceremony the Resident Representative of UNDP in Rwanda Dr. Fatmata Lovetta Sesay emphasized that sustained community engagement remains the strength of Rwanda’s HIV response. She added that this progress and strong investment in communities is what makes the country a model at the international level.
She said: “Rwanda is an example to the whole world. Achieving the 98–98–96 targets shows that the country has been able to provide integrated health services that leave no one behind. Rwanda demonstrates that including everyone in the process ensures our actions do not remain on paper, but are reflected in people’s lives.”
As part of the day’s celebrations, the event honored community members whose strong adherence to treatment has enabled them to live healthy & resilient lives.
One of the PHLIV, receives an award in recognition of her 40 years of unwavering adherence to treatment.
She, among others, are “champions of adherence” celebrated for their commitment to staying on treatment, achieving and maintaining viral suppression, and serving as role models within their communities. Their recognition at the World AIDS day celebrations highlighted the importance of personal responsibility, resilience, and the collective impact of adherence in advancing Rwanda’s progress toward an AIDS-free generation.
From individuals demonstrating unwavering adherence to treatment, to community-led organizations of PLHIV driving change at the grassroots level, these stories reaffirm that resilience is not just a theme, but a lived reality.
Building on this momentum, the country immediately embarks on a three-month campaign against HIV, translating the inspiration of WAD2025 into concrete, sustained actions to reach more people with prevention, treatment, and support services. This unified transition from celebration to action underscores commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.
In photos: Voices for Change, as WAD2025 participants pledge to End AIDS
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