The Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/RRP+ has taken another significant step towards strengthening inclusivity, and transparency in their operations. After a considerable time of review sessions, RRP+ staff and representatives of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) successfully concluded the drafting of four key institutional policies; Advocacy, Gender, Communication, and Data Protection Policies , which have been officially endorsed and signed by the Board of Directors. The the endorsement ceremony was held October 16th, 2025 in Musanze district.
The review process brought together staff members from the national secretariat, field officers and representatives of People Living with HIV, to ensure that the policies reflect the lived experiences, priorities, and rights of PLHIV communities across Rwanda.
Speaking during the endorsement ceremony, the RRP+ Deputy chairperson, Protamine Komezusenge, commended the combined efforts from all participants, which made the policy development process a success.
“We are very optimistic that these policy documents will act as guiding tools to reinforce RRP+’s commitment to give our members a stronger voice and clearer protection. They will also continue to help us ensure that People Living with HIV are meaningfully engaged, not just as beneficiaries, but as active partners in shaping the programs and decisions that affect their lives. It is therefore a milestone to building trust and actual community ownership in the HIV response.”, said Komezusenge.
The RRP+ Advocacy Policy outlines clear strategies for advancing the voices and concerns of PLHIV in national and local decision-making spaces, while the Gender Policy ensures that RRP+ programs and internal structures promote gender equality and protect the rights of women, men, and key populations affected by HIV,
Likewise, the RRP+ Communication Policy provides direction on effective and ethical communication within the organization and with the public, ensuring that messaging is accurate, stigma-free, and aligned with national HIV response priorities. The Data Protection Policy, on the other hand, assurances confidentiality and responsible handling of personal and sensitive information related to PLHIV, which is a critical measure in safeguarding human rights, especially in this digital era.
Besides reaffirming leadership in promoting the rights and wellbeing of People Living with HIV in Rwanda, RRP+ draws a collective commitment and action, to translate these policies into meaningful impact for every PLHIV it serves, implementing partners and the general public.
