Together, Let’s End HIV Stigma and Prevent New HIV Infections

Meaningful conversations can make a difference by inspiring people to take action towards solving pressing social problems including HIV.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Rwanda in collaboration with Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (RRP+) participated in B&B FM’s B&B 2to6 live radio talk show to engage the audience on ways through which they can contribute towards HIV prevention, adherence to treatment and ending the HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Jean Baptiste TWIZEYIMANA, Program Manager at RRP+ spoke about the impact of stigma and stereotypes on the lives of people living with HIV and urged everyone to stand up and take responsibility to stop the stigma, for those living with HIV should remain adherent to treatment and maintain a suppressed viral load, which enables them to achieve U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), supporting a healthy life and preventing HIV transmission. Mr. Jean Baptiste emphasized the important role of Peer Educators and Youth Ambassadors in promoting HIV services, eliminating stigma and discrimination, and encouraging community members to report stigma – related cases through the toll-free line 1245.

Diane ISHIMWE, RRP+ Youth Ambassador urged young people to take action against HIV by creating awareness among their peers, supporting people living with HIV and fostering an environment free from discrimination where everyone is treated equally. She informed the audience about the information which is being passed through YouTube channel called “UBUZIMA BW’ IBANGA and Women Who Change” for educating the youth on the availability of HIV services and strongly reminded the audience that Stigmatizing someone due to his/her HIV status is a punishable crime.

MUKAMANZI Marie Louise, Mentor Nurse, representing AHF Rwanda spoke about free and friendly HIV services offered by AHF Rwanda to youths including treatment, counseling and psychosocial support and created awareness on the importance of HIV testing, treatment adherence and having a positive attitude towards life. She reminded the audience that in Youth Corners at Health Facility, Adolescent and Youth get different health session and HIV prevention commodities and they learn more about SRHR.

By concluding the discussion, the guests have challenged the audience, government institutions, private sector and Civil Society Organizations to take the stigma as serious issue as it can ruin the achieved milestone on HIV response and they called for mainstreaming of the HIV awareness into their routine activities, emphasizing that experience sharing are key to reducing stigma.