US announces new efforts to tame HIV/AIDS epidemic in Rwanda

13 Novembre 2017

Kigali, Rwanda, November 13 (Infosplusgabon) - United States Ambassador to Rwanda Erica Barks-Ruggles on Monday announced new efforts through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) that aim at supporting Rwanda in its HIV/AIDS response to controlling the scourge in the country.

The US Embassy in Kigali disclosed that the new efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS through a series of initiatives coincided with Rwanda's preparation to join other countries in celebration of World AIDS Day 2017on 1 December.

The theme of this year's celebration, 'Increasing Impact Through Transparency, Accountability, and Partnerships', reflects the United States government’s longstanding leadership in addressing HIV/AIDS both at home and abroad, the embassy said.

"It also highlights the historic opportunity we have to accelerate progress toward ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat in the United States and around the world," it said.

Latest official figures indicate that in 2016 PEPFAR contributed to life-saving antiretroviral treatment for 98,001 individuals, while proving technical and financial support to conduct voluntary male circumcision for HIV prevention for 50,204 men.

In addition, care and support for 72,448 orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS while antiretroviral medications were administered free of charge for 4,152  pregnant women.

In Rwanda, HIV prevalence has been stable since 2005 and remains at 3% among the general population estimated at around 12 million people, according to official statistics.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/EDF/ GABON 2017

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