Today, December 1, marks World AIDS Day. In line with this global observance, ICK News has analyzed data from various institutions worldwide to provide an in-depth overview of the state of HIV/AIDS in Rwanda and beyond.
Global perspective on HIV/AIDS
HIV remains a significant global public health challenge, having claimed an estimated 42.3 million lives to date. Transmission continues in every country worldwide.
By the end of 2023, approximately 39.9 million people were living with HIV, 65% of whom reside in the WHO African Region.
According to UNAIDS, in 2023, around 630,000 people succumbed to HIV-related complications, while 1.3 million people newly contracted the virus.
Despite the lack of a cure, advancements in HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition, enabling individuals to live long and healthy lives.
Global strategies spearheaded by WHO, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS aim to align with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.3 of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
Key objectives include; by 2025, 95% of all people living with HIV should know their status, 95% of those diagnosed should be on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART), 95% of those on treatment should achieve viral suppression to improve health outcomes and curb transmission.
As of 2023, these benchmarks stood at 86%, 89%, and 93%, respectively. However, progress is uneven, with 77% of people living with HIV receiving ART and 72% achieving viral suppression globally.
HIV/AIDS in Rwanda
Data from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) for the period between July 2022 and June 2023 shows a decrease in the number of HIV tests conducted, from 2,283,301 in the previous year to 2,072,366.
Despite this reduction, the overall prevalence rate among those tested remained at 0.7%. Among high-risk groups, prevalence reached 4.1%.
A 2022 study by the Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (RPHIA), conducted by RBC and the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) with support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), revealed that the national HIV prevalence rate stands at 3.0%.
This translates to approximately 210,200 people living with HIV in Rwanda. Women are disproportionately affected, with a prevalence of 3.7% compared to 2.2% among men.
Ministry of Health statistics from 2023 indicate that 92% of people living with HIV in Rwanda are adhering to ART. HIV-related deaths have significantly declined, from 17,121 in 2003 to 1,548 in 2021, largely due to improved access to treatment.
Prevention efforts
Rwanda has prioritized the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) as a critical strategy to eliminate new infections.
In this regard, between July 2022 and June 2023: 389,531 pregnant women were tested for HIV, of whom 5,558 tested positive.
Among those diagnosed with HIV, 99% received ART to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to their babies.
RBC reported that 80% of children under 15 living with HIV have access to ART and related services, and transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding has been reduced to 0.5%.
Rwanda provides free HIV testing services nationwide, ensuring accessibility for all.
Specific interventions for high-risk groups have also expanded.
For instance, the number of sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) rose from 10,078 in July 2022 to 10,789 by June 2023.
Additionally, 309,822 men underwent voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) during the same period, a proven strategy to reduce HIV transmission.
As of June 2023, 218,314 individuals living with HIV, or 92.3%, were maintained on ART.
Rwanda also implemented measures to combat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and hepatitis C alongside HIV prevention campaigns.
RBC credits Rwanda’s progress to strong partnerships among the government, development partners, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community beneficiaries.
The nation’s ambitious goal is to eliminate new HIV infections and related deaths.
By 2025, Rwanda aims to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed on effective treatment while 95% of those on treatment should be achieving viral suppression.
To reach these goals, RBC emphasizes the need for widespread testing, reliable prevention methods, stigma reduction, and advocacy for equitable access to HIV services. Everyone is called upon to contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS by knowing their status, supporting prevention efforts, and standing against discrimination.
