During the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence, an awareness campaign was held in Nyagatare, organized by the Rwanda network of people living with HIV (RRP+) in collaboration with RBC, district authorities and other partners. The event brought together young people mainly students as well as parents, to educate them on avoiding temptations and behaviors that can lead to any form of violence, including actions that increase the risk of contracting HIV.
Some young volunteers from RRP+ shared testimonies on how they contracted HIV and advised their peers to make informed, responsible choices.
Diane Ishimwe, who was 18 years old and a student with big dreams for her future, narrated how she was raped by someone she considered a friend, an incident that also left her infected with HIV. She urged the youth to avoid people who lure or deceive them.
She said: “Avoiding people who try to tempt us is one way of preventing violence.”
She encouraged young people to get tested because knowing one’s HIV status is key to making the right decisions.
“I got tested and discovered i was living with HIV after being assaulted. It was painful, but the authorities and the Ministry of Health supported us. I started treatment and received counseling from peer educators who helped me heal and move forward. Today, I have goals and dreams,” she said.
She added that taking medication consistently allows her to live a healthy life.
“I do not transmit HIV because i take my medication properly. The most important thing is testing. If you test and find you are negative, you continue using protection. If you test positive, you start treatment and adhere to it.”
Constance Mukaminani, another young woman living with HIV, also encouraged students to avoid people who entice them with gifts.
“I stand before you as someone living with HIV, and i got infected at your age. I was deceived, became pregnant, and contracted HIV. Life changes you may even stop schooling for a while. That’s why you must avoid temptations. Don’t be misled by people who offer you phones or other things. If you study well, you will be able to buy what you need later.”
She advised all students to get tested as they go home for holidays:
“Every student should get tested for HIV during this holiday to know their status. If you test positive, start treatment immediately because life continues. A person living with HIV is just like anyone else.”
She emphasized avoiding unprotected sex.
Deo Mutambuka, the Executive Secretary of RRP+, said they aim to prevent new HIV infections, especially among young people.
“We do not want to see new HIV infections. National data shows that Nyagatare has high new infection rates. As students, we ask you to say no, avoid temptations, and protect your future.”
He also urged those already living with HIV to avoid stigma and adhere to treatment:
“HIV treatment is free. If you take it correctly, you live a healthy life like anyone else. Stigma and self-isolation are among the biggest barriers we must fight both self-stigma and external stigma.”
Michel Gasana from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), responsible for HIV and mental health integration, said the campaign was brought to Nyagatare because of its rising number of new infections.
“New HIV infections are increasing in Nyagatare, especially among young people aged 15–24. This trend is also seen in nearby districts such as Gatsibo and Kayonza. It is important to talk to young people about HIV prevention.”
A February 2025 report showed that new HIV infections among youth in Nyagatare reached 1.2%, a worrying figure for health authorities.
Nationally, HIV prevalence stands at 3%, but new infections among youth aged 15–24 are higher, particularly among girls (3.7%) compared to boys (2.2%). Nyagatare is among the districts with the highest number of new infections outside Kigali, especially within the Eastern Province.
Naomi Irakoze Mugaragu.
