By RFPosted on 01-12-2019Modified on 01-12-2019 at 23:05

The 20th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa, or ICASA, opens Monday (December 2nd) in Kigali. Some 8,000 researchers, politicians, or members of civil society are expected in the capital of Rwanda, a country considered a champion of the fight against HIV.

It is estimated today that about 216,000 Rwandans are living with HIV. For 10 years, the country has managed to stabilize a prevalence rate around 3%. Most importantly, Rwanda is a model in terms of testing, according to figures from the latest government study in partnership with Columbia University. More than 80% of those infected would have been diagnosed.

Same thing in terms of follow-up: 90% of the people treated have achieved the suppression of the viral load, that is to say that they no longer present risks of transmission of the virus. Figures that make Rwanda one of the few countries to achieve the goals set by UNAIDS for 2020.

According to the Minister of Health, this is the result of a policy that promotes local action and integrated care for effective health coverage. Yet, the challenges remain numerous.

The prevalence rate remains higher for women than for men. It will also be necessary to reach at-risk populations, such as sex workers. 45% of them would have the virus, a prevalence rate 15 times higher than the national average.

🛫 Next week, we'll take you to #Kigali in #Rwanda 🇷🇼 for 4 #VIH anti-HIV programs in # East Africa, youth and HIV, Rwanda health coverage and caring psychosocial of #strain linked to # genocide. Have a good week on @RFI! pic.twitter.com/nj74WKv96U

RFI Priority Health (@prioritesante) December 1, 2019

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