Some young people in Gisozi Sector, Gasabo District, are calling for increased HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, as many of them do not fully understand the seriousness of the disease.
Every year on December 1, the world commemorates World AIDS Day, which also marks the launch of a six-month HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.
During an awareness campaign held in Gisozi Sector, Gasabo District, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, young people said the initiative came at the right time, as they received information that will help them prevent HIV infection.
“We were advised on how to behave. The first thing is to avoid people who try to mislead us, and if we fail to abstain, we should use condoms.” Iradukunda Claudette said
“The information we received will help us behave more responsibly, especially during this holiday period.” Said Hakizimfura Isaac.
Youth were reminded that HIV is still present and that new infections are most prevalent among those aged 24 and below.
Some youths believe that the reason they are most affected by new HIV infections is the limited level of awareness campaigns on the disease.
“In the past, they used to reach us everywhere, even coming to schools, but now it has become very rare.” Said Hakizimana Isaac.
The awareness campaign in Gisozi Sector was conducted in partnership with the organisation, Réseau des Femmes, within the framework of their project on sexual and reproductive health and rights known as SDSR-Rwanda.
The project is implemented in all 15 sectors of Gasabo District, in partnership with a Canadian organization, l’AMIE, with support from the Global Affairs Canada.
Bazarama Marie Michèle, the Social Assistant at Réseau des Femmes, said they will continue to support young people by providing them with information on HIV as well as other sexual and reproductive health issues.
“We regularly conduct awareness campaigns like this one, and we will continue to do so to ensure that young people have access to reliable information.” She said.
Michele added that, in addition to the information shared during such campaigns, they have a peer educator in each sector of Gasabo District who provides continuous sexual and reproductive health information, as well as a toll-free hotline (8011) that people can call and receive this information.
