SPONSORED: AHF celebrates 10 years of saving lives in Rwanda

In 2006, The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, commenced operations in Rwanda, in collaboration with the government through the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) as part of it’s global mission to provide cutting edge medicine to people living with HIV.

Monday, March 20, 2017

In 2006, The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, commenced operations in Rwanda, in collaboration with the government through the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) as part of it’s global mission to provide cutting edge medicine to people living with HIV.

Since then, AHF Rwanda has grown from serving two districts to eight districts; supporting twenty health facilities and seven community based organizations. A remarkable feat, that has positioned it as a formidable ally of the government in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and a dependable provider to the patient community. Today AHF Rwanda serves 23,704 patients in it supported sites scattered across Rwanda.

To commemorate this significant milestone, AHF Rwanda hosted stakeholders, patient community, partners and members of the press to a special dinner and documentary screening-which highlighted AHF’s achievements in Rwanda over the last ten years.

Speaking about the celebration, Dr. Brenda Kateera, Country Program Manager of AHF Rwanda highlighted the significance of the milestone "Ten years of staying true to our mission and working in close collaboration with the government, is a testament of AHF’s commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and our patients serve as a reminder that we made the right decision ten years ago,” she remarked.

Nadege UWASE, Youth leader and longtime patient of AHF Rwanda spoke glowingly about the impact of AHF’s work in the lives of its young patient community "At the beginning AHF saw us as children it could take care of, not just by giving money to the health centers but they treated us like parents. AHF helps people to live productive lives through the services they provide and the support they give to families. Many thanks to AHF! Kindly continue to support our country and our fellow citizens; you are doing a great job,” she said.

Throughout its years of operation in Rwanda, AHF has continued to enjoy a close working relationship with the government, and this was corroborated by the remark of Dr. Diane Gashumba, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, when AHF’s team made a courtesy call to her office. "AHF offers comprehensive holistic support to the Rwandan population. The work you are doing is commendable and has impacted thousands of lives in Rwanda" In her congratulatory message, AHF Africa Bureau Chief Dr. Penninah Iutung acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the team in making AHF a proud institution and a beacon of hope in Rwanda. "I congratulate you for this remarkable feat. Your tireless commitment has contributed greatly to the growth we have recorded over the years, and the patients who entrust us with their lives, do so because of how passionately you exhibit AHF’s culture of patient centered care.”

AHF Rwanda provides various services ranging from prevention and testing, to treatment, care and support. In addition, patients are supported with health insurance and laboratory monitoring support –all of which comes at no cost to the patients. Furthermore, AHF carries out infrastructural development, procurement and equipping of Laboratories where the need arises.

In 2016 a total of 356,941 where reached with HIV Testing services. Between 2014 and 2016, 4,775,722 condoms and 54 condom dispensers were distributed for free. To promote accessibility to condoms, AHF Rwanda procured 4 condom kiosks, which were installed in 4 hot spots within Gasabo and Nyarugenge districts of Kigali City.