NYAGATARE- At least 43% of HIV transmission is through prostitution, a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health shows.

This was revealed by officials from the ministry during a one-day meeting with commercial sex workers in Nyagatare District.

According to Jean Pierre Ayingoma, an official from the National Aids Control Commission (CNLS), the survey was conducted to ascertain the number of sex workers in the country as part of efforts to reduce the level of infection.

"If statistics show that prostitution contributes 43% of Aids transmission, we need to look for resources to address this because it’s a major problem,” he said.

Ayingoma further called on local leaders to sensitise the youth against prostitution.

Some sex workers who spoke to The New Times said they were willing to turn their backs on the streets.

Laurent Ndikubwimana, in charge of fighting HIV Aids in Nyagatare, said that they were promoting condom use among sex workers as a way of reducing the scourge.

"We encourage them to quit this business but the response is slow…that’s why we insist on condom use,” he said.

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