The government has reduced new HIV infections by 82 percent and AIDS-related deaths by 86 percent, achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets before the 2030 global deadline. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s bold path to ending AIDS, progress, challenges, and the road ahead According to Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the country’s progress is due to strong government support, health services that reach people where they are, and continued involvement from communities. “The government has focused on taking HIV services closer to the people, making testing and treatment easier to access, and including HIV care in general health services,” said Dr. Gallican Rwibasira, the Division Manager for HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis and Other Viral Diseases at RBC. ALSO READ: What to know about Rwanda’s new preventive HIV drug He noted that this progress didn’t happen by chance. “The country had strong political commitment, engaged communities, data to guide our actions, and healthcare providers at every level working together. That made it possible to reduce infections and improve retention.” The 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS aim for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed to be on antiretroviral treatment (ART), and 95 percent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression. Rwanda has met all three goals. “More than 94 percent of people living with HIV in Rwanda are on ART, and 95 percent of those have achieved suppressed viral loads. Testing services are widely available through health centers and community outreach. Index testing is the method with the highest yield, though its effectiveness has declined. There is need for new strategies to find undiagnosed people,” Dr. Rwibasira said. Index testing involves testing the partners and family members of someone diagnosed with HIV to find and assist others who may also have the virus. He further added that 94.5 percent of patients are in care twelve months after starting ART. Female patients have a higher retention rate at 96 percent, compared to 93 percent among males. (Retention means remaining on treatment for a specific period of time). Retention is also lowest among males aged 15 to 24, pointing to ongoing challenges in keeping young men engaged in long-term treatment. “Young people, especially teenage boys and young men, are still being left behind. We need to understand the challenges they face and offer services that fit their needs and lifestyles,” he said. Dr. Rwibasira said Rwanda began expanding HIV services in 2004, making care available at every level of the health system. Today, health centers across the country provide testing and treatment, with peer educators and community health workers helping more people start treatment, stay on it, and overcome stigma. “The way HIV care is now combined with treatment for other chronic conditions shows how the needs of people living with HIV are changing. By 2025, about 30 percent of people with HIV will be 50 or older, and many of them deal with conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.” He added that while people are living longer with HIV, they are also facing illnesses that come with age, highlighting the importance of a more combined and general approach to healthcare. Despite the progress, challenges remain, for instance, stigma, discrimination, and gender inequality hinder access to prevention, testing, and treatment, mainly for adolescent girls and young women, who are more vulnerable, especially when affected by gender-based violence. Efforts to expand HIV prevention now include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Oral PrEP has been available in Rwanda for several years, with around 30 percent of high-risk people currently using it. Nationwide, more than 10,000 people are on oral PrEP. In January, the country introduced injectable PrEP. While still relatively new, it is gaining acceptance among key populations, including sex workers and men who have sex with men. However, limited awareness is a challenge, he added. “We need to design services that meet people where they are, prioritizing flexibility, dignity, and convenience, mainly for young people and those dealing with stigma. Current approaches like multi-month ART refills, community drug distribution, and mobile clinics help make care more accessible and reduce the challenges patients face in getting treatment.” He explained that Rwanda’s HIV programme is guided by key national frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Health Sector Strategic Plan, and the National HIV Strategic Plan 2024–2027. Its implementation relies on strong partnerships with civil society, donors, and international organisations, with local leadership supporting to drive progress. “This success is a collective effort as healthcare workers, policymakers, and communities have all contributed to getting us here. The country aims to sustain high rates of viral suppression, reduce new infections among vulnerable groups, adapt services for older adults living with HIV, and tackle the social barriers that continue to impact access and outcomes,” he said. Dr. Rwibasira added that ending AIDS is within reach, but will require sustained investment, innovation, and a commitment to equity.
