CNLS embarks on research-based HIV prevention

The National Aids Control Commission (CNLS) is conducting a two-day workshop that is set to determine appropriate ways to implement evidence-based HIV prevention measures. During the official opening ceremony of the conference, CNLS boss, Dr. Anita Asiimwe described the meeting as a platform through which stakeholders and experts in the HIV prevention field will share ideas on the issue. “This is an opportunity for us to discuss the implementation of programmes and interventions that have demonstrated success, to increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS, to promote research in Rwanda and build linkages among decision-makers,” she told The New Times. According to officials, some of the main issues to be highlighted include results of innovative research and programmes that have significantly contributed to primary HIV prevention and all other HIV-related research results. “It will close the gap between research and programme implementation by discussing successful programmes and integrating them in the national planning exercise,” a statement from the commission reads in part. Citing pregnant mothers who turn up for antenatal care annually, Asiimwe said the infection rate is going down, but quickly underscored that despite the progress, a better performance was expected. “We will boost the prevention measures that have worked as a way of curbing the high infection rates in the country. Identifying those measures is what we are here to decide,” she added. According to CNLS statistics, Rwanda has a 3 percent prevalence of the epidemic, which remains a major challenge to the entire world, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Ends