Communities mobilized to advance the Fast Track agenda to increase pediatric ART coverage in Rwanda

Rwanda National strategic plan 2013-2018 had set ambitious targets for reaching 92.5% rate of pediatric ART coverage by 2018. To contribute to the attainment of national targets, Rwandan Network of People living with HIV (RRP+) supported by UNAIDS and RBC launched in August 2015 an awareness program called «Community mobilization through sensitization campaign on pediatric HTC and linkages to treatment services in Rwanda».

This initiative aims at sensitizing communities to take concrete measures to advance the Fast Track agenda towards ending AIDS epidemic.

Supported by UNAIDS and RBC, network of people living with HIV had conducted 2 stakeholders meetings in August and September 2015 and more than 100 people attended and have been equipped with evidence on pediatric ART coverage and skills to advance the Fast Track agenda in pediatric treatment.

These workshops gathered different people involved in the response to AIDS epidemic. These are notably representatives from RRP+ association’s members, partners in the respective district, Government institutions and private health centers, other non government organizations that are daily dealing with HIV and youth issues, etc.

This RRP+’s awareness project started by a pilot phase for only 5 districts (Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, Gasabo, Musanze and Rubavu).

During these awareness activities it have been noticed that despite the considerable progress of Rwanda in responding to AIDS epidemic, still there are some problems to be sorted out with high care in order to eradicate HIV incidences.

Some of them are notably the number of new born children who still get infected during pregnancy, delivery and /or after birth. They need to be tested and treated as efficiently as possible.

Dr Sibongile UNAIDS Country Director commended country’s leadership and highlighted that: “Communities, particularly Network of People living with HIV, have an essential role to play in this journey towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children, keeping their mothers alive and closing pediatric ART treatment gap. Though remarkable results have been achieved, it is good to see that the Network of People Living with HIV is taking action in advancing the Fast Track Agenda. This will contribute greatly to the attainment of national targets in HIV response” said Dr Sibongile.

While, the World Health Organization had recommended countries to reach at least 98% in matter of PMTCT, the Rwandan achievement is among the best. According to Dr. Muhire Philbert, who is in charge of youth and pediatrics within RBC, Rwanda can also reach the rate of 100% in a very short period considering the current efforts and political will of Rwanda government in fighting against HIV and AIDS.

Testing children and pregnant mothers is the key.

Dr Muhire mentioned that systematic HIV test for both children and pregnant woman, can be a real gateway to the effective eradication of new HIV infections. In his presentation during workshops, Dr Muhire highlighted the necessity of testing mothers and children who visit their nearby Heath centers.

He emphasized the role of such an opportunity to fight against HIV countrywide. Such a wish is an achievable dream since the HIV testing and ARV services are free off charges in more than 500 Health Centers in the country.

Unfortunately, many children are still deprived of their rights to treatment due to lack of the will and ignorance of the parents and care takers and guardians.

After having noticed that some parents and caretakers are reluctant to allow their children being tested; the RRP+ initiated a kind of continuous awareness campaign to inculcate in the citizens appropriate attitudes likely to reduce considerably the number of new HIV infections among children. Let’s note that children under 15 years are not allowed admissible to HIV test and treatment services without any consent of their parents or care takers.

In order to eradicate challenges faced by the HIV positive children, the Executive Secretary of RRP+ Mr. Gasamagera Jean de Dieu stated that their Network launched advocacy and awareness campaign initially in five districts Kicukiro, Gasabo, Nyarugenge, Musanze and Rubavu, for a pilot phase which could be expanded to other districts in the country depending on resources availability.

The role of communities, health workers, teachers and local government authorities is crucial.

Stakeholders notably Health centers, community based heath advisors (abajyanama b’ubuzima), local government officers, NGOs dealing with HIV-AIDS, etc. are appealed to sensitize citizens mainly parents and care takers of HIV positive children to adopt friendly attitudes vis-à-vis HIV positive children.

In a more precise way an encouraging attitude among the PLHIV representatives was noticeable. First of all, they pledged to convince their members to play the role of focal people by creating a conducive environment for HIV positive children. In addition, they are determined to organize themselves in order to deliver educational testimonies.

Lastly, participants called for quality service delivery at health centers and hospitals. Health workers have been urged to care on psychological situations of mothers and children seeking for health services related to HIV and AIDS.

In order to integrate them, and allow them recover their self-esteem, HIV positive children issues should be prioritized at all levels.

Notably in the Health system, In local government, in policy making system, in the education system, etc..

UM– USEKE.RW