In a bid to combat HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among key populations, the National Association for Supporting People Living with HIV/AIDS (ANSP+) collaborated with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) under the support of the Global Fund to organize a two-day training workshop in Huye District, Southern Province.
The workshop, held at the Kalibu Peace Center on 21st – 22nd March 2024, aimed to mobilize efforts towards HIV/AIDS and STI prevention. Attendees included four staff members from ANSP+, a facilitator from Centre Universitaire de la Sante Public (CUSP), and twenty-nine female sex workers from different sectors in Huye District.
The workshop began with an introduction by Jean Marie Vianney Nizeyimana, ANSP+ Rwanda’s Director of Administration and Finance, who highlighted the association’s mission to support people living with HIV/AIDS and raise awareness about prevention in the Rwandan community.
Vumiriya Jeanine, the facilitator, led discussions on COVID-19, its transmission, symptoms, and prevention measures. Attendees shared their experiences, noting the loss of clients during lockdowns and fears about taking medications due to hunger.
The session also covered the transmission, signs, and prevention of diseases such as HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and malaria. Attendees learned about mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the importance of vaccination for infants. They emphasized the correct use of condoms as a preventive measure and discussed the importance of hygiene practices.
This workshop represents a significant step in empowering female sex workers with vital health information, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more informed community in Rwanda.
The following are pictures that shows how workshop went.
