Rwanda Civil Society Organizations were allocated a portion of the ongoing HIV/TB grant to prevent new infections in the journey of stepping up the fight against HIV, TB and Malaria under the global Fund theme of the 6th resources replenishment.
The launch came in after a transparent and inclusive selection process following a call for proposals published by the Country Coordination Mechanism of the Global Fund in Rwanda. Fourteen organizations were awarded sub grant to carry out activities aiming at preventing new HIV infections.
The country has made good progress in the management of both TB and HIV programs and is on track to meet the national 2020 HIV treatment targets. The National HIV Program is already orientated towards meeting the 2030 UNAIDS targets. According to UNAIDS estimates, the annual estimated number of new HIV infections in Rwanda was 5,300 in 2019 down from a high of 10,000 in 2010. HIV prevalence has stabilized at around 3% with 230,000 people estimated to be living with HIV as at 2019. However, the infection rate remains high in Kigali City (6%) and amongst key populations – FSW (45.8%) and MSM (4%). AIDS-related deaths have declined to an estimated 2,800 annually down from 5,000 in 2010. As at 2019, 89% of PLHIV knew their HIV status and of these, over 95% are on treatment and 91% of those on treatment are virally suppressed. In the context of increasing financial constraints, the 2018-2024 HIV National Strategic Plan (NSP) was developed with the aim of consolidating the gains made while adopting cost-effective and highly impactful strategies and interventions. To this extent, the NSP outlines ambitious goals to reduce new infections, reduce the number of HIV-related deaths, and ensure that people living with HIV (PLHIV) have the same opportunities as all others.
The joint TB-HIV grant is based on Rwanda HIV and AIDS National Strategic Plan 2018- 2024 and the Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases National Strategic Plan Mid 2019 - mid 2024. The HIV NSP seeks to reduce new HIV infections 2024; reduce HIV related deaths by 2024 and decrease HIV morbidity; and ensure that people infected and affected by HIV have the same opportunities as the general population. These goals will be achieved through the following eight specific objectives:
New infection in children are maintained below 5%
·New HIV infections by sexual transmission reduced
· The coverage of ART and the VL suppression among PLHIV on treatment are increased · PLHIV receive standardized adequate care and support
· PLHIV have reduced morbidity related to STI, OI and other co-morbidities
· People infected and affected by HIV and MVC have improved socio-economic status and protection
· SGBV and HIV related stigma and discrimination are reduced
The Global Fund partnership has achieved what was once considered impossible. AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 68% since the peak of the epidemic in 2004 in countries where the Global Fund invests. Of the 37.7 million people living with HIV, 27.5 million are on antiretroviral therapy today – 21.9 million in the countries where the Global Fund invests. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to reverse these extraordinary gains.