Getting Tested, Knowing your HIV/AIDS Status Together by Rita H.

Rita Hawkins

Health 3 - Nyaruguru District, Southern Province

 “The children are our future.”

 Nothing rings as true as it does here in Rwanda. At the center of many volunteers current projects, including my own, PMTCT (Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission) and CPN (Consultation prenatal) help community members both male and female learn about HIV/AIDS transmission, pregnancy, labour, delivery and breast feeding care. Through this education, Rwanda hopes to eliminate new pediatric HIV infections and improve maternal care, child survival and health in general.

            As a short background, PMTCT services first appeared in Rwanda in 1999 starting with a few sites and by 2009 had grown to 373 locations implementing PMTCT services. During the first visit, starting with a PMTCT session followed by a CNP appointment, both the mother and father to be are given a short counseling session about HIV/AIDS. The nurse will ask questions about the knowledge known and answer or correct with current information when necessary about the health of both parents and unborn child. The couple are then tested together and together given results the same day. The couple is able to ask questions and express concerns if any about HIV/AIDS and the next months leading up to delivery.

             As volunteers we see every day that there continues to be cultural attitudes that exacerbate the gender imbalance in Rwanda. Whether that is a lack of empathy towards patients coming in for family planning services or PMTCT/CNP visits without a partner, traditional gender roles are without a doubt present. However, providing behavior change communication skills and ideas, informing the community with help from the local community health workers, educating men, women and children in or starting these programs at health centers and promoting cultural exchange about a better understanding of the importance of testing can and will help with development here in Rwanda. The empowerment gained of knowing ones own status and that of their partners, I believe will provide progression in gender balance and the eventual elimination of HIV/AIDS as a serious problem. 

            It is an essential part of the PMTCT program to have both partners attend this appointment, by having both partners included it not only helps the health center monitor HIV/AIDS status in the community, but provides valuable education and reduction in levels of people living with HIV/AIDS in Rwanda as a whole. In 2010, 70% of all pregnant women had access to HIV testing during pregnancy and of that 81% of women were being tested with partners. A major hope for this program to eventually have 100% of women and their partners coming to be tested and educated about PMTCT and natal care. Good health is essential for individuals to progress and flourish, in PMTCT and CPN the health sector in Rwanda is able to help to empower community members to know their status and protect the future generations.