HIV Warning for Rwandan Youth | Virus Still a Threat
HIV warning for Rwandan youth was the main message delivered by Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, during a community event in Kigali on July 13, 2025. He explained that HIV is still a serious threat, especially to young people, and called on the youth to stay alert, get tested, and take preventive measures.
Dr. Nsanzimana said some people think HIV no longer exists or that it is no longer serious. But that’s not true. “HIV still exists, and we are seeing more new infections, especially among young people,” he said. “Many young people today were not there during the worst HIV times. They do not know how bad it was.”
HIV Infection Data in Rwanda | Youth Still at High Risk
New data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), collected between July 2023 and June 2024, shows that many young Rwandans are still getting infected.
Among youth aged 15–19:
- 6.5% of girls are living with HIV
- 1.6% of boys are living with HIV
Among ages 20–24:
- 5.2% of females
- 4.5% of males
Among ages 25–29:
- 3.5% of females
- 3.0% of males
These numbers show that young girls and young women are most at risk. Even though the infection rate drops a little with age, young people remain very vulnerable.
Census Shows HIV Warning for Rwandan Youth.
According to the 2023 National Census by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), about 9,000 young people aged 15 to 24 are currently living with HIV in Rwanda.
That’s about 35% of all HIV cases in that age group — a very high number. Health officials say this shows that HIV among the youth needs urgent action.
Ministry of Health Issues HIV Warning to Youth.
Dr. Nsanzimana’s message was very clear: Youth must not relax. HIV is still a threat. He called on young people to be careful and protect themselves.
“Some people think HIV has been eliminated, but it still exists,” he said. “Young people today never saw the pain it caused before.”
He explained that it’s not just the government’s job to fight HIV — young people also have a role.
HIV Prevention Tips for Rwandan Youth.
Dr. Nsanzimana encouraged youth to take the following steps:
- Avoid unprotected sex
- Get tested for HIV regularly at local health centers
- Use condoms if sexually active
- Delay sexual activity when possible
- Get information from trusted sources
He said:
“If you are not ready for sex, wait. But if you can’t avoid it, then use protection. Condoms are available. Don’t become a burden to the country because of HIV.”
Why This Message Matters Now
Young people today may not understand how serious HIV was years ago. But the virus is still here. Many youths do not talk openly about sex or HIV, and that puts them at higher risk.
That’s why events like the community sports activity in Kigali are important. They allow leaders to connect with youth in friendly ways and share life-saving messages.
To learn more about HIV and youth in Rwanda, visit the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) or follow them on Twitter/X for updates.
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