UNAIDS has commended the government of Rwanda for its leadership in the national AIDS response. The country has made significant progress in its HIV response and is on track to meet national and global HIV related goals.
Executive Director Michel Sidibé congratulated President Kagame on the significant progress Rwanda has made in its AIDS response and the leadership the president has shown on Africa's development agenda. With 91% coverage on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services and 87% antiretroviral coverage for people living with HIV, who are eligible for treatment, the country is well on its way to meeting its HIV related goals.
Mr Sidibé and the President also discussed Rwanda's critical role in pushing for the implementation of the African Union's Roadmap on Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity which aims to help countries build long-term and sustainable solutions to the AIDS response on the continent.
Rwanda's President Paul Kagame emphasized the importance of the active participation of young people in health and development. He said through virtual networks and social media, young people are increasingly demanding change for a more inclusive and equitable society.
UNAIDS chief Michel Sidibé also met with Rwanda's First Lady Jeanette Kagame. During this meeting the First Lady discussed the success and challenges that the Imbuto Foundation, an organization she created in 2007, faces in its HIV programming.
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé meets with Jeanette Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda. UNAIDS Photo