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. Atthe center of many volunteers current projects, including my own, PMTCT(Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission) and CPN (Consultation prenatal) helpcommunity 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 maternalcare, child survival and health in general.            Asa short background, PMTCT services first appeared in Rwanda in 1999 startingwith a few sites and by 2009 had grown to 373 locations implementing PMTCTservices. During the first visit, starting with a PMTCT session followed by aCNP appointment, both the mother and father to be are given a short counselingsession about HIV/AIDS. The nurse will ask questions about the knowledge knownand answer or correct with current information when necessary about the healthof both parents and unborn child. The couple are then tested together andtogether given results the same day. The couple is able to ask questions and expressconcerns if any about HIV/AIDS and the next months leading up to delivery.             As volunteers we see every day that therecontinues to be cultural attitudes that exacerbate the gender imbalance inRwanda. Whether that is a lack of empathy towards patients coming in for familyplanning services or PMTCT/CNP visits without a partner, traditional genderroles are without a doubt present. However, providing behavior changecommunication skills and ideas, informing the community with help from thelocal community health workers, educating men, women and children in orstarting these programs at health centers and promoting cultural exchange abouta better understanding of the importance of testing can and will help withdevelopment here in Rwanda. The empowerment gained of knowing ones own statusand that of their partners, I believe will provide progression in genderbalance and the eventual elimination of HIV/AIDS as a serious problem.              Itis an essential part of the PMTCT program to have both partners attend thisappointment, by having both partners included it not only helps the healthcenter monitor HIV/AIDS status in the community, but provides valuableeducation and reduction in levels of people living with HIV/AIDS in Rwanda as awhole. In 2010, 70% of all pregnant women had access to HIV testing duringpregnancy and of that 81% of women were being tested with partners. A majorhope for this program to eventually have 100% of women and their partnerscoming to be tested and educated about PMTCT and natal care. Good health isessential for individuals to progress and flourish, in PMTCT and CPN the healthsector in Rwanda is able to help to empower community members to know theirstatus and protect the future generations.