Youth trained on preventing HIV spread

By Andrew Masinde

Student leaders from different universities and rotary groups on Wednesday were trained on how to disseminate information about HIV/Aids among their fellow peers as the only way to fight the pandemic.

Studies reveal that the spread of the deadly HIV virus is significantly high among young people amid interventional efforts by various stakeholders.

The event that took place at the National Theatre was organised by the HIV Bible Movement, an initiative that is sensitizing the youth on HIV/Aids through a fact book called The HIV Bible.

At the event, the chief guest Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga advised the youths to take HIV/AIDS as a big issue that needs serious attention.

He pointed out the need for increased access to information especially in rural areas where people are still ignorant about the disease.

“It is time we stop feeling shy about HIV. We have to start telling the world that things are worsening because some people are not properly informed,” said Maj. Ruranga, who came out in public and revealed his HIV-positive status in the early 1990s.

He has since been a devoted figure in the HIV sensitization campaign in the country.

“I was told I had only three years to live but resolved to fight the ailment. Now I am three decades with the disease but still alive,” he revealed.

“When you detect signs of HIV, determine your status by testing.

“If you have it, disclose to your loved ones because many people are dying very early because they fear to disclose. After, start medication as soon as possible.”

Maj. Ruranga emphasized that HIV infected people ought to know that being HIV positive is not a disgrace. Instead, he said, they should deplore the possibility of infecting others and detain by “keeping it to yourself instead of spreading it to everyone”.