Bukavu & HIV/AIDS: ambitious targets

Bienvenu Rwizibuka, the new correspondent from our Companion Diocese of Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, considers his country’s fight against HIV/AIDS and what should be done.

With a view to ending AIDS by 2030, states across this country are working towards zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination. Collectively known as the 95-95-95 targets, 95% of people living with HIV must know their serological status (the level of infection), 95% of people who know their serological status must have access to treatment and 95% of people who have access to treatment must have an undetectable viral load.

Educational talk on sexual and reproductive health

As this deadline approaches, the time has come to evaluate the interventions already carried out and to implement new strategies in the hope of putting an end to this epidemic. HIV/AIDS remains a public health problem in our province and requires the special attention of all stakeholders at all levels.

With regard to the response in our Province of South Kivu, the National Programme for the Fight against AIDS (PNLS) advises that, except for the results achieved with regard to the initiation of anti-retroviral treatment, enormous challenges remain in determining the serological status of people living with HIV, and the measurement, access and suppression of viral load.

In terms of new HIV infections between 2019 and 2023, an average of 3,729 cases were reported, which represents an enormous challenge in relation to the objective of zero new infections by 2030! This reminds us of the urgency of strengthening the provision of prevention services. It is imperative that we act now to reverse this trend, and, as well as alarming us, the statistics must heighten our awareness of the problem of HIV/AIDS and push us to act.

We need to increase everyone’s understanding about this issue, using education and publicity in appropriate settings, and make sure that all stakeholders redouble their efforts so that appropriate resources are mobilised to support actions that have the best outcomes. This will ensure that no one is left behind.

With this approach, synergies of actions and targeted interventions must be implemented by all the agencies of the Congolese government through its specialised programmes. These efforts will allow us to improve the provision of prevention and care services as well as the promotion of a favorable environment for the 23,000 people living with HIV in South Kivu.