KIGALI, Rwanda -Tuesday, April 25th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ](BUSINESS WIRE)-- In 2006, The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, commenced operations in Rwanda, in collaboration with the government through the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) as part of its global mission to provide cutting edge medicine to people living with HIV. Since then, AHF Rwanda has grown from serving two districts to eight districts; supporting twenty health facilities and seven community based organizations. A remarkable feat, that has positioned it as a formidable ally of the government in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and a dependable provider to the patient community. Today AHF Rwanda serves 23,704 patients in its supported sites scattered across Rwanda.
To commemorate this significant milestone, AHF Rwanda hosted stakeholders, patient community, partners and members of the press to a special dinner and documentary screening-which showcased AHF’s achievements in Rwanda over the last ten years. Speaking during the celebration, Dr. Brenda Kateera, Country Program Manager of AHF Rwanda highlighted the significance of the milestone. “Ten years of staying true to our mission and working in close collaboration with the government, is a testament of AHF’s commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and our patients serve as a reminder that we made the right decision ten years ago,” she remarked.
Nadege Uwase, Youth leader and longtime patient of AHF Rwanda, spoke glowingly about the impact of AHF’s work in the lives of its young patient community: “At the beginning AHF saw us as children it could take care of, not just by giving money to the health centers but they treated us like parents. AHF helps people to live productive lives through the services they provide and the support they give to families. Many thanks to AHF! Kindly continue to support our country and our fellow citizens; you are doing a great job,” she said.
Throughout its 10 years of operation in Rwanda, AHF has continued to enjoy a close working relationship with the government, and this was substantiated in the remark of Dr. Diane Gashumba, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, who was the guest of honour at the dinner: "AHF offers comprehensive holistic support to the Rwandan population. The work you are doing is commendable and has impacted thousands of lives in Rwanda."
In his congratulatory message, AHF Africa Deputy Bureau Chief Dr. Wamae Maranga acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the team in making AHF a proud institution and a beacon of hope in Rwanda: “Today I congratulate you for this remarkable feat. Your tireless commitment has contributed greatly to the growth we have recorded over the years, and the patients who entrust us with their lives, do so because of how passionately you exhibit AHF’s culture of excellence and patient centered care.”
In a statement, AHF President Michael Weinstein added: “This is indeed a remarkable feat, one made possible by the compassion and commitment of our entire AHF Rwanda team working closely with the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre and under the umbrella of our AHF Africa Bureau. I heartily congratulate all involved in helping reach this important milestone in Rwanda on our path to reaching 20X20—twenty million people living with HIV or AIDS on treatment worldwide by 2020.”
AHF has set a goal of having one million of those twenty million individuals on treatment by 2020 in its care. As of April 24, 2017, AHF has over 712,600 people in care and on treatment in the 38 countries around the world it currently operates in.
Contacts
AHF RWANDA CONTACT:
Etienne Hakizimana
Prevention and Testing Coordinator
Etienne.hakizimana@aidshealth.org
or
AHF AFRICA MEDIA CONTACT:
Kemi Gbadamosi,
Senior Manager, PR & Communications, Africa Bureau
oluwakemi.gbadamosi@aidshealth.org
or
Alice Kayongo,
Regional Policy & Advocacy Manager, E/W Africa
Alice.kayongo@aidshealth.org
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