Rwanda centre offers trailblazing HIV care for children

A new health centre offering care and support to children living with HIV is the first step in rolling out child-centred HIV services across Rwanda. About 19,000 children are living with HIV in the central east African republic, according to United Nations figures.

Children infected with the HIV virus can now receive counselling, nutritional support and palliative care at The Integrated Paediatric Centre which opened last week in the capital, Kigali.

"We are committed to ensuring that all children living with HIV / AIDS in Rwanda can have life in its fullness," Agnes Binagwaho, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health told Reuters news agency. "The initiative is expected to significantly reduce child mortality rates," she said.

The new centre at Kibagabaga Hospital was set up through a partnership between the government, the United States International Agency for International Development (USAID), and international health organistations.

"Children need special attention because tests used to diagnose HIV in adults cannot be used for infants below 18 months, who still carry their mother's antibodies," Binagwaho said. "By targeting children, Rwanda expects to provide quality health care that can assure them longer and healthy living."

A health official in charge of HIV / AIDS services at the centre, Antoinne Murebwayire, told African news services: "The centre will be the first of its kind in the country. At the facility, we will take time to explain the reality of HIV / AIDS to the children who are eight years and above. Children have their own needs and here they will receive special counselling services that suit their ages, from qualified personnel. Under a follow-up programme, officials will also be able to visit these children at home as often as possible to ensure that they take their medication as prescribed," she explained.

The country is also running a huge campaign aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus [during childbirth] at more than 400 places across Rwanda.

With over 70 percent of people in need of antiretrovirals (AIDS suppressant drugs) receiving them, and 60 percent of pregnant women accessing services to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, Rwanda is on track to achieving universal access.

According to UNAIDS 2003 figures, at least 250,000 people are estimated to be living with HIV in Rwanda.