Rwanda

The adult prevalence of HIV is estimated to be greater than 13 percent, which distinguishes Rwanda as one of the 10 most affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The majority of HIV-positive adults are women, and patients suffering from AIDS-related illnesses occupy more than 70 percent of the beds in major hospitals. Strong government commitment backs the principle of comprehensive services to fight HIV/AIDS, yet the country’s healthcare infrastructure is not adequate to manage the burden of this disease. Therefore the government of Rwanda has determined that strengthening its existing health-care system must be a priority that will serve as an important first step in halting the rapid spread of HIV.