Residents of Rubavu District, especially sex workers, say that the free condom dispensers (booths) are essential in stopping the spread of HIV as health-related organizations nationwide continue to combat new HIV infections by giving away free condoms in health centers and other public gathering locations.
The Rwandan Network of Health Journalists, especially those covering HIV (ABASIRWA), in collaboration with the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF), made this revelation on a field trip. As part of a public awareness campaign to encourage condom use as a form of HIV prevention, the visit focused on tourist-oriented establishments such hotels, lodges, and other busy areas.
Residents and sex workers agree that these condom dispensers are a great way to prevent new illnesses. Additionally, they ask that these booths be put up in more areas with plenty of foot activity.
“These condom dispensers help us a lot,” expressed Claudine (name changed), a sex worker in Gisenyi town. We can easily obtain a condom without having to purchase one when we receive a customer. They assist us in preventing unintended pregnancies, HIV, and other STDs. Since I cherish my life and I encourage others to use condoms—that’s why they’re there—I don’t hesitate to get one. I don’t think twice about purchasing a condom because I am aware of the nature of my job and it provides for my livelihood.
“These booths help us so much because getting condoms is now very easy,” said another sex worker. In addition to preventing unintended births, condoms shield us from diseases like gonorrhea and HIV. It’s easy to get one from here. Even during the day, there are no problems, even if many people arrive surreptitiously.
In addition to sex workers, other community members acknowledge the value of providing free condoms and recommend extending the program to further areas.
According to Christophe, a Rugerero Sector resident “These condom booths are quite practical. Here in Buhuru, we’d be better off with one. I personally don’t mind requesting a condom because it helps avoid illness and unintended pregnancies”.
“Everyone is welcome, youth, employed, and unemployed,” remarked Jean D’Amour Niragire, an AHF Rwanda employee who oversees the free condom kiosk at Petite Barrière. We provide our services without charge. Every visitor is given a complimentary condom. Promoting health and shielding everyone from HIV is our goal.
PSF’s Jolie Bashagire, who oversees awareness programs and health promotion for private sector employees, stressed that the private sector is dedicated to raising public awareness and supporting condom use, particularly while having sex with strangers.
Although it is not required, using condoms is crucial because HIV is still a threat and the number of new infections is rising. Since awareness campaigns never really stop, PSF is dedicated to continuing them. We must keep tackling condom use because it is frequently discouraged by our culture and religious beliefs. She said
Additionally, she stated that PSF and other interested parties will endeavor to increase the distribution of free condoms, particularly through the installation of additional kiosks in public areas.
Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, expressed alarm about the surge in new HIV infections caused by unprotected sex among adults and youth during the country’s World AIDS Day celebration on December 1, 2024.
“A lot of people, both adults and children, are having sex without using condoms without being aware of the risk of HIV infection. And keep in mind that there is currently no vaccine or cure for HIV. “He said,”
If abstinence is not an option, he advised adults and children to use condoms: “Dear youth, HIV is still with us.” Use condoms or refrain from using them.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) reports that at least nine new HIV infections occur in the nation each day, and complications from AIDS account for seven out of every 100 fatalities. The virus kills about 2,600 people a year.