29% of Men and 23% of Women Unaware of HIV Status

Despite progress in HIV prevention and treatment, a significant number of Rwandans remain unaware of their HIV status.

The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) reports that about 234,000 people were living with HIV in Rwanda in 2025.

DHS 7 Highlights HIV Testing Challenges

According to the Seventh Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 7) 2025, 29 percent of men and 23 percent of women aged 15 to 49 do not know their HIV status.

The results were released on December 17, 2025, by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) during the official presentation of the survey findings.

Youth HIV Prevention Knowledge Declines

The survey shows a decline in HIV prevention knowledge among young people aged 15 to 24, compared to five years ago.

Nationwide, 57 percent of women reported knowing how to prevent HIV, down from 59 percent in 2019–2020. Among men, awareness dropped to 53 percent, from 57 percent.

Urban and Rural Differences

In urban areas, 62 percent of young women and 63 percent of young men demonstrated knowledge of HIV prevention.

However, in rural areas, the figures were lower. About 55 percent of young women and 49 percent of young men showed adequate knowledge.

Progress and Setbacks Over Time

In 2000, HIV prevention knowledge stood at 23 percent among young women and 20 percent among young men.

The figures increased steadily and peaked in 2014–2015, reaching 65 percent for young women and 64 percent for young men.

Despite this progress, misinformation about HIV remains widespread, especially among younger age groups.

RBC Calls for Innovative Communication

Dr. Albert Tuyishime, Director of Disease Prevention and Control at RBC, said reaching young people requires new approaches.

He told The New Times that many people aged 15 to 24 have not witnessed the devastating impact of the HIV epidemic.

Reaching Youth Beyond Traditional Media

Dr. Tuyishime emphasized that HIV education must go beyond radio and television campaigns.

“Young people spend much of their time on social media, sports fields, and entertainment spaces,” he said. “Those are the best platforms to reach them.”

Current HIV Situation in Rwanda

RBC data show that about 3,200 people are newly infected with HIV each year in Rwanda. Around 2,600 people die annually from HIV-related illnesses.

HIV prevalence among Rwandans aged 15 to 49 stands at 2.7 percent.

Women account for 63 percent of people receiving HIV treatment, while men represent 37 percent.