Kigali — Practices of stigma against HIV-positive people are increasingly declining, the outgoing president of Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/Aids (RRP +) has said. Olive Gatesi told RRP+ members and partners during a General Assembly on Wednesday that the body's members are now more acceptable among their communities than before. She also said that currently more people are willing to undergo voluntary HIV tests. "People are now getting free HIV testing and there is less stigma against those with the virus," she said. Gatesi urged people living with HIV/Aids (PLWAs) to live a positive life. She further called on PLWAs to play a major role in inculcating good morals among Rwandans to help control the HIV prevalence rate. According to government figures, about 3 percent of Rwandans live with the virus.

Gatesi was speaking a meeting of RRP + and its partners at Hilltop Hotel in Remera during which the organisation got new leaders.

She urged the new leaders to maintain the performance pace of the outgoing leadership. "Keep the flame burning. We are going to have a three day training of the new committee members so that they begin the work knowing the challenges facing them."

RRP+ is a national umbrella various organisations bringing together PLWHAs.

The body advocates for care and support of the HIV-positive persons through counselling, according to Gatesi.

Established in 2003, the body plays the role of sensitisation to help raise awareness on the dangers of the pandemic.