The Rwandan Ministry of Health has revealed that an estimated 2,600 people die of AIDS each year, while around 3,200 new infections are recorded annually. The statistics were shared during the opening of the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference, currently taking place in Kigali from July 14 to 17, 2025.
The meeting brings together global health experts, government officials, and researchers to discuss the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. The Ministry of Health also shared Rwanda’s journey in combating the virus, which first entered the country in 1983 and spread widely by 1986.
Since then, Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing both infections and AIDS-related deaths. According to the ministry, new infections have dropped by 82%, and AIDS-related deaths have declined by 86%, thanks to strong national policies and public health campaigns.
The report highlighted encouraging trends among young people aged 20 to 24, with 88% of HIV-positive males in this group adhering to treatment protocols. However, there is concern over 9% of patients who do not follow their prescriptions, and 3% of AIDS-related deaths still occur in young people aged 15 to 24.
Interestingly, adults over 50 years old have the highest treatment adherence rate at 95%, but also show a higher mortality rate, indicating a need for more age-specific support.
Dr. Beatriz Grinsztejn, President of the International AIDS Society, emphasized collaboration as the key to ending AIDS: “Nothing is impossible if governments, researchers, and international health bodies work together.”
The Rwandan Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, also noted that awareness and recognition have played a big role in the country’s response to the epidemic, especially through ongoing community outreach and campaigns.
Despite remaining challenges, the Ministry expressed optimism that Rwanda can defeat AIDS with the help of society at large.