{{The special summit of African Union on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria held in Abuja, Nigeria, from July 12th to 14th 2013 brought together Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Health from African Union Members States. Rwanda is represented by a delegation led by Honorable Louise Mushikiwabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs.}}
The progress report 2010-2012 on the implementation of the “Abuja call for accelerated action towards universal access to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria services” presented by the African Union shows that Rwanda is among fewer countries that have achieved most of the targets.
Rwanda is indeed among the six countries that achieved the recommendations of the 2006 Abuja declaration of Heads of States of African Union countries of setting a target of allocating to health at least 15% of their annual budget. Rwanda has met and exceeded this target.
Also, 91% of Rwandans have access to HIV care and treatment. HIV related mortality rate has been decreased by 78%, the retention of HIV positive individuals on treatment is above 90% , the transmission of HIV from mother to child has declined from 10,8% in 2004 to 1,9% in 2012 and HIV new infections reduced by 50%.
The TB mortality rate fell by 78% between 1997 and 2010, the prevalence and incidence by 71%. The treatment success rate swiftly increased between 2002 and 2005 and is more than 85% from 2006.
For Malaria, since 2005, an integrated Government strategy of prevention using long lasting insecticide treated nets and artemisinin-combination therapies (ACTs) treatment combined with a strong healthcare system strengthening resulted in an 85% reduction in the number of malaria cases and deaths.
In 2010, the rate of malaria cases treated after laboratory confirmation was 99% in 2012. Since then, Rwanda has continuously achieved over 90% laboratory confirmation of malaria cases before treatment compared to 40% in 2005.
Rwanda’s achievements are attributed to good leadership, political commitment, and strong emphasis on the health system strengthening and inherent responsibility throughout the health system from the highest levels to the community.
The summit whose theme is “Ownership, Accountability and Sustainability of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Response in Africa: Past, Present and the Future” discussed the draft of the Abuja Actions toward the implementation of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Africa by 2030.
It will be closed by a Special Assembly of Heads of States and Heads of Governments of the African Union on July 15th to 16th 2013.
Rwanda is determined to meet this important commitment of the African Union.
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