Martin Habimana, Executive Secretary of Nyamyumba sector

Bralirwa, the largest brewer and soft beverage in Rwanda, has been blamed for the AIDS spread increase in Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu district.

This is because Nyamyumba sector has the highest rate of AIDS spread compared to other sectors that make Rubavu district.

Residents say Bralirwa brings in many employees (drivers) that seek accommodation in this place, which encourages prostitution.

Residents in this sector lament that they need help on fighting the increasing spread of AIDS.

Another cause is the fact that Nyamyumba sector is near Lake Kivu and close to Congo, which makes it the destination of so many people.

Fishing is another activity to blame since fishermen from outside Rubavu reside in this place and spend nights fishing. All these increase prostitution that is the major cause of AIDS increase.

The executive secretary of the sector asserts that they are aware of the problem and that some of the prostitutes that lived on Rubavu hill shifted and settled in Nyamyumba sector.

However we always sensitize residents on Aids prevention and to test for HIV and know their status before prevention measures.

Rubavu is the first district and second to Kigali city in having the increased number of HIV/Aids patients according to the research by CNLS.