Dream Village Celebrates Success in HIV Eradication Among Children and Youth

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Dream Village Organization recently convened a celebratory event to acknowledge its remarkable strides in implementing the CATS model. This model offers a comprehensive array of specialized services designed specifically for children, adolescents, and young people living with HIV.

The CATS model aims to address various critical aspects of HIV care and support, including promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance of one’s HIV status. It also emphasizes the importance of initiating and maintaining antiretroviral treatment with confidence while fostering ongoing engagement in treatment, care, and support services. Additionally, the model endeavors to cultivate an environment where beneficiaries feel genuinely cared for, understood, supported, and valued.

Services are primarily led by trained, mentored Adolescents and young people known as Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters or ‘CATS’.  Services are fully aligned and integrated within national systems and service delivery across the HIV care cascade.    

The event showcased the aspects of Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS) program, which has played a crucial role in enhancing HIV care and treatment among children, adolescents, and young people by improving the holistic health outcomes notably adherence, linkages, viral load suppression (VLS), retention in care and treatment among others.

Dream Village is a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to empowering HIV-positive young people and youth, enabling them to realize their potential and make a positive and lasting impact on society.

The event, held on February 23, 2024, in Kigali, brought together various health stakeholders, including Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), UNAIDS, AHF, RPP+, HDI, CCM, UPHILS, UNFPA, YWCA, AEE, REACT, ZVANDIRI among others along with other local stakeholders.

Norman Manzi, Executive Director of Dream Village, highlighted the significant impact of the CATS program since its inception in 2019. He noted that the program is now operational in 12 health facilities across Rwanda, effectively supporting young people in accessing HIV treatment, care, and community engagement opportunities.

Manzi called upon other partners working with children and adolescents to join efforts in safeguarding the future.

“Dream Village’s implementation of this model across Rwandan health centers has saved numerous lives, particularly those of children, adolescents, and youths,” he remarked.

Gustave Nshizirungu, speaking on behalf of youth across the 12 health facilities, expressed the significance of their progress.

“This marks a major milestone for us, the youth. We seek continued support, engagement, and recognition of our efforts. The CATS model has empowered us to combat HIV, and I urge fellow youth to stand up and be counted while appealing to our partners for ongoing assistance,” he emphasized.

The CATS program involves young people providing information, counseling, and support to their peers, as well as comprehensive sexuality education. It operates in 12 health facilities, including Kabuga, Remera, Kinyinya, Kacyiru, Kicukiro, Gikondo, Rwampara, Biryogo, Kabusunzu, CorUnum, Kagugu, and Gahanga.

Caroline Ikiriza, the Director of Kabusunzu health facility representing the Directors of the 12 health centers reflected on the transformative journey the CATS model has had in caring for HIV-positive children and young adults.

“We received crucial support from Dream Village, filling critical gaps in our services. The CATS model significantly reduced HIV transmission rates and improved viral load suppression,” she highlighted.

 

Nicola, the Executive Director of Zvandiri, emphasized the transformative impact of empowering young people, stating, “When young people receive adequate support, nothing is beyond their reach.” Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, and Dream Village, Zvandiri has played a pivotal role in advancing HIV response efforts in Rwanda.”

“Today, driven by a strong sense of commitment and dedication, young people are actively working to improve the lives of their peers, fostering confidence and resilience within their communities. CATS supporters have been instrumental in facilitating HIV testing, medication adherence, and sustained treatment for young people living with HIV,” Nicola added.

 

Dr Simeon Tuyishime Director of HIV Care and Treatment at Rwanda Biomedical Centre emphasized the importance of not letting HIV/AIDS challenges discourage efforts. He praised Dream Village and partners for their support, underscoring the attainment of national goals and setting high standards.

He noted that Rwanda, alongside Zimbabwe, stand out among the five African countries on track to meet the 2030 HIV objectives. “It’s imperative that we rally behind our youth and the wider community, as supporting them translates to supporting ourselves. However, challenges remain, notably with new HIV infections among the youth.” Tuyishime noted.

The event also recognized health facilities and other partners for their outstanding work in providing   exceptional support for the CATS project, highlighting the collaborative effort in combating HIV/AIDS.

Health care providers and dedicated CAT supporters stand tall as they are honored and celebrated for their unwavering commitment at the event, symbolizing the invaluable contributions of individuals shaping the CAT initiative’s success:

Dream Village youth engage in talent development activities, fostering skills and creativity beyond HIV/AIDS awareness. Dream Village youth engage in talent development activities, fostering skills, creativity, and participating in various social economic development initiatives beyond HIV/AIDS awareness.  

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