The University League for AIDS Control, LUCS in French abbreviation hosted a three day training session on research methodology for strategic HIV and AIDS interventions from 27th to 29th June 2012 at the National University of Rwanda (NUR). This training organized by the Association of African Universities (AAU) gathered delegations from francophone universities of Central Africa.

According to AAU, this training was organized as a response to HIV/AIDS in the field of research. In this perspective, AAU trained participants on Epi-Info and SPSS softwares to enable universities’ medical staff improve skills research methods.

Consolée MUKAMWEZI,the LUCS Voluntary Counseling and Testing Program Officer stated that most of universities’ students are young and they are very exposed to HIV/AIDS transmission channels considering their age. In its efforts NUR through LUCS avails condoms as a way of preventing unplanned pregnancies and other sexual transmitted diseases. Despite these efforts, we continue noticing unplanned pregnancies which is an indication that there are students who make unprotected sex and this may lead to HIV/AIDS transmission.

Dr Vana, a medical staff at the University of Douala, Cameroun, appreciated knowledge of research softwares he acquired in the training as he will be able to handle challenges of research he used to face. She said, “It was very difficult for us to collect and analyze data of our studies. Normally when carrying out researches we collect data and make a request of support to statisticians for data analysis. The result we get sometimes is not very relevant because those statisticians do not master the technical medical language. Thanks to this training I will be able to analyze data myself and come up with appropriate outcome”.

During the closing ceremony, participants received certificates of recognition. They got also the opportunity to visit the Murambi Genocide Memorial in Nyamagabe District-Southern province.

Prof. Manasseh Mbonye, the NUR Vice Rector for Academic Affairs(Left)and Dr Andre Musemakweri ,Coordinator of Central Africa Network of Tertiary Institutions against HIVAIDS

Participants displaying their certificates

Participants at Murambi Genocide Memorial

By Jean Baptiste Micomyiza