According to UNAIDS HIV/AIDS in Rwanda increased from less than 1.3% in 1996 to more than 10.8% in 1997 in the general rural population. More than 400,000 Rwandan are living with AIDS. The HIV prevalence rate is 13.5% among adults of 15-49 years making, Rwanda one of the nine most infected countries i sub-Saharan Africa. (10.8% males, 11.3% females). The youngest age group of 12-14 years has a prevalence rate of 4.1%, which indicates a high proportion of HIV among children below childbearing age and reflects a rapid transmission of new infections in the country.

Life expectancy has been reduced from 54 in 1991 to 42 years in 2000 with maternal mortality of 1,071/100000 life birth (DHS 2000). Infant mortality rate 107/1000 live births and has under five mortality 196/1000.

Currently it is estimated that about 50,000 are living with HIV/AIDS. 1997 25% of pregnant women in urban Kigali antenatal clinics and 15% in other regions tested positive for HIV, compared to 10% in rural clinics. 70% of commercial sex workers are HIV positive (A study on prostitution and HIV/AIDS 1998).

The HIV epidemic has had a disproportionate impact on Rwandan children, already growing under difficult conditions. It is estimated that 60,000 children are currently reported to be heading households, with more than 3,000 street children in Kigali city alone. Morbidity and mortality is high among infected and many others have been orphaned. The number of HIV/AIDS orphans is increasing. In 1997 there were 95,000 AIDS orphans living in Rwanda compared to 270,000 in 2002.

This situation has created new poverty dynamics. Women have taken responsibility of fending for orphans, caring for the terminally ill, paying hospital and school bills and make local decisions and yet they hold a social position that is still not befitting their status. Due to Rwandan extreme poverty, the overall health remains poor; with only 27% of Rwandans live within a one- hour walk of a health center.