Community-led Health Promotion Campaigns on HIV/AIDS Prevention Among Secondary School Students in Kigali City: Awareness and Testing Participation Rates in Rwanda, 2008

Community-led health promotion campaigns are increasingly recognised as effective in enhancing awareness and participation rates among vulnerable populations, such as secondary school students exposed to HIV/AIDS risks. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with students, teachers, and community leaders. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Students reported a significant increase (45%) in HIV/AIDS awareness after participation in the campaigns, though only 20% had undergone voluntary HIV testing. Community-led health promotion can effectively raise awareness but may require additional support to encourage preventive actions such as testing. Further initiatives should focus on increasing access to affordable and confidential HIV testing services within the community.