Economic growth and HIV knowledge, prevention and access to media in Burundi and Rwanda

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: HIV/AIDS remains a public health concern in both Rwanda and Burundi. These
countries share many characteristics but in the last 15 years economic growth has been stronger
in Rwanda. This has influenced HIV epidemiology and risky behaviour.
METHODS: We extracted data from tables in the available DHS reports from 2010-2019/20. The
tables were selected to capture information on vulnerable populations, knowledge levels, at risk
behaviour and media access. We compared this information with economic data from the two
countries.
RESULTS: Rwanda has higher HIV prevalence than Burundi. However, higher prevalence in
women, against lower at-risk sexual behaviour, was a common feature. Patterns of HIV prevalence
differed in age groups, education level, wealth quintile and residence in the two countries over
the past 15 years. Economic growth in Rwanda was markedly higher than Burundi over the same
time period. Access to media in general increased and shifted from newspapers to social media,
more markedly in Rwanda.
CONCLUSION: Epidemiological and behavioural differences suggest that higher economic
prosperity in Rwanda compared with Burundi in the past 15 years increased the risk of acquiring
HIV in some population groups, in spite of increased access to information. This implies HIV
prevention strategies in low- and middle-income countries with marked economic growth may
need to be adapted for potential changes in behaviour in certain populations. Enhanced access
to social media, as economic growth rises, provides an opportunity to target those with increased
risk of acquiring HIV with tailored information.