In 2001, Protection and Care of Families against HIV/AIDS (PACFA) was established as a project under the Office of the First Lady, to mobilize resources desperately needed in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This initiative primarily focused on providing a holistic approach for dignifed lives of families, including women deliberately infected with HIV/AIDS during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Over the years, PACFA grew to embrace more programmes and in 2007, it changed its name to Imbuto Foundation to reflect its evolution and new fields of activity, through programmes in health, education, youth and economic empowerment.
Literally translated Imbuto means “seed”. A seed well planted, watered, nurtured and given all the necessary support successfully grows into a healthy plant; one that reaches high and stands tall. This vision shapes the Imbuto Foundation’s current initiatives and future projects.
Click on the link below to read the "Agaciro Kanjye" booklet. http://bit.ly/243sTfQ This booklet contains information about Adolescent Sexual...
Puberty refers to the period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction. This stage is experienced...
Puberty is experienced between the ages of 8 - 13 in girls. During this time girls bodies become rounder (hips, thighs, and buttocks) and their...
Puberty in boys differs from that of girls. Boys experience puberty between the ages of 10 - 15. In boys, the changes are the following: 1....
During puberty, young people might feel sensitive, become easily upset, or have questions about changes in their bodies. Relationships with...
During puberty young people may develop sexual feelings towards others. Sexual feelings may cause boys to have an erection of the penis, and for...
Sexual intercourse refers to physical penetration; when a penis enters a vagina, this can cause an ejaculation of semen. When ejaculation...
The best way to prevent pregnancy is to practice abstinence. If you have sex, use contraception or birth control methods to prevent pregnancy....
Abstinence means not having sexual intercourse. Abstaining from sex is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted...
Early pregnancies are difficult for young people. They can have the following repercussions: 1. Dropping out of school. 2. Negative reactions...
In a healthy relationship, sex should never be pressured, forced, or traded. Young people who decide to have sex, should use condoms to avoid...
Having forced sex is called rape and it is illegal. If you are raped, or know someone who has been raped, report it to a community health worker...
Early signs of pregnancy can include a missed period, tender breasts, nausea, and changes in appetite and emotions. If you are HIV positive,...
Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. Post abortion care, is an approach for reducing deaths and injuries from incomplete and...
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV weakens the body’s immune system and this causes the development of infections. If left...
HIV can be found in blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. HIV can be spread through: 1. Sex without a condom. 2. Sharing needles used...
The best way to prevent HIV/STIs is to avoid vaginal, oral, and anal sex. If you have sex, use condoms each time. Avoid multiple sexual...
When used properly, condoms (male or female) are proven to be the most effective methods that protect against pregnancy and STIs, including...
Male circumcision offers some protection against HIV. Having a foreskin on the penis makes it easier for men to become infected with viruses...
If you have had unprotected sex or share needles you should get an HIV test. It can take up to three months, after exposure to HIV, for a person...
People living with HIV must discuss their status with their partners and doctor before agreeing on starting a family.
There is no cure for HIV infection. People with HIV often lead normal lives by taking medications called antiretrovirals (ARVs). People on ARVs...
Traditional medicine does not cure HIV. The best way to prevent HIV is to avoid unsafe sex. The only way to treat HIV is to take medicines...
Stigma means not valuing a person and viewing them negatively because of something that is different about them. Stigmatising HIV positive...
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are spread through sexual activity. STIs can affect the genitals, anus, mouth and throat. Having an STI...
The best way to prevent STIs is to avoid vaginal, oral, and anal sex. If you have sex, use condoms correctly every time. Avoid multiple sexual...
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus; it’s a very common STI that can infect the genitals as well as the mouth and throat. Some types of HPV...
Some STIs have symptoms of discomfort, and others may not. Even without symptoms, STIs can cause serious health problems like infertility or...
Some (but not all) STIs are curable. Completing proper treatment will cure some STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Proper treatment can reduce...
Use one new condom each time you have sex. Such issues are best discussed with a partner, both for married and single people. Female condoms...
Track menstrual cycle to recognize body’s fertile signs. Know days to avoid sex or use condoms. First day of bleeding is cycle day 1. The...
Taking emergency contraceptive pills up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, can help prevent pregnancy. Take it as soon as possible. The...
Take one pill every day. It makes monthly bleeding lighter and regular. The use of contraceptive pills can reduce menstrual pains. When first...
Contraceptive injections are normally injected in the arm or hip. These injections are effective for 1-3 months. The injections may cause...
Contraceptive implants are small rods placed under the skin of a woman’s arm. The implant is highly effective for 3-5 years. The implant may...
IUD (intrauterine device) is a small device placed inside the womb. Highly effective for 10 to 12 years, it can be used by married and single...
Permanent contraception for men (vasectomy) or for women (tubal ligation or tubectomy) is an invasive surgery. This means it is a form of surgery...
