At the beginning of July, the National Multisector Plan in the fight against HIV/AIDS (PNMLS) of North Kivu and MONUC began the installation of information billboards on HIV/AIDs in strategic points, including border zones in Goma in North Kivu province. This project, which was financed by MONUC's Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), will later be extended to other provincial towns: Butembo, Walikale, Rutshuru, Masisi and Lubero.

A total of 22 billboards will be installed with messages on HIV/AIDS prevention, the assumption of responsibility, the care and treatment as well as the non discrimination of people with HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS billboards have been in North Kivu province since 2001, but only in a limited number in the bigger cities of Goma, Beni and Butembo. After the Goma eruption, certain billboards disappeared or became badly damaged. Moreover, the messages have become outdated and are not in line with the current context of HIV/AIS in the country.

In North Kivu, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is 3.5%, according to the official PNMLS figures of 2007.

Armed conflict and sexual violence against women are propagating HIV/AIDS. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report of 2007, from January to June 2006, more than 12,000 cases of sexual violence were reported. This represents an average of 67 cases per day, and 95% of these cases were recorded in North and South Kivu.

DRC neighbours Rwanda and Uganda have a high rate of HIV/AIDS prevalence. In Rwanda, a 2005 estimate is 4.1% (UNAIDS, 2006), according to the studies carried out during prenatal consultations (between 2% and 13% according to the zone).

In Uganda, the national prevalence rate is 6.7%, with a great disparity between the rural areas (5.7%) and the urban areas (10%).

The installation of these information billboards comes at a time when the Congolese need, more than ever, to receive information to face the challenge of HIV/AIDS.