Historical background

The CNLS originated from the PNLS (The National Program for HIV/AIDS control), which was charged with the fight against the AIDS epidemic in Rwanda between 1987 and 2000.

It was in the year 2000 that the Government decided that the PNLS be restructured. Its responsibilities were, hitherto, shared between two organizations, namely the CNLS and the TRAC (Treatment and Research AIDS Center).

The two organizations, born out of the PNLS reorganization, operate under the guardianship of the Ministry of Health.

The Cabinet initiated the CNLS on 24 November 2000. It was created by the Presidential decree No. 02/01 of 16 /03 / 2001