Category: Health

Addressing a packed audience at the 100 Most Notable Africa Leadership and Excellence Summit on August 3, 2024, in Kigali, Dr. Nicaise Ndembi, Senior Advisor to the Africa CDC Director General, highlighted the critical need for systemic reforms in response to the unpredictable rise in these cases.

“The current rate of mpox spread is alarming and demands immediate action otherwise we could soon declare an outbreak,” Dr. Ndembi declared.

His remarks underscored a troubling trend in mpox cases. The outbreak has seen a dramatic increase in both confirmed cases and deaths over recent years. In December 2022, 13 countries reported 1,262 confirmed cases and 256 deaths.

By December 2023, these figures had risen sharply, with seven countries recording 1,664 confirmed cases and 739 deaths. Recent data from July 2024 indicates a further escalation, with 11 countries reporting 2,745 confirmed cases and 456 deaths.

“The crisis is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our public health systems and the urgent need for comprehensive reform.” Dr Ndembi cautioned.

He emphasized the continent’s broader health challenges, noting that Africa experiences over 160 outbreaks annually. The continent’s heavy reliance on imported medical supplies, including vaccines and diagnostic tools, further exacerbates these challenges.

The CDC estimates that health crises result in an annual productivity loss of $800 billion USD across Africa.

To address these issues, Ndembi called for significant improvements in several key areas.

“We need to strengthen our public health institutions to ensure they can effectively manage and respond to health emergencies,” he said.

He also highlighted the urgent need to expand the public health workforce, noting that Africa currently has only 1,200 epidemiologists, far below the 6,000 needed to adequately address public health concerns.

Enhancing regulatory mechanisms and boosting local manufacturing capabilities are also critical. Ndembi, who also doubles as a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention at the Institute of Human Virology University of Maryland revealed that that 30 vaccine manufacturing plants are under development across the continent, including in Rwanda.

“Investing in local production is essential for reducing our dependence on imports and improving our capacity to respond to health crises,” he stated.

The call for reform is not only a matter of addressing immediate health challenges but also preparing for future pressures.

Africa’s population is projected to grow from 1.4 billion today, to 2.5 billion by 2050, a factor that will exacerbate existing health issues. Climate change and ongoing conflicts, with 25 active conflicts reported on the continent, further complicate the situation.

Dr. Ndembi also highlighted the importance of equitable international partnerships.

“We sometimes reject grants from European countries because it comes with conditions that undermine our sovereignty. We need partnerships that are respectful and empowering,” he explained.

Rwanda’s proactive measures, including advancements in health infrastructure and vaccine manufacturing, were cited as positive examples of how countries can lead the way in addressing public health challenges.

“Rwanda’s initiatives demonstrate the potential for African countries to drive significant progress in public health,” Dr. Ndembi observed.

As Africa confronts these challenges, Ndembi’s call to action underscores the necessity of strengthening public health systems, expanding local production capabilities, and fostering respectful international collaborations.

“This is a pivotal moment for Africa’s health sector. Our response will shape the future of global health security and resilience.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicentre of the outbreak, but cases have also been reported in Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Rwanda.

Recently the Ministry of Health confirmed that all required measures are in place to combat Mpox in case an outbreak is declared.

The outbreak of mpox in Rwanda comes barely two weeks after 25 cases of the viral infection were confirmed in Goma town, the Eastern Province Capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Government of Rwanda has since assured the general population that it is well-prepared to handle the outbreak. But what exactly is mpox?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the viral illness is caused by a virus known as the monkey pox virus.

This virus was first identified in Denmark in 1958 during a research study involving monkeys. The first known human case was of a young child who was diagnosed in 1970 in the DRC.

The infection is transmitted to humans through physical contact with contaminated materials, or with infected animals or other human beings.

Medics say that the mpox virus enters the body through inhalation of respiratory droplets, pores of the skin, and mucous membranes mainly found in the mouth, throat, eyes, genitals, or the rectum.

It also spreads easily within households through sexual intercourse amongst couples, with individuals having multiple partners being at increased risk.

Common symptoms include a rash or sores that can last several weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

Preventive measures include avoiding close contact with individuals who have the virus. Vaccination is also effective in protecting those at high risk.

At the national level, the Ministry of Health says it will rely on advanced response systems and protocols to detect and contain the spread of the infection.

“Rwanda is well-prepared to handle a potential mpox outbreak, leveraging our experience and systems developed during previous health challenges like COVID-19,” Dr Edson Rwagasore, the Division Manager of Public Health Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness and Response at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), told local media.

“We can now quickly test and confirm infections using advanced methods, including genomic sequencing, which is crucial for effective outbreak management,” he said.

Rwagasore says it is important to remain vigilant despite the measures instilling confidence in the country’s ability to manage potential health challenges, including mpox.

That is the state in which I found Nadine Tuyishime, a mother of a young boy whose ordeal is a life-sobering experience.

Six years ago, her son (name withheld), was born a happy baby like many others but the joy that comes with the birth of a child was not to last long because he was born with Autism.

The boy could not express his needs or communicate well until the age of four, necessitating the continued use of diapers. He remained silent when spoken to, behaving as if he had a hearing impairment. His mode of communication was very unpredictable.

“If you took something he wanted or didn’t do what he wanted, he would throw himself on the ground in anger to indicate his displeasure,” she reminisces.

Before Tuyishime discovered that her son was autistic, she would often discipline him physically, hoping to correct his behaviour. While this approach did lead to some changes, it also caused her son to become secluded.

“I tried to correct this by beating him, which made him stop, but he also stopped loving me. This was very hard to comprehend as a parent,” she explains.

With the help of relatives and friends, Tuyishime enrolled her son into a school of children with special needs know as Autism Rwanda Center where his ability and sense of acumen have greatly improved.

Her son is one of 11 children who recently graduated from the centre after showing great improvement in social behaviour and displaying readiness and willingness to get integrated into regular school programs.

Despite the improved ability of his son, Tuyishime has endured emotional breakdown because of a time she felt helpless regarding her son’s condition.

“He enrolled in nursery school with limited speech, but eventually, he stopped talking altogether. This was the biggest heartbreak I have ever encountered in my life,” she said with a tinge of bitterness and despair in her voice.

On a lighter note though, Tuyishime’s son has emotionally stabilized and is now ready to attend regular primary school even though he still needs constant monitoring.

Mothers of children born with Autism often think that it is a curse or condemnation for having done something wrong during the pregnancy to cause the problem.

Most of them go through emotional breakdowns because such a condition causes significant cognitive delays in growth, making it difficult for the children to keep up at the same level as their peers. They do not go through regular schooling programs like others.

However, once put in a safe environment, free from the mistreatment of those who do not understand his condition, autistic children are able to learn basic life skills such as reading and writing.

At a young age, most of these children are unable to adapt to varying conditions, their speech is blurred, they can’t easily express their needs and cry frequently.

A lot is required in transforming autistic children, especially in helping stabilize their emotions.

Parents are usually advised not to force things when they notice something unusual with their children, but rather seek adequate information about the issue and find early ways to help instead of judging without understanding.

{{What is Autism?
}}

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain and nerve function, resulting in mental disabilities. It causes unusual behavior and makes it difficult for individuals to understand why they need to perform certain actions.

Those with autism often exhibit selective eating habits, struggle to control their emotions, and have difficulty understanding social interactions, sometimes remaining silent as if they do not comprehend.

They are generally averse to changes in their routine, which can lead to intense frustration when their environment is altered or when they are placed in unfamiliar situations, affecting their emotional stability.

Additionally, they face challenges with speech, sometimes repeating the same word multiple times or failing to string together coherent sentences, which contributes to cognitive delays, requiring special attention.

Medics say that there is not proven cause of Autism and most of the time it can be detected when a child is about two years old.

“Autism is typically diagnosed around two years of age because that’s when the social, behavioral and verbal dysfunction becomes clearer. Most of the time it’s diagnosed after two years especially if the child is on a milder spectrum,” says Doctor Edgar Kalimba, a senior consultant Pediatrician at King Faisal Hospital.

Currently, there are no government centres in Rwanda for people with autism apart from private institutions Autism Rwanda-Center.

Rosine Duquesne Kamagaju, the Director at the centre urges the government to establish affordable support systems for children with autism, as parents with limited means cannot access necessary assistance.

“We earnestly ask the government to continue supporting us. They help a little, but we need more substantial efforts. Parents are suffering, but these children are capable,” she said.

Duquesne Kamagaju shares the view that establishment of similar centres in other provinces is very important as some will have to make long-distance travels to access such facilities in Kigali.

At Autism Rwanda, children receive optimum care to stimulate their brains, stabilize their emotions, help them interact socially, and provide basic education as if they were in regular schools.

Rwanda’s development in recent years continues to be driven by technological advancements across various sectors. This technology is also playing a crucial role in the country’s ambitious goal of becoming a healthcare hub for the region, Africa, and beyond.

The country is making strides in helping mothers conceive children using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), a technology that involves minimum invasive surgery.

It helps couples conceive where natural methods are impossible due to reproductive health problems such as infertility.

Available information indicates that some of the issues leading couples to seek IVF include blocked fallopian tubes which prevent the smooth flow of the fertilization process. Such problems in women are often related to age and irregular menstrual cycles.

Men, however, may also seek IVF services due to anomalies such as low sperm count, poor sperm quality and production of immature sperms, among others.

To date, around eight million babies globally have been born through this method of combining sperm and egg outside the body and implanting the embryo in the mother’s womb.

According to medics at Kanombe Military Hospital (where this technology is available), 15% of mothers seeking gynaecology services face such issues.

Dr. Eugene Ngoga, a gynaecology specialist and expert in IVF technology says that late 2020, 108 babies have been born using IVF.

“Another 20 mothers are currently pregnant and awaiting delivery. Many people are opting for this service because infertility issues are very upsetting. We see up to 200 patients monthly,” he said. The hospital has six doctors assisting with this technology

{{How is IVF administered?
}}

For IVF to be successful, a woman with infertility issues is given medication to help her eggs mature over a period of 10 to 12 days. The maturity of the eggs is determined using ultrasound methods and then extracted.

Together with follicular fluid, the eggs are then examined by specialists to rule out any abnormalities.
Dr. Ngoga explains once the eggs are ready, the man provides his sperm, which is also examined and processed being combined with the egg outside the human body.

The embryo is then kept under supervision in the laboratory (maintained at a temperature of 37°C for five days) to safeguard the process of fertilization and ensure progressive development. At this point, the embryo is then artificially implanted in the woman’s uterus.

“We fertilise more than one embryo and store the rest for potential future use, in a highly controlled environment where they can last up to 10 years,” Ngoga says.

As a precautionary measure to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy, two embryos are implanted in the mother’s uterus. In most cases, it results in the birth of twins.

Sometimes more than two embryos are implanted, but Ngoga says that two is optimal due to the difficulty of managing complications that come with preterm births.

Implanting the embryos takes about two minutes and is not painful. After ten days, a test is carried out to determine whether the procedure was successful.

It should be noted that IVF is the last option if other treatments for infertility have failed, as all underlying issues are examined.

{{What is the cost?
}}

While there is no price one can attach to attaining a child, IVF services are typically expensive and not covered by medical insurance.

Costs vary based on infrastructure, facility capabilities, medication, and embryo care. Repeated attempts can increase costs. In Rwanda, IVF services cost about RWF 5.5 million in a private hospital.
However, at Kanombe Military Hospital, efforts to reduce costs to encourage more people to access these services are underway.

“At our hospital, we have managed to lower the cost to 2.5 million Rwandan Francs due to government support but in the region, it’s much more expensive,” he said.

Research indicates that in Uganda, the price is about $7000. In Kenya, it’s even much more expensive due to the sophisticated equipment involved.

Currently, no medical insurance policy in Rwanda covers these services, but the Military Hospital is working with relevant bodies to get insurance to cover IVF.

Despite superstitious concerns, health experts affirm that apart from fertilization occurring outside the body, the pregnancy progress and childbirth are completely normal.

Winnie Harlow, a Canadian supermodel with vitiligo, has transformed her skin condition into a powerful narrative of resilience and acceptance, inspiring many around the world. In Rwanda, the singer Confiance Munyaneza, known as ‘Jowana,’ represents a local voice of courage and positivity, showing that vitiligo does not define one’s abilities or self-worth.

{{Medical insights into Vitiligo}}

According to Francoise Gahongayire, a dermatologist at King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, vitiligo occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, are destroyed. “Vitiligo is not just about visible patches; it’s about understanding an autoimmune process where the body mistakenly attacks its pigment cells,” she explains.

Jean-Chrysostome Kagimbana, Director of Medical Services at Rwanda Military Hospital, adds, “Treatment varies with each individual and while some treatments can restore color, there are cases where the pigment loss is permanent, especially when it affects smaller, specific areas.”

{{Symptoms and impact}}

Vitiligo typically presents as milky-white patches on the skin, commonly affecting hands, feet, arms, and face, though it can appear anywhere. The condition can also lead to white hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. Beyond physical symptoms, vitiligo can profoundly affect psychological well-being, causing low self-esteem and social anxiety.

{{Causes}}

Researchers believe that vitiligo may be triggered by factors such as sunburn, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals, which can either initiate or exacerbate the condition. A genetic predisposition may also play a role, as those with a family history of vitiligo are at higher risk of developing the disorder.

{{Empowering through awareness}}

The stories of individuals like Winnie Harlow and Confiance Munyaneza are vital in empowering others and combating the stigma associated with vitiligo. Their experiences underline the importance of visibility and acceptance in media and popular culture, which can significantly influence public perception and self-esteem.

In Rwanda, the Anti Vitiligo Foundation has been instrumental in changing perceptions and providing support to those affected. This organization works closely with the Ministry of Health and local healthcare providers to offer education, support, and treatment options. Their efforts include extensive awareness campaigns involving local media and the distribution of educational materials.

Through their work and the increasing visibility of vitiligo in the public eye, we can hope for a future where vitiligo is not seen as a limitation but as a unique aspect of human diversity.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been renamed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to mitigate stigma and racial connotations associated with its previous nomenclature. The change underscores a global sensitivity towards the implications of disease naming and its societal impacts.

The initial detection of mpox in humans dates back to 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the WHO providing extensive documentation and study of its transmission and effects.

Characterized by fever, body aches, and distinctive skin lesions, Mpox poses a formidable challenge to public health.

In response to the current epidemic, Minister Mokoki has urged the public to adopt several precautionary measures to curb the spread of the virus. These include maintaining a safe distance from those suspected of carrying the virus, avoiding direct contact with animals, and handling game meat only with protective gloves.

The renewed vigilance comes in the wake of the WHO’s declaration in 2022, labeling a similar outbreak that extended to Europe and North America as a global health emergency. This prior outbreak underscored the virus’s potential for international spread and its capacity to emerge as a significant global health threat.

As the Republic of the Congo confronts this public health challenge, the global community watches and learns, hoping to contain and eventually eradicate this daunting disease.

Set under the theme “Grassroots Mobilization to End Malaria: Invest, Innovate & Integrate,” this event promises to bring together a diverse group of experts, scientists, and policymakers.

Malaria continues to pose a significant health threat globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting approximately 249 million cases in 2022. The situation is particularly dire in Africa, which accounted for 94% of these cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths. The majority of these fatalities involve children under five, emphasizing the devastating impact of this disease on the most vulnerable populations.

{{Socio-Economic Impacts of Malaria}}

The effects of malaria extend beyond health, significantly hindering socio-economic development. The disease reduces social interaction and productivity, affecting the quality of life and economic opportunities. High malaria incidence is correlated with slower economic growth, with data indicating that nations heavily affected by malaria experienced significantly reduced economic expansion.

{{Rwanda’s Innovative Approaches to Malaria Prevention}}

As the host nation, Rwanda exemplifies the success of innovative and community-based approaches to combating malaria. The involvement of Community Health Workers (CHWs) has been crucial. In 2023, CHWs diagnosed and treated 60% of all recorded malaria cases in Rwanda, showcasing the effectiveness of grassroots involvement in disease management. Their efforts are supported by comprehensive strategies such as bed net distribution and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS).

Thanks to these measures, Rwanda has seen a dramatic reduction in malaria incidence and deaths. From 2016/17 to 2022/23, annual malaria cases per 1000 people dropped from 409 to 47, and the country has been recognized by the WHO for its progress towards the 2025 Global Technical Strategy (GTS) targets.

{{Collaborative Efforts to Eradicate Malaria}}

The PAMC offers an excellent platform for sharing these successes and fostering international collaboration. Discussions and workshops during the conference will focus on improving strategies to combat malaria, emphasizing the need for continued investment and innovation.

Moreover, the timing of the conference—culminating on World Malaria Day—underscores the global commitment to ending malaria. This day serves as a reminder of the need to sustain efforts and support the communities most affected by this disease.

As Rwanda prepares to share its insights and strategies during the 8th Pan-African Malaria Conference, the event symbolizes a beacon of hope and a call to action. It provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the strides made but also to galvanize further support for the ongoing fight against malaria, a fight that is crucial for the health and well-being of millions across Africa and the world.

Addressing members of the press on Saturday, April 20, 2024, Deacon Jimmy John Simon, a representative of the church, said the 220-bed facility will be constructed alongside a university and research center, to help train healthcare professionals and aid in the local production of drugs.

The project, being undertaken at Kanombe in Kicukiro district, is estimated to cost $60 million (RWF 76.76 billion), with completion scheduled for the end of 2025.

Deacon Simon said the facility will be known as Believers Hospital and Research Center upon completion and will contribute to the advancement of healthcare in Africa.

“We are in the eighth month of construction, and hopefully, we should finish by the end of 2025. It should be ready by early 2026,” Deacon Simon told reporters.

“As per my research, only one to five percent of the medicines in Africa is produced locally. The rest are being imported. We want to change that so that all the medicines and technologies can be locally available,” he added.

The facility will be equipped with modern equipment and will offer a wide range of specialised services including cardiology and dermatology.

The initiative to build the hospital and research center in Rwanda, Deacon Simon revealed, followed discussions with a former ambassador of Rwanda to India and the country’s progress and leadership under President Paul Kagame.

“The former ambassador of Rwanda to India had come to our hospital and seen the facilities and services that we provide. He asked the leaders of our church, ‘Why not bring these facilities to Rwanda?’ We were curious, thinking that it’s in Africa. We had our fears,” he stated.

The envoy had visited India and was impressed by the success of a similar 1000-bed capacity hospital in the Asian country, which also trains and releases 200 doctors and nurses to the market every year.

Deacon Simon said that despite initial fears about investing in Rwanda, the perception changed upon their visit to Rwanda.

“When we researched and initially came to this country, the perception changed. Rwanda is not what we thought about. It’s so safe. It’s one of the safest countries in Africa and, I would say, in the world. It’s so clean. I am proud of our President, His Excellency Paul Kagame, for his exemplary governance and leadership. The best example any people can have. The way the country is now is excellent,” he stated.

“Looking at all these positive things about Rwanda we said it is the best place to bring this facility and serve the people of Africa,” he added.

Deacon Simon affirmed that the hospital will reduce the cost incurred by patients to travel to countries such as India to seek treatment.

“By bringing this hospital here with all the technology and medical professional you reduce the cost of travel and at the same get the best treatment possible within your own country,” he averred.

To increase access to healthcare for all Rwandans, the church aims to collaborate with the government to ensure everyone can use health insurance schemes like Mutuelle de santé at the hospital.

Deacon Simon insisted that the facility would be a mission hospital offering services at affordable rates.

“As a church we don’t see as a business. We see this as a mission hospital. We are here to serve not to create business or profit,” he said.

The acclaimed insurance firm, headquartered at Nyarugenge in the heart of Kigali City, organized a special motivational event for its women staff on Friday, March 22, 2024, providing them with an opportunity to benefit from expert training on work-life balance in the modern society, in line with this year’s theme: Accelerating gender equality.

Judith Katabarwa, a capacity building expert based in Rwanda, encouraged the women to have ambition in life for them not only to realize career progression but also prioritize their social well-being, especially their health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development.

The facilitator highlighted that the dangers of poor work-life balance include high rate of absenteeism at work, lower job satisfaction and lower levels of commitment and loyalty.

To avoid scenarios of poor work balance, the women were advised to plan their work well and avoid overbookings, prioritize ruthlessly, learn to say no, utilize available technology to work smart and to accept the fact that it won’t always be perfect.

“We should not spend all our lives and time on work; we should balance it because when we don’t, we can’t even perform well. If we have health issues and we don’t take care of them because we are working, it will compromise our performance,” Katabarwa emphasized.

On the other hand, companies were urged to adopt flexible working hours to maximize productivity and promote a positive work culture. This includes allowing employees to work from home whenever possible.

Prime Insurance Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Eugene Murashi Haguma, attended the highly interactive session.

The CEO encouraged the dozens of staff at the event to take advantage of ongoing women empowerment initiatives to improve both their professional and social lives. He emphasized on the need for the women to be confident about their skills and conquer the world regardless of existing societal stereotypes.

“I have been fortunate to work alongside women and study with them in the same classes; they are capable. Sometimes, you find that they are even smarter than us. It starts with believing in yourself and feeling confident in your abilities. Some men and young boys may think that women are incapable, but you are capable of doing any kind of job you are tasked with,” the CEO affirmed.

“I urge you not to be afraid. I know that you are capable, and as people become more educated, they will realize the full potential of women,” he added, amidst applause and cheers from the staff members.

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually in many parts of the world in the month of March as a focal point in the women’s rights movement. The day gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

According to an analysis by the European Association of Urology (EAU) of various studies, this condition predominantly impacts older men. It affects approximately 63% to 93% of those over the age of 70, largely due to the bladder’s reduced capacity to hold urine for extended periods in this age group.

Research shows that the prevalence of nocturia in older men is closely linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes the prostate gland to enlarge, leading to frequent and often urgent needs to urinate, even when the bladder may not be full. This results in multiple trips to the bathroom, particularly at night.

Younger individuals are not immune to nocturia, with contributing factors including the consumption of beverages that can irritate the bladder, especially close to bedtime.

Discussions with general practitioners, like GP Al-Zubaidi quoted in The Guardian, reveal a rising number of both men and women in their 20s and 30s presenting with symptoms of nocturia.

This is supported by a study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics on 13,294 Americans, which found that 32% of those aged 20 and above experienced nocturia, waking up at least two to three times per night to urinate.

The study also noted that individuals who spend five or more hours a day watching TV are 48% more likely to develop nocturia compared to those who spend less time in front of the television. This increase in risk may be due to higher fluid intake during these viewing hours, prompting more frequent urination at night.

For women suffering from nocturia, there can be additional complications, such as a decreased ability to enjoy or engage in sexual activity due to discomfort or reduced genital sensitivity.

The impact of nocturia on a person’s life can be profound, leading to fatigue, reduced productivity at work, mental health issues, and even severe depression. It also increases the risk of urinary tract infections and complications related to other conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Though not always curable, especially when linked to age, there are recommendations for managing nocturia. These include limiting fluid intake in the hours leading up to bedtime to help reduce the frequency of nocturnal bathroom visits.