Category: Health

Rwanda’s health authorities have emphasized measures to prevent the spread of the disease. These include frequent handwashing and avoiding sexual contact, whether protected or unprotected, due to the high risk of transmission through such interactions.

Julien Mahoro Niyingabira, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, has told IGIHE that the country’s preventive strategies include the possibility of vaccinating the population, with priority given to those at higher risk.

“There is a team in Rwanda currently studying how the vaccination could be rolled out. Should the vaccination process begin, we will inform the public accordingly,” Niyingabira stated.

He further noted that while vaccines have not yet arrived in the country, priority for vaccination will be given to the most vulnerable groups before any nationwide rollout.

“We will not start with the entire population. Certain groups are more vulnerable to infection than others. We will begin with them based on the available vaccines, and as we progress, other groups will also be considered. However, the vaccination program has not yet started in the country,” he emphasized.

Niyingabira explained that cross-border traders in districts like Rubavu and other high-risk groups may be among the first to receive the vaccine.

“First, we need to secure the vaccines, and then the vaccination program can begin. Even when the vaccine arrives, it complements the existing preventive measures, meaning vaccination is one of the strategies we plan for Mpox prevention.”

The vaccines being distributed across African countries are largely provided by the African Union.

The health authorities have assured the public that the capacity to treat the disease is in place. As of now, the four individuals who had contracted Mpox in Rwanda have all been treated and discharged.

In the region, the Mpox outbreak has severely affected the Democratic Republic of Congo, where over 22,000 cases have been reported, with more than 715 fatalities this year alone. The Mpox virus has spread to 22 of the 26 provinces in the DRC, as well as 13 other African countries.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has committed $600 million to a six-month campaign aimed at combating the epidemic in affected regions.

FWGA also works in collaboration with core, implementing, and institutional partners such as the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), DSM-Firmenich, Boston Consulting Group, Vanguard Economics in Rwanda and others. This latest effort advances the Alliance’s long-term vision of catalyzing a significant shift in consumption patterns of FWGs to tackle global malnutrition and promotion of more sustainable food systems for people.

Measurable Impact, Lasting Change

With active initiatives underway in Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, focusing on fortified whole-grain maize, expansion plans included at least three West African nations (Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin) concentrating on parboiled unpolished rice and North Africa (Egypt), where efforts would focus on whole wheat flour.

The FWGA also set a target of at least 50% of grain foods in institutional markets and 25% in consumer markets within low and middle income countries (LMICs) to access fortified whole grain by 2032.

Fortified Whole Grains: A sustainable solution

Shifting from refined grains to FWGs offers a multitude of benefits. They can significantly improve dietary quality without increasing production costs. Fortified whole grains offer six to seven times more nutritional value than their refined counterparts, providing higher protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients.

In addition, this transition supports environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as FWGs require less water, land, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Quotes from Key Speakers

Hon. Jean Claude Musabyimana, Ministry of Local Government for the Government of Rwanda:
“Together, we are more than just a coalition; we are a beacon of hope, a testament to what we can achieve when governments, the private sector, nonprofits, and communities come together with a shared vision. By working together, we can create a future where fortified whole grains are a staple in every household, ensuring the health and well-being of future generations.”

Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President for Food, The Rockefeller Foundation:
“The Fortified Whole Grain Alliance is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By investing in fortified whole grains, we are investing in the health and well-being of future generations – especially people living in vulnerable communities. This initiative aligns with The Rockefeller Foundation’s commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable world where everyone, no matter their circumstances, can thrive.”

Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, GAIN:
“GAIN is excited to be a part of the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance. This initiative has the potential to significantly impact global nutrition, especially if we focus on public procurement. By increasing the availability of fortified whole grains, we can improve the health of millions of people while benefiting the environment.”

Join the Movement for a Healthier Future

The launch of the FWGA signifies a pivotal moment in the global fight against malnutrition and the promotion of sustainable food systems. Learn more about the Alliance, its mission, and how you can be a part of this transformative movement by visiting the FWGA website: FWGA – Fortified Whole Grain Alliance

About the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA)

The Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA) is a coalition of stakeholders that span across the food system, including nonprofit and private sector members and is committed to increasing the global consumption of fortified whole grains (FWG).

It is committed to delivering its stated mission, purpose and vision by bringing together the collective expertise, resources, operations, funding, visibility, and convening power of its members.
Together, we can cultivate a future where healthy diets and a thriving planet go hand in hand.

For more information, please follow #FWGA, #LifeinFull, #SustainableFoodSystems and visit:
https://lnkd.in/dPCDVNzt
Rikke Iben Neess
www.fwg-alliance.org

Dr. Nsanzimana emphasized that, just as other epidemics have been successfully controlled in the past, it is possible to stop Mpox through coordinated efforts.

He highlighted the significant measures being implemented to prevent the spread of the disease, noting that individuals who have been treated for Mpox have already recovered.

“We are confident that Mpox will soon be completely eradicated in Rwanda, with no new cases being reported. The necessary capacity is in place, and all sectors are contributing to these efforts. We urge everyone to seek medical attention immediately if they exhibit symptoms and to inform others they have been in contact with so that health authorities can respond swiftly,” Dr. Nsanzimana stated.

To further prevent the spread of Mpox, the Minister advised those who are infected to avoid crowded places and to take their medication at home until they have fully recovered.

He also noted that Rwanda has implemented several strategies, including working closely with community health workers who visit households to check for symptoms of Mpox. While some symptoms may resemble those of other illnesses, a medical examination is essential for a definitive diagnosis.

Symptoms of Mpox typically appear between three and 14 days after exposure and start with a rash that primarily affects the face, hands, and genital areas, though it can spread to other parts of the body.

The rash evolves into fluid-filled blisters that eventually dry up and scab over as the person recovers. These symptoms are often accompanied by fever, which can vary in intensity, and fatigue. Once symptoms manifest, treatment usually leads to recovery within two to three weeks. So far, no one in Rwanda has experienced prolonged hospitalization or death due to Mpox.

Mpox manifests in various forms, with Rwanda currently dealing with Grade 1B, similar to the strain found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In contrast, West Africa is experiencing a more severe Grade 2 variant. The strain in Rwanda is closely related to the one identified in Congo.

Dr. Nsanzimana also pointed out that in Rwanda, Mpox has predominantly affected individuals involved in sex work or those with frequent sexual activity, as the disease spreads primarily through close physical contact.

This transmission method differs significantly from that of COVID-19, which primarily spreads through respiratory droplets.

Statistics indicate that individuals aged 25 to 40 are most susceptible to contracting the disease, likely due to their higher levels of sexual activity. The Ministry strongly urges people to avoid sexual contact, even when using protection, as a preventive measure against Mpox.

Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said the funds will also be used to provide healthcare services to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in the region.

“We must act swiftly to protect those at the highest risk and to mitigate the impact of this outbreak on the region,” Pope said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

She said the spread of mpox disease, which has emerged as a public health emergency of international concern amid a surge in cross-border transmissions, is a critical concern, especially for vulnerable migrants, highly mobile populations, and displaced communities often overlooked in such crises.

The IOM said the required funds will be used to enhance the capacity to respond to the needs of migrants, IDPs, and host communities by supporting infection, prevention, and control measures, particularly at borders.

The UN agency said the funding will be used to build the capacity of national healthcare workers and front-line responders and enable the identification of high-risk areas to ensure effective monitoring of the disease and reduce its spread across borders.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that is spread through close contact, including fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, skin rash, and back pain.

The rapid spread of the new strain of the disease led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern on Aug. 14.

According to the WHO, there are over 15,000 suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone, including 537 deaths. Other cases have been confirmed in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.

The IOM said it is concerned about migrants, IDPs, and highly mobile populations in the region, who tend to be at far greater risk of infection due to their living conditions and mobile and transitory lifestyles, which can greatly limit their access to health and medical care.

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.