Category: Health

Cancer, characterized by abnormal cell growth, can manifest in any part of the body, with Rwanda experiencing more than 100 types. The prevalent types in the country include cervical, breast, stomach, blood, and bladder cancers.

Mr. Marc Hagenimana, the Acting Director of the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Unit at RBC, expressed deep concern over the rising cases, particularly noting the prevalence of breast and cervical cancers.

In 2023, 97,077 individuals underwent testing for cervical cancer, revealing 610 cases, while 130,133 were tested for breast cancer, detecting 605 cases. Over the past five years, 372,904 Rwandan women have been screened for cervical cancer.

Hagenimana stressed that these figures represent only a portion of actual cases, urging Rwandans to undergo regular screenings. Efforts are underway to raise awareness, especially for cervical and breast cancer screenings, with Hagenimana emphasizing the preventability and eradication of cervical cancer through vaccination and early symptom screening for 12-year-old girls.

He also highlighted the potential for complete cure when certain cancers are detected early, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for higher recovery chances.

Vestine Tuyisenge, a resident of Mukarange, emphasized the significance of awareness and healthcare access after undergoing screening at a local health center, driven by the loss of her sister-in-law to cervical cancer.

Jacqueline Tuyisenge, from Irebero village in Mukarange, touched upon the declining role of traditional healers in treating cancers, now discouraged in favor of modern medical approaches.

The Rwandan government, in collaboration with partners like SFH Rwanda and Partners in Health, is actively focusing on providing support for cancer patients, including medications.

Currently, five hospitals in Rwanda are equipped to handle cancer cases: Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), Butare University Teaching Hospital, Kanombe Military Hospital, King Faisal Hospital, and Butaro Hospital.

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This initiative aims to enhance the likelihood of mothers giving birth to healthy babies without malnutrition issues. Dr. Nsanzimana explained, “It will reduce the risk of a child being born underweight, or being born prematurely, which also has a major impact on the child’s stunting.”

This announcement took place in the context of additional measures introduced to combat diseases in the Ngororero region. As part of the effort to address obesity, young people are encouraged to improve their diet, ensuring their health during pregnancy. This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s goal of reducing child stunting from 33% (as per the 2020 Health and Social Survey data) to less than 19% by 2024.

The fight against tuberculosis is also emphasized, with a shift in focus towards caring for newborns and protecting fetuses. In response to perceived inadequacies in existing health institutions, new strategies against stunting are being implemented. These strategies involve increased efforts to prevent stunting before conception and during pregnancy.

The innovative approach, known as Antenatal Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS), is a novel system globally. Minister Nsanzimana highlighted that pregnant women will now receive a dose containing 15 vitamins and minerals, a significant increase from the previous two-nutrient standard. The program will commence in regions with higher poverty rates, including Rutsiro, Rubavu, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Musanze, Burera, and Gicumbi.

Special attention is given to the youth, recognizing their role in combating obesity and promoting future parental health. Minister Nsanzimana stressed the importance of preparing young adults for parenthood by encouraging healthy dietary habits.

He emphasized the comprehensive approach, stating, “It will go hand in hand with the supplements they receive during pregnancy—all that put together will help us fight malnourished babies. It’s like reaping what we sow, when the child is born, unlike when there used to be a lot of effort put in when the child was already born.”

The guidelines underscore the importance for young people to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as well as foods and drinks high in salt, sugar, and fat, while emphasizing the consumption of vegetables and fruits from a young age.

People would always use the word ‘adolescent’ to criticize one’s behavior, body structure and, most of the time, their face. They would always be like ‘look at her pimpled face’ and after that, they’d laugh out loud as if they were watching a very fascinating comedy show.

As if that wasn’t distressing enough, unfounded myths surrounding the causes and treatment of acne exacerbated the ordeal, particularly the prevalent misconceptions that acne is triggered by dirt and can be cured with semen. Nevertheless, science and healthcare professionals categorically refute these claims.

Among them, myths that acne is caused by dirt and that they can be cured using semen were the most popular. However, all these are false according to science and healthcare professionals.

What is the real cause of acne?

Literally, acne is a skin condition just like others. It happens when dead cells and sebum (the oil that keeps the skin from drying) blocks the pores of the hair follicles under the skin. This in the end, leads to the outbreaks of lesions (acne, commonly known as pimples or zits). It usually appears on the face but can also develop on any other body part.

Causes of acne

Among the causes of acne, there are excessive production of oil in the pore, buildup of dead skin cells in the pores, and bacterial growth in the pores. An increase in production of sex hormones, certain medications, age and family history can increase the risk of developing acne while stress, high humidity, scrubbing your skin too much and wearing tight clothes can worsen them.

Treatment of acne

Physicians give treatments that aim to cure the already formed acne, stop the unformed from forming and prevent scarring. Also, the doctor will recommend medicines according to the severity of acne.

In cases of mild acne, the doctor may recommend topical medications that are only applied to the skin. These will be made up of chemicals that are capable of decreasing sebum production and killing some bacteria. He might also prescribe Retinoids (medications that are made of vitamin A) that treat lesions and prevent the formation of scars.

In cases of severe acne, the doctor will mostly recommend medicines that are taken orally or intravenously (injections). These medications are usually composed of antibiotics that stop the growth of bacteria in one’s skin pores, and other chemicals that cure lesions and stop scarring.

If you’re a woman, the doctor will also consider hormonal therapy to stop the effect of sex hormones in the development of acne.

Though acne has been taken as nothing serious, but just a blemish, it is about time to break the myth and perceive it as a medical condition. As long as your acne is making you uncomfortable in any possible way, it would be a good decision to consult a dermatologist or any other healthcare professional.

In this loud world where humans, machines and everything make intolerable noises, it is almost impossible to spend an hour in total silence. Even if one chooses to, it always feels like a lethal penalty, because after all, our lips are there to express what our brain thinks.

Even after experiencing abuse, torture and humiliation, sometimes our emotions are too strong to be easily pronounced. Even if they were, sometimes the truth that none is going to understand or give a real meaning to what you’re feeling hits hard, and that is when you wish you could just choose silence even when it is not easy.

Every living human seeks for understanding. None wishes to be misunderstood at least when their lips are not sealed. This is probably why everyone struggles to speak, be it for the purpose of winning an argument, showing their knowledge or simply getting themselves from any kind of trouble. However, though speaking for yourself can really help, the power of silence should never be neglected.

When I asked my friend if she thinks silence really helps, she smiled a bit and gave me a satisfying answer. “Keeping silence is really a powerful tool when it comes to creative thinking. There is this time when I felt like I couldn’t think anymore. I am a content writer, so thinking was a part of my job. When that happened, I tried all possible things but none worked. That’s when I decided to practice silence. It was only after 2 hours that I started getting ideas, and from then, silence has become my loyal assistance in thinking and creating new things,” she said.

Silence exists as a free tranquilizer in times of uneasiness. During all troubles and stress that we experience in life, silence emerges as the best way to endure all of it. It gives us a sense of peace and mental clarity. It additionally improves our listening, learning and decision-making ability.

According to Dr. Cloninger, silence gives us time and space to understand who we are. “Silence leaves us alone with our inner dialogue, which allows us to reflect, resolve conflicts, and understand our feelings by granting us access to higher levels of our own creativity and inspiration. Being alone with our inner voices is crucial to knowing ourselves” he said.

Though silence is not everyone’s pill to swallow, especially, in this roaring world, it carries hidden treasures once embraced. It is undoubtedly worthwhile when practiced.

This situation has led many youths to opt for one-night stands, friends with benefits, or even abstain from dating altogether. Now, the question arises: How safe are these alternatives? I’ll leave it to you to ponder.

Pistanthrophobia is identified as the fear of being hurt in a romantic relationship, classified as a type of anxiety disorder characterized by persistent, irrational, and excessive fear. Individuals with phobias tend to avoid triggering situations or people to alleviate anxiety, even when there’s no real threat. These fears can disrupt daily routines, strain relationships, hinder work productivity, and diminish self-esteem.

Although there isn’t extensive research on Pistanthrophobia specifically, it falls under the category of specific phobias related to a particular situation or object. Those with this phobia often harbor a fear of getting hurt again, leading them to avoid entering new relationships as a defense mechanism against potential pain. However, avoiding relationships also means missing out on the positive aspects they can offer. This avoidance may hinder the chance to gain perspective or understanding from future relationships.

Similar to other phobias, Pistanthrophobia is often triggered by a past experience or a person. Negative encounters in past relationships, such as feeling hurt, betrayed, or rejected, can instill deep fear in individuals. Dr. Gail Saltz, an associate professor of psychiatry, notes that some people with this phobia may not have experienced a bad relationship but harbor anxiety, low self-esteem, and a fear of potential rejection or betrayal.

The aftermath of a traumatic relationship, marked by feelings of rejection, betrayal, hurt, sadness, and anger, contributes to the phobia.

My friend Acacia, aged 26, provides a real-life example. Having experienced two past relationships labeled as EXs, she has been single for two years. Her excuses are that in this generation it’s very hard to find true love, loyalty, someone to trust and dedicate yourself to, they always lie, or leave and the worst scenario breaks..

Acacia has faced advances from men, characterized by societal standards as “chic” with looks, wealth, and not lacking in character. Surprisingly, she has rejected them all, and upon reflection, it seems that Acacia, like many of us, may be grappling with this disorder. Do we recognize it? Can we overcome it? Should our past dictate our future?

In seeking answers, we turned to Acacia’s mother, Auntie Ruth, for guidance. According to her, such fears were not prevalent in their time.

Back then, love started with respect, and a man would express interest by taking a woman to his home. The progression from there often led to a family. The question remains: What should we do in the face of this modern-day struggle with fear of romantic involvement and love? Will this lead to Gamophobia, a fear of getting married or being involved in a committed relationship?

In a world where technology is transforming various aspects of our lives, from education to healthcare, it is not that easy to turn a blind eye to the simple traditional remedies passed down through generations.

This is why every time you experience a nosebleed, pouring cold water over your head comes as the first aid.

Though these simple actions gave an effective remedy, their healing mechanism stays a wonder of wonders! On this note, we’ll be unmasking the link between traditional remedies and the scientific healing mechanism.

The use of salt to heal wounds

You might have seen people applying table salt on the wound and wondered if that silly-like act really works. Interestingly, yes, it does. The scientific reason for this is that salt forces the water in cells to move out of the body. In case any bacteria contaminates the wound, it is forced out too. This helps to cleanse the wounds which in the end, promotes quick recovery.

Putting urine in the ear

While urine, as soon as peed, has been used in the ancient times to chase away insects from the ear, it has been claimed to be an effective therapy for ear infections. This is because urine contains urea which is known to have an effective antibacterial property.

Putting a wet paper on the forehead to treat hiccups

Does this sound so absurd? Well, I also thought so. But the funny yet real thing is that this really works. If you’ve ever heard how distraction is used to relieve the pain, it’s just the same. The only use of these papers is to divert the brain’s attention towards finding the new thing that is placed on the head. In that sense, the brain stops or reduces the number of hiccups.

Curing a headache with drinking water

There are numerous types and causes of headaches. However, the most common cause is dehydration (shortage of water). This happens in cases of crying, excessive workout, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Drinking water will naturally cure your headache by rehydrating your body.

Curing a burn with sugar

You might have discerned that people tend to sprinkle sugar over a burn wound. And in the end, the wound definitely healed. This is because the granules of sugar can soak up any moisture (the main issue in burns) that allows bacteria to grow. Without bacterial infection, any wound tends to heal a lot quicker.

I am sure you can even create your own list of traditional remedies because they are numerous and vary with regions. However, though these ways of treatment have always given an effective feedback, it is always necessary to be cautious while doing things that concern your health. Because in the worst scenarios, your life might be endangered.

The fertility center spokesperson, Arthur Matsiko, reported that Namukwaya is in good health, walking and talking around the hospital, defying expectations and celebrating the marvels of modern fertility treatments.

Namukwaya’s case shines a spotlight on the evolving landscape of reproductive healthcare, challenging conventional notions of age and fertility. In times past, such a birth might have been deemed a miracle, emphasizing the transformative impact of technology on the possibilities of parenthood.

However, Namukwaya’s extraordinary story also highlights the broader global issue of infertility. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17.5% of the adult population worldwide, or 1 in 6 people, experience infertility at some point in their lives.

These alarming statistics underscore the pressing need to enhance access to affordable and high-quality fertility care for those grappling with infertility.

The WHO report, released in April 2023, revealed that infertility does not discriminate, affecting individuals across high-, middle-, and low-income countries. Lifetime prevalence rates stand at 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating the universality of this health challenge.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO, emphasized the importance of recognizing infertility as a significant public health concern. He urged the need to widen access to fertility care and ensure that the issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy. The report brings attention to the fact that infertility, defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, causes distress, stigma, and financial hardship, impacting mental and psychosocial well-being.

Despite the widespread impact of infertility, solutions for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, including assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), remain underfunded and inaccessible for many. High costs, social stigma, and limited availability often prevent individuals from seeking infertility treatments or push them into poverty due to the financial burden.

Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, highlighted the significant equity issue at play. Millions of people face catastrophic healthcare costs when seeking infertility treatment, turning it into a medical poverty trap. Better policies and public financing, she argues, can significantly improve access to treatment and protect vulnerable households from falling into poverty as a result.

In the wake of Namukwaya’s extraordinary birth, the global conversation surrounding infertility takes center stage. The need for increased awareness, improved access to fertility care, and the destigmatization of infertility are crucial steps in addressing this universal challenge and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to build the families they desire.

The conference discussions should spark renewed energy and commitment to constructing healthier and more robust health systems, said Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango while addressing the challenges in the health sector.

Encouraging participants to leverage the knowledge gained and foster connections, Nalumango stressed the importance of translating discussed issues into actionable plans across the continent to fortify public health systems.

Zambia’s Health Minister Sylvia Masebo said the discussions would propel progress in public health across Africa, and that the conference would help identify common public health challenges and seek interventions to enhance the continent’s health security.

Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture,” the conference brought together about 5,100 delegates, with an additional 30,000 participating virtually.