Speaking to IGIHE; Dr Sandeep Goyal, a Dentist & orthodontist at Advanced Dental Centre in Kigali city has deeply explained side effects of finger sucking, how parents can help children and how it can be rectified if it has damaged teeth and the jaw.
Dr. Goyal has said that finger sucking is a usual habit among children that it starts affecting the jaw after three years.
“Finger sucking is normal for a child but it causes side effects if the practice spans for over three years. It starts damaging teeth at this stage and can be harmful if parents do not seek assistance from a dentist,” he said.
Dr. Goyal explained that sucking fingers for over three years damages jaw bones, misaligns and prolongs teeth out of month, and affects nasal respiratory tracts.
Dr. Goyal has however revealed that such anomalies can be corrected.
“When someone has misaligned teeth to the extent that it causes speech impediment, the problem lies in bones structure. We bring them to normal using orthodontics braces. We also conduct surgery to correct the anomaly in case braces are not helpful,” he noted.
Dr. Goyal said that there are unusual braces made from laboratory placed in the mouth of children in age brackets between 8 and 10 to stop misalignment.
He advised parents to try their best to discourage children from finger-sucking addiction to avoid such side effects.
Dr. Goyal reminded parents whose children experienced side effects emanating from finger sucking to seek assistance from accredited dentists to properly rearrange teeth to stop speech impediment and stigma related to misalignment.
Advanced Dental Centre has all it takes to assist patients with longstanding expertize and specialists in teeth rearrangement. It also has specialists in charge of treating other teeth and mouth problems including bad breath, tooth decay, tooth extraction, brushing, and whitening.
The expert says that people should put down the idea that dental care is expensive but go to the Advanced Dental Centre as they work with various insurance companies, RSSB, MMI, and others and it works all day of the week.
For advice on how to take good care of your teeth and medical care call the experts of the Advanced Dental Centre on 0789313200.
He made the call yesterday on Monday 5th April 2021 as he met with local leaders, opinion leaders and development partners from respective sectors of Ruheru, Nyabimata, Muganza and Kivu in Nyaruguru district, Southern Province.
Minister Gatabazi reminded them that new COVID-19 cases are on high rise particularly in Southern Province and asked them to remain complaint to avoid whatever that could lead them to lockdown.
“Southern Province is the current major spotlight for new COVID-19 infections that it requires residents to up efforts in respecting instituted preventive directives. I have seen residents without wearing face masks along the road while others wore face masks when they arrived here at the meeting ground. It shouldn’t go that way. Face masks are not worn only in meetings. It is meant for protection whenever in public,” he said.
Gatabazi reminded them not to wear face masks only fearing local leaders or police officers but rather should be a routine whenever they leave home.
“Considering the current new cases in Huye, Gisagara and Nyaruguru among others, you need to think deeply about the situation and take action because it might lead to lockdown if the situation persists,” he noted.
Participants of the meeting pledged to increase efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
“It is apparent that we have been complacent in Southern Province. It is time to take action to intensify preventive measures to contain surging new cases,” said Venuste Bimenyimana.
Recently, the Government set specific measures in Southern Province following revelations that it has become the major hotspot for new cases. This saw the Government setting curfew hours from 7pm to 4am in Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Gisagara, Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts compared to other parts of the country where curfew hours were set from 9pm to 4am.
The statement from the Ministry of Health released last night shows that 173 of 202 new COVID-19 infections were found in Southern Province.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The report analyzed archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
The report of 1222 pages was presented on 26th March 2021 two years, after the delegation of 14 historians started reviewing archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994.
The report by French historians has revealed that France bears “heavy and overwhelming responsibilities” over tragic history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million victims.
The report said France had been “blind” to genocide preparations.
Dubbed ‘Duclert’, the report blames the then French President, François Mitterrand, for a “failure” of policy towards Rwanda in 1994. The findings were made public after years of French official secrecy over links to the Government led by Juvenal Habyarimana.
President Macron appointed the 15-member commission two years ago, giving them access to presidential, diplomatic, military and intelligence archives.
Among the archives are those of Mitterrand, who had close ties to former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
The commission members include experts on the Holocaust, on the massacres of Armenians in World War I and on international criminal law, all led by historian Vincent Duclert.
The report was released at a time when President Macron is planning a maiden visit to Rwanda, 11 years after Nicolas Sarkozy came to Rwanda in 2010.
Since the report was released, politicians including Hubert Védrine, the former Secretary-General of l’Elysée (French Presidency) under François Mitterrand leadership; Alain Juppé who once served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense, Florence Parly explained that they were satisfied with findings of the report with findings that the country was blind to genocide preparations but emphasized that it dodged to shed light on France’s open involvement.
During an interview with Jeune Afrique, Prof. Vincent Duclert was asked whether the report’s findings don’t reflect France’s institutions connection to genocide.
He explained that revelations by these politicians are among key concerns of the report that need response.
“For instance, Hubert Védrine insisted on our findings that ‘France didn’t have an open involvement’, a word we used based on reviewed archives on what happened during Genocide,” he said.
Duclert observed that Hubert Védrine wanted to serve with the released report to dismiss facts denying France’s role during Genocide.
“France’s policy towards Rwanda played a role during the Genocide even though French leaders were not aware or willing. This should also be accepted,” he said.
The report by historians shows that France was blind to the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Duclert explains that the statement is based on the fact that the country disregarded warnings of genocide preparations that were taking place.
Historians that teamed with Duclert indicated that France’s role heavily relies on the country’s poor policy of keeping a blind eye and supporting racial discrimination driven and corrupt Government that fuels violence.
“Leaders thought that President Habyarimana could lead the country to democracy and peace,” he said.
Duclert committee also reviewed documents written by Pierre Joxe who was the Minister of Defense between January 1991 and 1993 who wrote to President François Mitterrand requesting for military action against escalating genocide preparations.
“It is apparent that they are related to Rwanda. He advised that instructions by President of the Republic should be released in a written form. However, Hubert Védrine denied delivering the message to President Mitterrand,”Duclert.
The historian also revealed that they reviewed documents exchanged between the Ministry of Defense and Colonel René Galinié, Defense Attaché to the Embassy of France in Rwanda and head of military cooperation mission. These letters carried disclaimers that they should be burnt after reading which Duclert highlights affects diplomatic relations.
The expert committee explained that all archives on France, Rwanda relations between 1990 and 1994 were not reviewed because some of them were not available or denied access to some archives.
Duclert said that many institutions facilitated the expert commission to access information but some remained reluctant.
“It is true that two institutions declined to assist us. I submitted two letters to both chambers of parliament at different times and personally met with the parliament’s chairperson at Hôtel de Lassay to request access exchanged documents,” he noted.
After meeting on 3rd July 2020, the parliament restricted the committee from accessing its archives.
‘Duclert’ report also ruled out accusations of wrongdoing by Operation Turquoise, a French-led military intervention in Rwanda.
Prof. Duclert said that on 16th May, the then French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alain Juppé learnt that Genocide was taking place.
“Along with Prime Minister, Édourd Balladur and Minister of Defense, François Léotard; they put pressure on President Mitterrand to set up rescue mechanism and stop France’s silence over the killings,” he said.
On 22nd June 1994, the United Nations (UN) on request of France decided to send troops to Rwanda under “Opération Turquoise” to rescue targeted victims.
A total of 2500 French troops were sent under the mission some of whom had served under ‘Opération Noroît’ in 1990 when Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) launched liberation struggle. At the time France was supporting Habyarimana.
As Opération Turquoise ended in August 1994, French troops helped officials in the Genocidaire Government to flee to Zaïre led by Mobutu at the time. Duclert’s report does not however shed light on that support.
Duclert explained that both country’s relations seemed to reach the end when RPF liberated the country on 4th July 1994.
The district has made the call few days before the beginning of the 27th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
The mobilization to remind residents to provide information comes few days after remains of 150 genocide victims were exhumed at a home of former EX-FAR militiaman from three mass graves in Nyamirambo upon tip off from a resident.
It is said that the resident revealed whereabouts these victims are dumped after clashes with the family whose compounds contained the remains.
Following the revelation that some people are not willing to tell the truth, Nyarugeneg district has delegated unity and reconciliation committee at village level with responsibilities to analyze barriers hindering unity and reconciliation efforts.
The executive secretary of Nyarugenge district, Ngabonziza Emmy has told IGIHE that they are requesting residents to provide information so that remains of genocide victims can be buried decently and facilitate unity and reconciliation.
“Residents should understand that it is the responsibility of every Rwandan to tell the truth to contribute to unity and reconciliation efforts. They should feel at ease to reveal whereabouts remains of genocide victims are dumped to be buried because it won’t threaten their security,” he said.
Ngabonziza explained that withholding information on where victims are dumped is a barrier to unity and reconciliation because relatives always feel shocked.
“It facilitates forgiveness when people feel free to reveal such information. During the recent meeting with Ibuka representatives from district to sector levels, it was observed that genocide survivors are ready to forgive but they need to know who they should forgive. However, withholding information is still a barrier,” he said.
One of genocide survivors in Nyakabanda sector who spoke to IGIHE on condition of anonymity said that unity and reconciliation can’t be attained to the maximum if people are still reluctant to reveal information.
“We are ready to forgive those who take steps forward to reveal whereabouts victims are dumped but how can you forgive someone who keeps quiet yet he/she knows where your relatives were dumped,” he wondered.
The Acting executive secretary of Kigali sector, Ngarambe Wellars has said that mobilization is ongoing to encourage residents to provide information about where more genocide victims were killed and dumped.
“It is a serious problem because that area in former Butamwa is among other places where Tutsis were killed heinously. Tutsis were killed and dumped in River Nyabarongo that relatives could not trace their remains for decent burial. We are however mobilizing residents in collaboration with committees of genocide survivors to reveal whereabouts victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi are dumped to be accorded decent burial,” he noted.
Figures show that 45,536 Tutsis were killed in Nyarugenge district.
The development has been revealed by the Ministry of Infrastructure via Twitter handle.
“It was in February 2018, 3 years now after the start of the rehabilitation and upgrading works of the of 208 Km Kagitumba-Kayonza-Rusumo road. Today, this regional road network is an emblematic facility connecting Northern and Central Corridors, constructed at a cost of $376.5 million,” reads the tweet.
Speaking to IGIHE, the deputy Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Authority (RTDA), Patrick Emile Baganizi has said that construction activities were carried out smoothly without delays.
He explained that the road is expected to facilitate connectivity among cross border traders.
“The road paves the way for development activities in Nyagatare, Kayonza and Kirehe districts. The road will also boost connectivity among regional countries. You remember that trucks transporting goods from Mombasa port use the road to reach Kagitumba as well as those from Dar es Salaam to Rusumo border. Using quality roads reduces time trucks used to spend along the road,” he said.
Rwanda began countrywide vaccination program on 5th March 2021 after receiving approximately 400,000 vaccines through Covax initiative while 50,000 vaccine doses were donated by India.
The second dose of AstraZeneca is offered between 8 to 12 weeks while the second shot for Pfizer vaccine takes between 21 to 28 days.
Inoculation exercise for the second shot kicked off in Kigali yesterday on Friday 2nd April 2021 while those who received AstraZeneca doses will be communicated on vaccination schedule in due time.
In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry of Health assured the general public that they will be vaccinated as the country receives more vaccines gradually.
“Rwanda has carried on Covid-19 vaccination campaign with two types of vaccines namely AstraZeneca and Pfizer that have been approved by WHO for emergency use. We are thankful to Rwandans for having adhered to this campaign that kicked off on March5, 2021. We can assure you that everyone who needs the vaccine will be offered it, as more vaccines will arrive in the near future,” reads the statement in part.
“The Ministry of Health informs the public that effective from April 2 to 21, 2021 Rwandans who received their first dose of Pfizer vaccine will get the second shot. The Ministry of Health sends an SMS to individuals informing them about the date of the second dose,” adds the statement.
Any individual who received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine but did not receive an SMS in due time, may contact the Call Center (Toll free): 114 or contact the nearest health facility for more information or assistance.
The Ministry has revealed that dates for administering the second shot for AstraZeneca recipients will be communicated in coming days.
It has also reminded recipients the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine to continue observing Covid-19 prevention measures including wearing masks properly, physical distancing, and regular hand washing and avoiding large gatherings in closed areas.
Rwanda has so far vaccinated 290,000 people who received the first AstraZeneca dose while 51,000 received Pfizer doses.
Figures from the Ministry shows that the number of vaccine recipients is still low compared to targeted people. However, efforts to seek more vaccines are underway as Rwanda has bought more 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines at a cost of US$ 1.6 million, awaiting delivery.
He has revealed this in a message dedicated to remind Rwandans to continue adhering to preventive measures.
In his message, he reminded Christians to avoid parties that would lead to massive spreading of Coronavirus.
“We lead to Easter season for Christians. We should not be complacent and avoid holding parties at home because it spreads COVID-19. Besides, disregarding preventive measures on the day, gives loopholes for the upsurge of COVID-19 cases leading us to stringent measures including lockdown,” he said.
Minister Ngamije went on to request parents to help students comply with preventive measures and reminded Rwandans that the upcoming commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi should be held observing COVID-19 health guidelines.
“To parents, let us avoid complacency, help students in holidays to comply with health guidelines. Holidays should not fuel increased COVID-19 cases,” he said.
“During the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, let us remember our victims observing COVID-19 preventive measures. Community based health workers will help us to handle of those experiencing trauma as we continue to collaborate with grass root leaders to ensure the commemoration event goes well,” added Dr. Ngamije.
The Minister also thanked Rwandans who participated in the vaccination program and assured others that they will get vaccines in not so long.
“We thank all Rwandans who participated in the COVID-19 vaccine roll out program. Those who have to yet received the vaccine should not be worried because the program is ongoing and will reach you. We have pledged to cover 60% of Rwandans before the end of 2022,” he said.
Dr. Ngamije also reminded people who received the first vaccine dose to be ready to take the second and continue observing preventive measures.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 21 918 people have been tested positive of whom 20 308 have recovered, 1302 are active cases while 308 have succumbed to the virus.
Among others, 348 926 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide vaccination program on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The president also highlighted that COVID-19 pandemic has shown that building capacity of the health sector should be prioritized.
Kagame revealed this yesterday during a panel discussion organized by Tony Blair Institute for Global Change established by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair.
Dubbed ‘Vaccine Manufacturing in Africa: What It Takes and Why It Matters’, the panel discussion revolved around the impact of COVID-19 in Africa and how Africa can mobilize own resources to set up factories able to manufacture vaccines in a bid to fight against emerging global pandemics.
Kagame was participating alongside Tony Blair; Dr. John Nkengasong, Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Africa has 1.2 billion population accounting for 17% of World population. However, 99% of vaccines used on the continent are from abroad. Seven African countries only manufacture vaccines with Senegal being the sole country to export vaccines.
President Kagame said that COVID-19 pandemic has shown a huge gap in Africa’s health sector especially in the area of manufacturing medical supplies including vaccines.
“The COVID-19 pandemic magnified some institutional weaknesses across Africa. But it also uncovered some hidden strength which we can build on. One of the big gaps is that Africa does not produce significant quantities of medical supplies and it has been said many times,” he said.
“We have been completely dependent on external sources, for tests, therapeutics, PPEs and now vaccines. The real solution is to prioritize manufacturing in Africa. The new Continental Free Trade Area for Africa makes this even more attractive for investors,” added Kagame.
The President highlighted that one of the hidden strengths that has made big difference over the past year, is the effectiveness of Africa’s continental institutions and commended Africa CDC for playing a major role in coordinating supply deliveries for every country as well as the African union’s special envoys including Ngozi for successfully pushing for debt service suspension for Africa.
Kagame said that the pandemic has set the whole world back in terms of development progress including Rwanda and inevitably the wider African continent and stressed need for strengthened health and education system.
“The world can’t go back to business as usual if we don’t use this opportunity to really strengthen our health and education systems, it would be a big loss. I think every one of us should be considering health spending from our resources as probably the number one priority because if we get that right, then it enables us to deal with other priorities,” he underscored.
This was communicated during a General Assembly held yesterday at the Defence Headquarters, Kimihurura. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira and attended by the Minister of Justice Johnston Busingye, Chief of Defence staff Gen Jean Bosco Kazura; as well as service chiefs and heads of security organs; and selected list of members.
During the meeting, Zigama CSS leadership headed by its chairman Board of Directors, Dr. James Ndahiro expressed optimism for its development despite the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the country’s financial status in general and thanked the guidance of Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic and Commander -in- Chief of Rwanda Defence Force who advised the Cooperative to invest in digitalisation and IT earlier on in 2005.
“All that we registered for the last year as interest was mainly due to the use of IT services. Members were quick to embrace the technology and this has helped to positively sustain the Bank. We commend the guidance received from the Commander- in- Chief who emphasised that we should invest in digitalisation and IT systems, it was the best way to go and we realised that especially during the COVID-19 pandemic” said Dr. Ndahiro.
ZIGAMA CSS continues to expand the use of IT services such as Mobile money, Mobile application, ATM, USSD, SMS message to facilitate its members for different transactions.
ZIGAMA CSS is a financial cooperative with membership drawn mainly from Security Organs namely Rwanda Defence Force, Rwanda National police, Rwanda Correctional Services, National Security Services and Rwanda Investigation Bureau.
The participants in the programs are SMEs and startups in the Tourism and Hospitality sector, which have been receiving technical assistance through ESP’s Tourism Inc. and Komeza initiatives. Seventy-seven percent of the financial support aims to enable resilience and growth for 60 businesses that are part of Komeza, a relief initiative launched in July 2020 as part of the Mastercard Foundation COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Program (RRP).
Commenting on the development, Charity Kabango, Co-Founder and Director of ESP expressed delight for support to these incredible entrepreneurs.
“Despite being severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the SMEs in Rwanda’s Tourism and Hospitality industry, have shown an incredible amount of resilience in not only surviving the crisis, but thriving beyond it. We feel fortunate to be in a position to assist with financing and strategies to enable them to pivot, innovate, and scale their ventures,” he said
ESP, strives to make opportunities such as Komeza and Tourism Inc. accessible to critical demographics in Rwanda and is proud to share that 65 percent of the funded SMEs are female-owned while 83 percent are youth-owned. The company strongly believes that supporting the current and future champions of the sector will be key to its resilience.
Rica Rwigamba, Country Head, Rwanda, Mastercard Foundation highlighted that it is deeply encouraging, and exciting, to see the ways in which entrepreneurs in this program have not just weathered the COVID-19 storm but taken it as an opportunity to innovate for the future, rethinking how they produce, market, and deliver their products.
“They are at the forefront of reimagining the future of tourism in Rwanda in ways that make it more profitable and sustainable,” he noted.
“We appreciate the excellent work that has been done by ESPartners and the Mastercard Foundation in supporting SMEs to become more resilient in the face of challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Technical and financial support not only creates profitable businesses, but also promotes sustainability. With this support, we are hopeful that the sector is better equipped to recover as international and domestic tourism activities gradually resume,” emphasized Belise Kariza, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board.
ESP designs its programs to deliver “Intelligent Capital”, the right combination of technical assistance and financial support needed for businesses to grow. These programs build on the broader commitment of the Mastercard Foundation and the Rwandan Government through the Rwanda Development Board to provide an enabling environment for innovative enterprises providing particular attention to women and youth.
Egide Butare, Managing Director of store2door Ltd, an e-commerce platform, which was developed by young entrepreneurs, both women and men expressed delighted for being part of the Komeza program.
“It is a life-changing and teaching moment that has helped us drive our business further, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The technical assistance we’ve received through the program has equipped our team with key skills in planning and management and the funding has enabled us to become more resilient financially. The combination of both will undoubtedly contribute tremendously to the growth of our business. We are forever grateful for the support from ESP and the Mastercard Foundation for giving us the opportunity to be part of the Komeza program,” he said
{{About Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners}}
Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP) aims to enable innovative, scalable, and profitable enterprises to build prosperity. Our mission is “to foster entrepreneurial solutions for prosperity.” ESP enables people, firms, institutions, and nations to articulate and implement solutions to their economic challenges.
ESP’s approach is to provide Intelligent Capital™—the right combination of insights and capital—to address critical societal issues. We provide consulting and strategy advisory services to diverse clients, including governments, businesses, and development partners in Africa. With offices in Abidjan and Kigali, ESP has been in operation since 2011.
{{About the Mastercard Foundation}}
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management.
