The public has had perceptions that consuming a lot of lemon, ginger and applying Aromatherapy helps Covid-19 patients to recover though it was not scientifically proved.
As a result, lemon has been rare and expensive on Rwanda’s markets as some people stored them in bulk for Covid-19 treatment purposes.
Dr. Nsanzimana has told RBA that consuming quantities of lemon and ginger doesn’t add up to recovery but rather can worsen health conditions.
“I once met people carrying lots of eucalyptus. I asked them, where are you taking them? They replied that it is in context of fighting Covid-19. We don’t allow the application of Aromatherapy in health sector but rather might cause side effects. People should avoid such vice,” he said.
“Ginger tastes like chili. The more you consume much ginger, the more it damages the stomach. These lemons also contain acid. The stomach gets complications when the acid is too much. Many people have recovered from Covid-19 but claimed that stomachaches remained. We made follow up and established these complications emanate from these plants,” he said.
Dr. Nsanzimana explained that all foods have specific nutrients and vitamins and discouraged people from taking excessive quantities because it becomes destructive.
“Lemons contain vitamin C. A person is not required to drink much dose exceeding recommended vitamin C. By consuming much doses, a person is putting own health at risk. To this effect, you are destroying your health if you consume ten cups of lemon and ginger per day,” he said.
Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted that consuming average quantities of lemons and ginger is normal like other foods that overconsumption doesn’t add up to combating Covid-19.
“Drinking tea with moderate ginger lemon is helpful because it can strengthen immune system somehow but doesn’t kill the virus,” he revealed.
Dr. Nsanzimana warned evangelists encouraging people to drink lemon and ginger instead of seeking medical attention.
To date, Covid-19 has no vaccine that health facilities use existing medicaments to treat related symptoms.
Some vaccines have been manufactured but do not prevent Coronavirus infection at 100%.
Dr. Nsanzabaganwa, 50,who has been the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda replaces Ghanaian, Quartey Thomas Kwesi who held office since 2017.
She was elected with 42 out of 55 votes.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa was seconded to the position by the Government of Rwanda in December last year.
President Kagame has via Twitter handle congratulated the new AUC Deputy Chairperson and re-elected Chairperson for their victory and assured them full support.
“Congratulations to Moussa Faki on your re-election and to Monique Nsanzabaganwa, elected as Deputy Chairperson of the AUC. African leaders have given their trust to you as a team and we are confident that you are up to the task. You have our full support,” he said.
Dr. Nsanzabaganwa was competing with other candidates including Hasna Barkat Daoud from Djibuti who once served as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Tourism; Pamela Kasabiiti Mbabazi , the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority of Uganda.
Like the Chairperson of the African Union, the deputy holds the office for four-year term, renewable once.
The Deputy Chairperson of the AUC assists the Chairperson in the execution of his or her functions to ensure the smooth running of the Commission and is in charge of administration and finance.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa has longstanding experience qualifying her to fit for the position.
She holds honorary doctorate received from Stellenbosch University in South Africa for her contribution to Rwanda’s development.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa has been the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda since May 2011. Prior to that, she served as Minister of Trade and Industry (2008-2011) and Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (2003-2008).
She is a holder of a PhD in Economics, and a Doctorate of Commerce Honoris Causa, both obtained from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She is an influential voice in financial inclusion in Rwanda and on international scene as well as a passionate actor in women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
Among others, she is also a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion’s Gender Inclusive Finance Committee, an alumna of Women’s World Banking African Advisory Council, and Founding Member and Chairperson of New Faces New Voices Rwanda.
After progressing to quarter finals in which Rwanda fell to Guinea, it was reported that the team had some mismanagement related issues.
Speaking to the team at La Palisse Hotel in Nyamata, Bugesera district, Kagame urged them to work as one team with common understanding, remain disciplined and pick lessons from whatever they do.
“The coach has to do his job and the players should play their role. They can discuss the issues at hand and find solutions with each one of them playing their part but the players cannot replace their coach. Discipline enables such an environment to be put in place,” he said.
“You have to ask yourself what lessons have you learned? I don’t mean lessons like in school, ask yourself what have you learned from the wrong that was done to you, or the praises you have received? Everything requires discipline, it enables people to do things professionally and to stick to one’s goal and draw lessons from all that you do. Every game you played, the ones you lost, won or drew, each of them has a lesson,” added Kagame.
Among others, the president commended the performance the team exhibited in Cameroon, despite the challenges they may have faced while preparing for the tournament due to the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kagame also pledged more support to the team in their endeavors, so that they can perform even better. He revealed that he had already engaged with the Ministry of Sports to give the players a prize to appreciate their performance in the CHAN tournament.
In his remarks, Kagame took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of the domestic health financing agenda, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He stressed that without strong national health systems in every country, the African continent will remain vulnerable to pandemics.
The 34th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, held virtually saw the handover of the African Union Chairmanship to President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo, from President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
Dr. Nsanzabaganwa, 50, replaces Ghanaian, Quartey Thomas Kwesi who held office since 2017.
Following the election, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated Dr. Nsanzabaganwa for the victory.
“Congratulations to Rwanda’s candidate, Monique Nsanzabaganwa on her election as Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, elected by 42 votes out of 55 member states,” reads the message posted on Twitter handle.
Dr. Nsanzabaganwa has also expressed gratitude for bestowing trust upon her and reiterated commitment to serve with utmost efficiency.
“My very sincere gratitude and appreciation for the trust and honor that the Heads of States and Government of the African Union have bestowed on my country and in my person. I commit to serve with dedication and to the best of my ability under your wise guidance,” she said via Twitter handle.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa was seconded to the position by the Government of Rwanda in December last year.
She was competing with other candidates including Hasna Barkat Daoud from Djibuti who once served as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Tourism; Pamela Kasabiiti Mbabazi , the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority of Uganda.
Like the Chairperson of the African Union, the deputy holds the office for four-year term, renewable once.
The Deputy Chairperson of the AUC assists the Chairperson in the execution of his or her functions to ensure the smooth running of the Commission and is in charge of administration and finance.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa has longstanding experience qualifying her to fit for the position.
She holds honorary doctorate received from Stellenbosch University in South Africa for her contribution to Rwanda’s development.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa is the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda since May 2011. Prior to that, she served as Minister of Trade and Industry (2008-2011) and Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (2003-2008).
She is a holder of a PhD in Economics, and a Doctorate of Commerce Honoris Causa, both obtained from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She is an influential voice in financial inclusion in Rwanda and on international scene as well as a passionate actor in women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
Among others, she is also a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion’s Gender Inclusive Finance Committee, an alumna of Women’s World Banking African Advisory Council, and Founding Member and Chairperson of New Faces New Voices Rwanda.
Father Sinayobye has been the Rector of Grand Séminaire Propédeutique de Nyumba (Nyumba Major Seminary).
Celestin Hakizimana, Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese has been an Apostolic Administrator of Cyangugu Diocese for two years following the death of former Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese, Bimenyimana Jean Damascène in 2018.
At around 1pm today, Vatican Radio aired that Pope Francisb has appointed Father Edouard Sinayobye, the Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese.
IGIHE has learnt that Father Sinayobye was at premises of Grand Séminaire Propédeutique de Nyumba based in Butare Diocese when he heard the good news and held a thanks giving speech to people around.
In December 2020, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) shows that, industrial output (formal sector) increased by 2.3 percent compared to December 2019, against a decrease of 5.7 percent on annual average basis.
Among other areas, Mining and quarrying decreased by 72.9 percent; Manufacturing increased by 12.0 percent; Electricity increased by 8.2 percent while Water and waste management increased by 17.8 percent.
The increase in manufacturing is mainly due to an increase of 74.1 percent increase in manufacturing of non-metallic mineral products and 51.6 percent increase in manufacturing of metal products, machinery and equipment.
Published on monthly basis, IIP series has been developed by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda to provide more timely estimates of the broad trends of industrial output.
NISR reports that industrial output decreased by 5.7% in 2020 compared to 2019.
Industries are among sectors affected by measures implemented to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic due to activities that were put on a standstill.
As enshrined Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), industries are expected to contribute 34% of GDP by 2024.
The sector has previously grown at a remarkable pace where it contributed 18% of GPD following agriculture sector with 24% and service sector with 49%.
Since 2015, the manufacturing sector has been hugely contributing to national economy.
Rwanda has over 800 small and medium factories as per 2020 figures.
The body was sited yesterday in Karumuna village, Kanzenze cell of Ntarama sector in Bugesera district.
Sources reveal that fishermen in River Akagera marshland saw a sack floating on water which they retrieved and found a man’s body inside. They immediately alerted local leaders.
The executive secretary of Ntarama sector, Uwamugira Beatha has told IGIHE that the body was found around 2pm.
“The body was seen by fishermen at work. We found it in a sack but we have not established the cause of death. The deceased is aged between 40 and 50,” she said.
“The body was found in a marshland. It is far from inhabited areas. People who saw the body first explained that it was flowing from River Akagera, retrieved it but don’t know the deceased,” added Uwamugira.
She revealed that the body was taken to ADEPR Nyamata Hospital for postmortem.
Security officials have also launched investigations for more details of the death.
The Minister made the revelation yesterday during a press briefing revolving around Africa’s readiness to distribute Covid-19 vaccine.
The conference featured different participants including the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti; Minister Ngamije and his counterpart of Malawi, Khumbize Kandondo Chiponda as well as Richard Mihigo, WHO Africa immunization coordinator.
Dr. Ngamije said that Rwanda is prepared enough to receive the vaccine expected to help the country enhance COVID-19 management.
“We are pleased that we will be able to vaccinate medical doctors, nurses, community health workers and others facilitating enforcement of Covid-19 preventive measures. Acquiring the vaccine gives us hope to reduce Covid-19 deaths,” he said.
Minister Ngamije recently explained that Rwanda expects to receive the first batch of 102,000 vaccines by 15th February 2021.
The vaccines in the first batch manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech, will also be distributed to other African countries including Tunisia, South Africa and Cap Vert.
As Rwanda gets ready to receive vaccines, some citizens have expressed concern that their beliefs do not allow to take these vaccines.
Ngamije said that citizens must be educated before getting vaccinated.
“The good thing is that they trust health services in the country. This is not the first vaccine we are introducing. They clearly understand that we have thorough management system. There is an independent, Food and Drug Authority (FDA) that was also involved in the process of approving the vaccine. It makes citizens trust the vaccine meets standards,” he said.
On 3rd February 2021, Rwanda’s health workers attended discussions with one of experts at Yale University who carried out research on Pfizer vaccine. He shared information to be passed to colleagues.
“Health workers need to share authentic information because they can be the right source. We shall work with leaders as usual because we integrate various institutions in such campaigns. We have no worries that citizens will reject the vaccine. I will be glad to be vaccinated first to give an example,” said Ngamije.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti also highlighted that they are working with UNICEF, among other partners, to share credible information about the vaccine.
Rwanda targets to vaccinate 60% of its population this year and continues to mobilize funds to cover more citizens.
The First Lady delivered the message yesterday on 4th February 2021 at the occasion of celebrating the World Cancer Day under the theme ‘I Am and I Will.’
World Cancer Day is an opportunity to recognize global commitment to actions that will lead to impacting progress in reducing the global impact of cancer and create a cancer-free world.
It is a global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of a group of cells in the body. It can occur at any age and if not detected at the right time and is not treated, it can increase the risk of death.
The First Lady has reminisced on the adverse impact of cancer and called for proactive measures to prevent it.
“Let us remember that behind global cancer statistics is a mother, a father, a sibling or a child, whose life will never be the same again after their diagnosis,” she said.
“On this World Cancer Day, let us pledge to continue educating our people about the importance of living healthy lifestyles, which include regular medical checkups, in order for our communities to receive the necessary treatment in time,” added Jeannette Kagame.
The World Health Organization (WHO) shows that cancer over 9.6 million died of cancer in 2018.
Recent studies estimate about one out of six people worldwide died from cancer that’s more than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. Hence, to raise the awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4 as an international event.
Globally, cancer is among the leading causes of death, claiming over 70% of its victims in low- and middle-income countries, where prevention and treatment remain limited. In 2018, estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) indicate the incidence in Rwanda to be 10,704 new cancer diagnoses, 4,520 cases among men and 6,184 cases among women were registered and annual mortality rates stood at 7,662. In addition, 50% to 60% of all cancer patients require radiotherapy in the course of their treatment.
The increasing cancer burden in Rwanda, and the limited accessibility of the general population to treatment, required the Government of Rwanda to act.
As per last year’s figures, WHO reported that less than 10% of the population in need was able to access treatment and about USD 1 million was spent on international transfers for radiotherapy treatment in Rwanda in four years.
On World Cancer Day celebration last year, Rwanda inaugurated the up to date Cancer Centre equipped with Radiotherapy. President Paul Kagame spoke on the important role the new centre will play in the lives of patients living with cancer, “now, many more Rwandans will be able to get the care they need with their families close by”, he said.
The Government of Rwanda embarked on a journey to decrease the burden of disease through prevention, early detection, treatment, and care interventions. In 2016, the idea for a modern radiotherapy cancer centre, called Rwanda Cancer Centre (RCC), was established at Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH) in Kanombe as the first step in ultimately providing a full-service cancer centre. At the time, RMH already had advanced and existing cancer services in place and the human resource skills required to run the radiotherapy.
The facility launched last year complemented existing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services including a 20-bed chemotherapy unit already in operation. In addition, the centre will allow full scale up of screening and early detection for cancers such as cervical, breast, and those related to hepatitis C virus.
Rwanda’s future plans indicate further diagnostic and inpatient services to be gradually added in order to provide comprehensive cancer treatment and palliative care to those with late state diagnosis. In addition, specialists are currently being trained in order to provide the necessary skill level.
The launch date coincided with the official launch of the first National Cancer Control Plan, the National Cancer Registry, and the National Cancer Management guidelines, three key milestones for the success of the cancer centre. The implementation of the 2020-2024 National Cancer Control Plan is intended to reduce cancer mortality and morbidity nationwide.
