Category: English News

The harmful effects of alcohol on health

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Many of us drink alcohol to relax and socialize. But drinking too much alcohol can negatively affect your physical and mental health, your actions, and your decision-making. There are many short and long-term side effects of alcohol consumption. No level of alcohol consumption can be considered safe. To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury for healthy adults: drink no more than 10 standard drinks per week drink no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day But some people need to take more care. You…

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Rwanda hosting AMA headquarters could be a game-changer for health in Africa

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Rwanda and the African Union signed a host agreement for the African Medicines Agency (AMA), a specialised regulatory body for medical products, in June 2023. The establishment of AMA is a significant step towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure and advancing medical innovation. It marks a pivotal moment not only for Rwanda but for the entire continent, signifying a commitment to bolstering pharmaceutical regulation, promoting access to quality medicines, and fostering collaboration. Setting up the AMA headquarters in Rwanda carries profound implications for the future of healthcare across Africa. As the continent grapples…

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EMPOWERING EVERY VOICE: THE JOURNEY OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN RWANDA

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 By Diane NKUSI NIKUZE In the heart of Rwanda’s social tapestry lies a community often overlooked, yet essential in the narrative of progress: children with disabilities. The findings from the 2022 Rwandan census provide a revealing insight into their journey, illuminating both the challenges they face and the strides made towards inclusive empowerment. Prevalence of Disabilities The 2022 census paints a picture of resilience within Rwanda’s diverse landscape, identifying 391,775 individuals aged 5 years and above living with disabilities. These figures, accounting for 3.4% of the population, showcase the varied…

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Reintegration of ex-genocide convicts: a journey of healing, reconciliation

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As Rwandans continue to observe a week of mourning to mark 30 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the nation is also reflecting on the journey of rebuilding and reconciliation across various spheres. Among the aspects of this journey is the reintegration of individuals who were convicted of participating in the genocide and have since completed their sentences. Over the years, Rwanda has implemented various programs and initiatives to facilitate the reintegration process, aiming to foster healing and reconciliation within society. Institutions like DiDe (Dignity in Detention) have…

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April 11, 1994: When Belgian forces withdrew from ETO Kicukiro and killers pounced

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April 11, 1994, was marked by the withdrawal of Belgian forces from ETO Kicukiro (current IPRC Kigali), and the killers took advantage of the development to murder more than 2,000 Tutsi who had taken refuge at the facility. At that time, the school was managed by the Salesian Fathers. Since 1963, many Tutsi had taken refuge at the school and survived the various pogroms that targeted them. Even this time around, they had hoped for safety, but it was not the case. When the killings broke out, many Tutsi made…

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RIB, MINADEF launch probe into death of APR FC fitness coach

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The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and the Ministry of Defense are jointly investigating what may have caused the death of APR FC fitness coach Dr. Adel Zrane. The Tunisian, 40, was found dead in his apartment in Nyarutarama, Gasabo District, on Tuesday, April 2, but the cause of his death remains unknown. Adel was sharing an apartment with other coaches but neither of them knew that he had died, until his driver came to pick him for Tuesday morning training sessions at club’s training base in Shyorongi only to realize…

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Five additional hospitals to start offering chemotherapy

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Five new hospitals are expected to begin offering chemotherapy to cancer patients. Currently, the service is only available at select hospitals such as the Rwanda Cancer Centre in Butaro, the Rwanda Military Hospital (RMH) and King Faisal Hospital. Speaking at an international cancer conference held in Kigali from March 28-29, Dr Fredrick Kateera, the Deputy Executive Director of Partners in Health, a not-for-profit organisation supporting the government in cancer care, announced plans to expand oral chemotherapy services to five additional hospitals. “For patients who need oral chemotherapy and don’t need…

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Rwanda vaccination history

Ihirwe J. Christian

Rwanda vaccination program have started in 1978 and EPI in Rwanda became operational in 1980, and before 2002 Rwanda used to give vaccine of 6 different diseases (BCG, OPV, TT, DPT, measles Vaccine). EPI is compromised in 3 principals: Routine vaccination: fix and outreach program, Supplemental Immunization activities, Surveillance for EPI targeted diseases. Worldwide in order to have a vaccination program is not cheap and for some countries it is still an issues to get their citizens vaccinated. To have vaccination program you need 2 important things: -Vaccine   -Capacity: Infrastructure…

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Eastern Province: Persons with disabilities call for inclusiveness

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The 14th general assembly of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities in the Eastern Province convened on March 17 and discussed various initiatives to promote inclusiveness for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the province, and asses the achievements of set targets. The assembly disclosed that more than 100,000 PwDs are presently enrolled in the Eastern Province, with Nyagatare at 20,631, Bugesera at 17,019, Gatsibo at 16,420, Kayonza at 14,937, Kirehe at 14,230, Ngoma at 13,165, and Rwamagana at 13,003 PwDs documented. According to officials, these figures highlight the importance…

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Antenatal depression: Why pregnant women need support

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Antenatal depression, also known as depression during pregnancy, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition for women. Symptoms may include sadness, sleep problems, fatigue, appetite changes, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Worldwide, about 10 per cent of pregnant women and 13 per cent of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression. In developing countries, this is even higher, for example, 15.6 per cent during pregnancy and 19.8 per cent after childbirth. In severe cases, mothers’ suffering might be so severe that they may even commit suicide, according to…

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