Gonorrhea Disease Worrying Residents of Rwimiyaga-Nyagatare

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

Residents of Rwimiyaga Sector in Nyagatare District express concern over the increasing cases of gonorrhea, with some resorting to self-medication using different herbal remedies.

This was revealed on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, during an HIV/AIDS prevention campaign in Rwimiyaga Sector.

The campaign was organized by the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) in collaboration with Strive Foundation Rwanda under funding support from Abbott.

Citizens indicated that the area is experiencing a surge in sexually transmitted infections, especially gonorrhea, due to many people not using preventive measures.

They pointed out that the condition is exacerbated by Female Sex Workers (FSWs) who take daily PEPs to prevent HIV/AIDS, even though they may be infected with gonorrhea, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections.

“Some people prioritize HIV testing, and if they test negative, they may think they’re safe, but HIV can hide behind gonorrhea and other infections.” Says James Kwizera, a citizen.

Janet whose second name was withheld by The Inspirer due to her privacy status, is one woman engaged in sexual work in Rwimiyaga, she emphasized that gonorrhea is among the top illnesses affecting residents. She expressed the need for prompt medical attention and urged others to seek treatment at health centers.

“I have had Gonorrhea for over three months, but I feel ashamed to seek treatment at a health facility. Instead, I visited a pharmacy where they provided me with medication, but unfortunately, I didn’t fully recover as expected.” She said.

They are urging for stringent actions to be taken against retailers who hike prices in the evenings. This is because condoms, which are bought for 200 Frw during the day, are sold for over 500 Frw at night.

Jean Marie Vianney Gahamanyi, a healthcare provider at the Rwimiyaga Health Center, mentioned that gonorrhea cases are prevalent in the area, particularly among women. He highlighted the need for both men and women to seek medical attention.

“I often treat gonorrhea cases, and out of the 1,032 patients I have seen this month, about 600 are women, and the rest are men, mostly young people,” he explained.

The Vice Mayor of Nyagatare District in charge of Social Affairs, Juliet Murekatete, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS prevention programs. She pledged continued support and encouraged participation in testing and counseling services.

Dr. Ikuzo Basile, Head of the HIV Prevention Unit at RBC stated that community engagement is crucial in fighting gonorrhea. He underscored the importance of early treatment and encouraged individuals to seek medical attention promptly.

“It is crucial to seek medical attention early. If you feel unwell, you can come to the Health Center and get tested at any time,” he said.

Health experts affirm that gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that can be easily treated if detected early. They urge the public to seek medical advice and use preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.

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