Malaria Control Campaign Extended to Car-Free Day-Sports Activities
By Elias HAKIZIMANA.
Efforts to combat Malaria prevalence continue to be robust in Rwanda, and the car-free day has emerged as a significant event not only in addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) but also Malaria.
Rwanda has initiated a bi-monthly initiative encouraging citizens to engage in collective sports activities during car-free days when vehicles are not allowed in Kigali City.
This past Sunday’s event, coinciding with the ongoing Malaria prevention campaign and the upcoming World Malaria Day on April 25, 2024, under the theme “Zero Malaria Starts with Me,” was a special occasion to disseminate messages about Malaria prevention.
It also coincides with the International Conference on Malaria (8th Pan-African Malaria Conference) in Kigali slated for April 21st-27th 2024.
The sports event was attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, who delivered a significant message to Rwandan residents regarding effective actions against Malaria.
During media interviews, Dr. Sabin emphasized the role of sports, stating that it can contribute to reducing Malaria prevalence by up to 80 percent.
He highlighted the vital role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in curbing the disease’s prevalence, noting that they have treated over 70 percent of all patients nationally.
The most affected area in the country remains the Southern Province, particularly Gisagara district.
The International Conference on Malaria hosts more than 1400 delegates from various countries worldwide who engage in discussions on new measures to eradicate Malaria.
Rwanda’s progress
Notably, Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing Malaria prevalence and related deaths over the past five years. Cases have reduced from 5 to 6 million to 500,000 to 600,000, and deaths have decreased from 500 per year to 30 to 40 per year.
Efforts are ongoing to further reduce Malaria prevalence, especially in the remaining vulnerable parts of the country, including Kigali City. Dr. Sabin pointed out that 3 or 4 districts account for 80 percent of Rwanda’s national malaria burden.
Moreover, Rwanda is actively exploring new research approaches for vaccines and medicines manufacturing to combat the evolving tricks of mosquitoes.
Sports Vs Malaria Prevention
Dr. Sabin highlighted the importance of sports in Malaria prevention, noting that regular sports activities can build immunity against Malaria and other NCDs such as cancer, muscle disorders, blood clotting, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Rwanda’s success in Malaria control has been globally recognized, with the country ranking among the top five countries for its prevention and death reduction efforts, achieving a 92 percent reduction in just five years.
The use of drones to assess mosquito reproduction and the significant role of Community Health Workers (CHWs), who treat 70 percent of all Malaria patients nationwide, have been instrumental in Rwanda’s Malaria reduction strategies.
Citizens speak out:
Citizens also expressed their views on the impact of sports on Malaria prevention:
Grace Uwimana, a young resident from Kimironko sector, Remera District, emphasized the importance of sports in preventing diseases, including Malaria.
Augustin Ntawuyirushintege, 22, highlighted how sports helped him recover quickly from Malaria.
Thierry Diagana, a United States resident attending the International Conference on Malaria in Kigali, praised Rwanda’s sports initiatives and commitment to “zero Malaria.”
Vital Kamatali, 65, shared his positive experience of engaging in sports activities during the campaign to eradicate Malaria.
Carine Karambizi, Director of INKINDI n’AMARIZA Cultural traditional dance troupe, emphasized how sports, especially through music, encourages people, especially elders, to engage in physical activities and recover from various diseases.
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