Rwanda: A Multi-Sectoral Effort Encourages Journalists to Improve Food Safety Communication

Elias Hakizimana May 21, 2024Nov 17, 2024 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

In Musanze District, Northern Province, journalists from various media houses in Rwanda have commenced a three-day training on food safety communication, running from May 21-23, 2024.

This training, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) and other stakeholders, aims to enhance the capacity of journalists to deliver accurate and impactful information about food safety to the public.

This multi-sectoral effort aims to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to inform and educate the public about food safety, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for the Rwandan population.

Pierre Celestin Niyirora, a broadcasting journalist at Radio Imanzi, emphasized the importance of this training, particularly in his health talk shows.

Pierre Celestin Niyirora, a broadcasting Journalist at Radion Imanzi, expressed his enthusiasm for health talk shows, emphasizing the importance of delivering accurate information on food safety to benefit Rwandan citizens and global consumers.

“Delivering true and accurate information about food safety will help save the Rwandan population and global consumers as a whole. Our audience values what they hear on the radio. With enough information on food safety, we can spread the crucial message of consuming safe food. Many people lack information on this subject and consume food products without considering their safety,” Niyirora said.

Speciose Dusabe, an online journalist, highlighted the benefits of the training, noting the significant knowledge she gained regarding food and beverage safety.

“Having acquired such an important package of knowledge will help me delve into this special reporting subject. I will investigate, gather, and report comprehensive topics on food safety for the betterment of my audience,” Dusabe explained.

1st, L-R, Speciose Dusabe, an online journalist, emphasized the value of the training in enhancing her understanding of food and beverage safety, noting its potential to improve her reporting on critical topics for her audience’s benefits.

Gabriel Imaniriho, a TV journalist at ISANGO STAR, reiterated the training’s significance, stating that many citizens are unaware of food safety concepts and their impacts.

“This is a relevant training for journalists and the entire media landscape. We are major public informants with a human interest intention to promote community well-being. Many local citizens are unaware of food safety issues and their impacts on health. They need this information to avoid severe health consequences,” Imaniriho said.

***Gabriel Imaniriho, a TV journalist at ISANGO STAR, highlighted the importance of the training sessions, stating that many citizens are unaware of food safety concepts and their impact on health.***

The collaboration between FAO, RSB, and other partners reflects a commitment to improving food safety communication and reducing the incidence of foodborne diseases in Rwanda and beyond.

Dr. Christine Mukantwali, the Better Nutrition Team Leader at FAO, underscored the importance of the training for public health.

“Food safety, hygiene, and sanitation are critical subjects. Foodborne diseases pose a significant burden on public health, originating from farm practices, food processing, and packaging to the food on the table. The media plays a vital role in spreading this information widely,” Dr. Mukantwali emphasized.

***Dr. Christine Mukantwali, Better Nutrition Team Leader at FAO, emphasizing the critical role of media in spreading awareness about food safety during the training session.***

Jerome Ndahimana, Director of Food, Agriculture, Chemistry, and Environment Standards at RSB, elaborated on food safety standards and regulations.

“Food safety standards define what can be consumed, whether processed or unprocessed. Machinery and packaging materials are key components affecting food safety compliance. We face challenges with microbes and chemical contaminants in food processing that should be absent otherwise,” Ndahimana explained.

Desire Musangwa, an analyst at Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), discussed the severe consequences of unsafe food and beverages, including mortality.

***Jerome Ndahimana, Director of Food, Agriculture, Chemistry, and Environment Standards at RSB, discussing the importance of food safety standards during the training session.***

“Nearly 600 million people globally face foodborne diseases, with 420,000 deaths. Thirty percent of these diseases affect children under five years. Preventing these diseases requires proper hygiene and sanitation practices, as well as financial capacity. Poverty can be a catalyst for these diseases,” Musangwa noted.

He emphasized the need for continuous awareness campaigns to eradicate foodborne diseases.

Recent figures from Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) show 1,517 cases of foodborne diseases in Rwanda, with Gasabo District reporting the highest number of cases (381) and Nyamasheke District the lowest (4). Among these, 1,005 cases were related to unsafe locally-made sorghum beer.