0
0
By Francois Nshimiyimana
Residents of Ruhango District have committed to changing long-held attitudes toward poor hygiene as part of efforts to fight diseases caused by poor sanitation.
They made this resolution following a community awareness campaign aimed at combating helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, and other common diseases such as malaria, under the theme “Together, let’s unite to eliminate helminthiasis and schistosomiasis.”
The campaign, held in Ruhango District, was supported by the Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS and Health Promotion together with the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC).
Richard Habimana, the coordinator of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) programs in Ruhango District, said the goal is to help communities eliminate these diseases so that by the year 2030, they will no longer pose a threat to the population.
“Through awareness campaigns, we want to help people fight NTDs so that by 2030, these diseases will no longer be found among our communities.” Said Habimana.
He added that the program operates in both Ruhango and Bugesera Districts, as research has shown a high prevalence of intestinal worms and schistosomiasis in these areas.
Some residents who participated in the campaign said they are now determined to change harmful habits linked to poor hygiene, such as drinking untreated water.
Oliva Kampundu, a resident of Ruhango Sector, Nyamagana Cell, and Murinzi Village, said she will now ensure she drinks clean water and maintains a hygienic toilet.
“I have learned a lot. I will start drinking clean water and keeping my toilet clean. We also learned that swamp water can transmit schistosomiasis, so we will now avoid it.”
She said. Pascal Ngezarugo, a resident of Nyamagana Cell, Nyamugari Village, said learning about the importance of preventing hygiene-related diseases has motivated him to change his behavior. He pledged to drink boiled water, wash his clothes regularly, and teach his neighbors about proper hygiene for better health and development.
Knowing the importance of preventing diseases caused by poor hygiene is essential. I will change my habits, drinking boiled water and washing my clothes, and I will teach my neighbors good hygiene practices so that we can all live healthier lives and promote development.” He said.
Odeta Kankindi, also from Nyamagana Cell, said she previously suffered from intestinal worms but recovered. She emphasized that such diseases can be prevented and treated when proper hygiene is observed.
“I once suffered from intestinal worms but later recovered. These diseases can be cured if you maintain good hygiene.” She noted.
The Executive Secretary of Ruhango Sector, Welars Kayitare, said health center records show that hygiene-related diseases are not highly prevalent in the sector, except for malaria, which remains moderately common. He said local leaders will continue visiting households to ensure residents maintain proper hygiene to prevent diseases.
“According to health center data, hygiene-related diseases are not high in this sector, except for malaria, which is moderate. We will continue visiting residents to ensure they maintain proper hygiene,” he said.
The trained residents are mostly rice farmers working in the Nyakiyange swamp under the COTEMUNYARU cooperative.
Key Hygiene and Prevention Measures Taught to Residents
How to prevent bilharzia (schistosomiasis):
Residents were advised to follow the guidelines below:
Remove vegetation in water bodies every three days.
Ensure water flows freely to prevent breeding of snails that spread bilharzia.
Wear long boots and gloves when working in or near water.
Avoid defecating in bushes or open areas.
Build standard latrines, keep them clean, and use them properly.
Participate in mass drug administration whenever deworming tablets and bilharzia treatment are provided.
Avoid using swamp water for domestic purposes unless it is treated or boiled.
