Non-Communicable Diseases in Rwanda: The Growing Concern and Strategies for Prevention

Dr. François UWINKINDI, Manager of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Division at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), highlighted Rwanda’s progress and challenges in tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These diseases, driven by risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets, are a growing public health concern.

He made the announcement on November 15, 2024, during the conclusion of a week-long campaign on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevention, organized in partnership with the City of Kigali, RBC, Rwanda NCD Alliance, and other stakeholders. The campaign, aligned with World Diabetes Day 2024, emphasized adopting healthy lifestyles and avoiding risk factors like poor diet, physical inactivity, and substance use. It featured mass screenings across Kigali, revealing that over 50% of participants were unknowingly living with NCDs, underscoring the importance of early detection. On the same day, City of Kigali officials attended a workshop promoting workplace wellness, reinforcing the campaign’s key message of proactive health management.

“Non-communicable diseases, such as high blood pressure, are a growing issue in Rwanda and globally. Currently, 16.8% of people have high blood pressure, but treatment is limited to 15%. This means that 85% of high blood pressure patients who have not started treatment often experience complications, such as heart and kidney damage, which can lead to complications later in life. Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue to improve health outcomes.” Dr. Uwinkindi said.

He highlighted the high blood pressure rate in Kigali, which is 17.6% higher than the national average, but also highlighted the high obesity rate, which is twice as high as the country, particularly among women, with 50% of the city’s women being obese, according to research.

Rwanda has achieved reductions in smoking rates (7.1%) and heavy drinking (from 23.5% in 2012 to 15.2% in 2022). However, physical inactivity and obesity are rising, particularly in Kigali, where obesity is three times the national average. Women face higher obesity rates (26%) compared to men (11.5%). Hypertension affects 16.2% of Rwandans, with Gasabo District reporting the highest prevalence (21%), and Kigali’s diabetes rate is three times higher than the national average of 2.9%.

Dr. Uwinkindi emphasized that despite Kigali’s Car-Free Day mass sports activity twice a month, it’s not sufficient to reduce non-communicable diseases; at least 30 minutes daily, equivalent to 150 minutes a week, is needed.

He emphasized the need for reconciliation and understanding between city and rural dwellers, citing the unique lifestyles of city dwellers, such as the use of cars for transportation, the high number of office workers, and stress levels, which contribute to the increase of non-communicable diseases.

The National NCDs Strategic Plan (2020–2025) focuses on four objectives: health promotion, system strengthening, research and surveillance, and multisectoral coordination. Efforts include awareness campaigns, policies to reduce risk factors, decentralized care, and improved access to NCD medications. Cervical cancer screening is available in 70% of health facilities, and community-based health insurance covers essential NCD drugs.

“For a person who is at least over 35 years old, they should go to check blood pressure and diabetes at least once every year, and breast cancer at least once every two years,” Dr. Uwinkindi advised.

Progress is evident in expanded access to specialized treatments, such as cancer care and heart surgeries, and community engagement initiatives like car-free days. However, gaps remain: 89% of hypertensive patients are untreated, infrastructure and workforce shortages persist, and funding for NCD response is limited.

Dr. Uwinkindi emphasized the importance of innovative awareness strategies, expanded health services, supply chain improvements, and increased funding. Strengthening multisectoral collaborations will be crucial for sustainable progress.

Emma-Claudine Ntirenganya, the Director General in Charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali, stated that the city’s high prevalence of non-communicable diseases is largely due to its unique nature, with a lack of manual labor and walking-based jobs.

She emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to city life, while not altering it to escape it, and provides advice on preventing non-communicable diseases, such as regular exercise and sports.

While Rwanda has made commendable strides in addressing NCDs, closing existing gaps and ensuring long-term resource allocation are vital to reducing the burden of these diseases.