Gisagara Intensifies Fight Against Malaria in Swamp-Adjacent Sectors

The administration of Gisagara District has stepped up its malaria prevention efforts, focusing particularly on sectors bordering swamps—areas that have been hardest hit by the disease.

Located in southern Rwanda, Gisagara remains one of the country’s most malaria-affected districts. According to the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), the district ranked fourth nationwide in February 2025, with 6,145 recorded malaria cases.

Data from RBC reveals that three of Gisagara’s sectors—Mamba, Gishubi, and Muganza—are among the 25 most affected nationwide. Mamba ranked 9th with 1,425 cases, followed closely by Gishubi in 10th place with 1,341, and Muganza in 12th with 1,220. Combined, these three sectors account for over half of all malaria cases reported across the district’s 13 sectors.

To tackle the persistent threat, the district is doubling down on education and grassroots engagement.

“One of our strongest measures is to teach the public because prevention is better than cure,” said Denise DUSABE, Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Gisagara. She emphasized that raising awareness is key, particularly in six sectors located near swamps—natural breeding grounds for malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.

Collaborating with local agricultural cooperatives has been a strategic move, DUSABE explained. “We have many cooperatives involved in maize and rice farming. We collaborate with them to help educate the public,” she said, noting that the groups have also contributed to efforts to improve housing conditions, reducing indoor mosquito exposure.

The role of community health workers has also been instrumental in the fight against malaria. “Having 54% of patients treated by community health workers shows how close and accessible healthcare has become,” she said, expressing gratitude to the Rwanda Biomedical Center for ensuring a steady supply of malaria medications to both health centers and community health workers.

As World Malaria Day approaches on April 25, DUSABE urged residents to stay vigilant. “We encourage everyone to participate in the commemoration and to continue supporting the campaign to eliminate malaria—by preventing mosquito breeding and seeking treatment promptly when symptoms arise.”

On the ground, many residents say the awareness campaigns have already made an impact.

“In the evening, we close the windows to keep mosquitoes out and ensure we sleep under treated mosquito nets,” said Delphine MAUKESHIMANA a resident of Nyabisagara Cell in Mukindo Sector.

 Another resident, Solange BAGIRANEZA, added: “I avoid areas with bushes and stagnant water and always sleep under a mosquito net properly.”

Beyond awareness campaigns, the district has launched additional preventive actions. These include spraying insecticides in high-risk areas, leveraging the reach of community health workers, and distributing treated mosquito nets. A recent campaign led in partnership with the Rwanda Interfaith Council for Health (RICH) aims to distribute 58,640 mosquito nets throughout the district.

With more than 400,000 residents, Gisagara is now rallying communities behind its “End Malaria” campaign. Authorities are hopeful that with sustained effort and local engagement, the tide against malaria can be turned—starting from the grassroots.