Bridge of Hope, in collaboration with medical students from the University of Rwanda, conducted screenings for infectious and non-infectious diseases for residents of Nzige Sector, Rwamagana District.
On Saturday, December 28, 2024, Bridge of Hope, in collaboration with medical students from the University of Rwanda (COSAR and RDSA), conducted screenings for infectious and non-infectious diseases for residents of Nzige Sector, Rwamagana District, through an event called “KICK FOR JOY.”
This event, aimed at raising awareness of the talents of young people, combined disease screenings with a football competition known as the “KICK FOR JOY TOURNAMENT-2024.” The tournament was well attended by many residents from the surrounding area of Nzige Sector. The participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, especially as they learned about their health status, particularly concerning HIV/AIDS (VIH/SIDA), heart disease, hypertension, and cancer.
Some of the participants were pleased with the program, as it helped them take proactive steps in managing their health and avoiding diseases.
Berchimas Rubanzabigwi, the director of the Ruhita football academy in Gahengeri Sector, after undergoing screening, expressed his happiness, stating that the process helped him understand his health condition and take preventative measures for diseases.
He said, “I am deeply thankful to Bridge of Hope, COSAR, and RDSA for considering our well-being. After being screened, I now know my health status, the diseases I may or may not have, and how to take preventive measures.”
Rubanzabigwi added that the residents who didn’t attend the screenings missed a great opportunity, as early detection can help prevent serious health issues later on.
Elie Nshimiyimana, the director of Bridge of Hope, emphasized that the “KICK FOR JOY” event was organized to combine sports and health, using various youth sports activities to raise awareness. In the 6-10 age group, the teams K.EROI & ZA FA and Green Lovers competed for the trophy, while in the 13+ category, the final match was between FC RUHITA and Devine Destiny Training Sports Center.
He said, “The ‘Kick for Joy’ event is happening for the first time, but we intend for it to continue. Its goal is to integrate sports with health. The community came to support the youth and see their talents, and those who participated in health screenings left satisfied, having learned their health status related to infectious and non-infectious diseases.”
Nshimiyimana also thanked all the stakeholders who made the event possible, including the local authorities of Rwamagana District, Nzige Sector, and various other organizations.
Uwera Sophie, the director of the Nzige Health Center in Rwamagana District, spoke about the services they provide, which include screening for blood pressure, diabetes, body mass index, and HIV testing.
She explained, “We routinely help people get tested for non-communicable diseases, such as blood pressure, diabetes, and body mass index to help prevent these diseases. Additionally, we test for HIV, and for those who are HIV-positive, we provide continuous care and medication to ensure a healthy life.”
She added that the screening also included advice on oral health and the prevention of oral diseases. “We encourage people to maintain good oral hygiene, as many oral diseases are preventable with proper care,” she stated.
She further explained that their services help people detect health issues early, which is critical for preventing further complications.
Sophie expressed her appreciation for Bridge of Hope’s collaboration with medical student organizations like COSAR and RDSA, noting that the event was a great success in raising awareness about health issues and prevention.
Jean Paul Maniriho, the vice-president of the University of Rwanda’s Medical Student Association (RDSA), talked about the importance of oral hygiene, noting that 80% of oral diseases are linked to poor hygiene.
He said, “Proper oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, after breakfast and before bed. This simple habit helps prevent many oral diseases, including gum disease and tooth decay.”
He emphasized the importance of regular oral hygiene practices, including using fluoride toothpaste, and replacing toothbrushes every three months.
Regarding the use of toothpaste, Maniriho highlighted that the effectiveness of toothpaste depends on its ingredients, such as fluoride, which strengthens teeth and prevents cavities.
Nkurunziza Bosco, a health and sanitation officer from the Rwamagana District, confirmed that the event was a valuable learning experience for the community and should serve as an example for others. He expressed gratitude to Bridge of Hope and other partners for helping the residents understand their health status.
He said, “We are very grateful to Bridge of Hope and all the partners, including RDSA and COSAR, for helping the residents learn about their health status. Now they can take proactive measures, and those with dental issues received treatment supplies.”
The event also awarded various prizes, including trophies for the winning teams, footballs for the participating academies, hygiene products such as soap, lotions, toothbrushes, and Colgate toothpaste, children’s books, Bibles, and Nutri Family meal packages.
Bridge of Hope, a community-based organization focused on child welfare and family development, has been operational since 2018. The organization promotes sports, particularly for children in rural areas, providing them with the opportunity to play and enjoy sports.
Over one billion people worldwide have disabilities, making up 15% of the global population. Professor Joseph Mucumbitsi, head of the Rwanda NCDs Alliance, highlighted the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Rwanda, including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, which can lead to stroke, heart disease, and disability if not managed properly.
According to the Ministry of Health, the rate of obesity in Rwanda has increased from 2.8% in 2013 to 4.3% in 2022, raising concerns about the growing health burden of NCDs in the country.
Professor Mucumbitsi warned that obesity often leads to other diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, which can result in severe health complications, including amputations. He encouraged people to maintain healthy lifestyles and seek early medical intervention to prevent these diseases.
