On November 15, 2024, a meeting was held in Kigali City to highlight the gravity of the obesity crisis and explore measures to address it. This issue has drawn significant attention following research showing that 50% of women in the city are obese—twice the national average.
Residents’ Testimonies
During a week dedicated to screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension, Mukamana Jeanne, 43, revealed after being tested that she suffers from severe hypertension linked to obesity. She shared, “I used to neglect exercising or reducing fatty foods, but now I realize it’s crucial to change my lifestyle.”
Meanwhile, Patrick Manirakiza, 52, shared how exercising helped him overcome diabetes. “I used to think exercise was only for running, but after seeing how illnesses were affecting me, I began walking daily, and it has become a part of my life.”
Research and Alarming Statistics
François Uwinkindi, head of the NCD division at RBC, explained that obesity and other NCDs are on the rise. He highlighted that hypertension affects 17.6% of Kigali residents, while 16.8% of Rwandans face this issue nationwide, though 85% do not seek medical attention.He further noted that poor diets, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise are key contributors to NCDs. Only 10% of Rwandans consume adequate fruits and vegetables.
Call to Action
Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, Kigali’s communications and education officer, emphasized that residents need to make simple but impactful lifestyle changes. “We often see people participating in Car Free Day, but exercising once a month isn’t enough. Exercise should be part of daily life.” Ntirenganya also urged people to adjust their diets by incorporating more fruits and vegetables and avoiding fatty foods.
A Shared Commitment to Change
Leaders and residents agreed on the need for collective action to tackle this issue. Initiatives such as Car Free Day and awareness campaigns on NCD prevention are expected to encourage people to adopt healthier habits.
Taking time to walk or exercise at home can have a profound impact. It’s a simple step, yet one that holds the power to transform many lives.
Do you prioritize exercise and a balanced diet? Together, we can all work towards preventing obesity and other NCDs.
