World Heart Day: RBC Urges Rwandans to Get Regular Check-ups
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has reiterated the importance of prevention and regular screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially heart-related conditions, as they often develop silently without showing early symptoms. This message was emphasized during the closing of the NCD awareness week and the celebration of World Heart Day on September 28, 2025, in Rubavu District.
An example is the testimony of Nsabimana j.Claude, a Rubavu resident, who only discovered she had high blood pressure after experiencing unusual symptoms, including sudden hair loss. Initially, she believed it was witchcraft, not knowing it was hypertension. She recalls being warned years earlier after giving birth to her sixth child but ignored the advice.
“I used to consume a lot of fried foods, meat, and cooking oil. The pressure kept rising until doctors told me even my heart was affected. They said if I didn’t change my lifestyle, I could die. I was short and overweight,” she explained. “I started doing sports, changed my diet, and gradually lost weight. Today, my blood pressure is normal, and I feel healthy.”
Rubavu District Mayor, Mulindwa Prosper, said their target is prevention through sports and awareness.
“We established a monthly community sports day in every sector, alongside awareness campaigns in community gatherings, umuganda, and other events. We work with Gisenyi Hospital specialists to encourage people to reduce alcohol consumption, eat healthy, and exercise regularly.”
During the week, 1,119 people were screened for high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart diseases. Results showed that 40% had hypertension, 7.5% had heart disease, and 5% had diabetes — most of whom were unaware of their condition.
Dr. Evariste Ntaganda, Head of the Heart Diseases Unit at RBC, stressed lifestyle changes.
“Prevention requires regular exercise, healthy eating, reducing salt and fats, and avoiding obesity. Obesity is a leading cause of NCDs and heart diseases,” he said.
According to RBC’s 2022 research, 16.8% of Rwandans aged 18–69 suffer from high blood pressure. NCDs are among the top causes of death in Rwanda, with heart diseases accounting for 47.7% of hospital mortality and 59.3% of family deaths.
RBC also reminded youth and children that building healthy habits early — regular sports, eating balanced meals, and avoiding excessive sugary or fatty foods — is the best way to protect their hearts and secure a healthier future.
By:Florence Uwamaliya
