Malaria cases increase in Ruhengeri province
Ruhengeri Hospital, the only referral hospital in Ruhengeri province in northern Rwanda, is struggling to cope with an increase in malaria cases. The hospital, which serves a population of more than 1.5 million people, is overwhelmed with patients suffering from the mosquito-borne disease.
According to hospital records, the number of malaria cases has increased by more than 50% this year compared to the same period last year. Dr. Jean Paul Kabwimana, medical director of the hospital, told local media that the increase in cases is due to a combination of factors, including heavy rains, drought and human behavior.
Rainy season contributes to increase in malaria cases
The rainy season, which typically lasts from March to May, is a peak period for malaria transmission in Rwanda. When it rains, mosquito breeding sites are created, increasing the risk of mosquito bites and subsequent infections. Heavy rains in Ruhengeri province have created a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to a sharp increase in malaria cases.
Drought worsens malaria epidemic
Unfortunately, the rainy season in Ruhengeri is followed by a period of drought, which makes it difficult for people to access water and sanitation facilities. Many households in rural areas use unprotected wells or shallow pit latrines, making them vulnerable to water-borne diseases, including cholera and diarrhea.
“The drought has exacerbated the crisis as people struggle to access clean water, which is essential to stay healthy,” Dr Kabwimana said.
Human behavior contributes to the malaria epidemic
Human behavior, particularly the lack of proper sleeping habits and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, has also contributed to the increase in malaria cases. Many people in the region do not use insecticide-treated bed nets or do not use them regularly, leaving them vulnerable to mosquito bites.
“Inappropriate use of mosquito nets and poor sleep habits, such as sleeping outside without a net, put people at risk of malaria,” Dr Kabwimana said.
Ruhengeri hospital struggles to meet demand
Ruhengeri hospital is working tirelessly to respond to the increase in malaria cases. However, the hospital’s resources are limited and it struggles to meet the demand for care. The hospital reported a shortage of malaria treatment kits, forcing health workers to ration medications.
“We are doing our best to provide treatment, but we are struggling to keep up with demand,” Dr Kabwimana said. “We need more resources to respond to this crisis and prevent further transmission of the disease.”
Rwandan government takes measures to contain epidemic
In response to the increase in malaria cases, the Rwandan government took several measures to contain the epidemic. The government has deployed additional health personnel to Ruhengeri province, including mobile teams to reach rural areas. The government has also increased the availability of malaria treatment kits and intensified public awareness campaigns to encourage people to take preventive measures.
The government has also launched a vaccination campaign targeting children under five and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable to the disease.
Call to action
The increase in malaria cases in Ruhengeri province is a worrying trend that requires immediate attention. The government, civil society and the general public must work together to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission of the disease.
The international community should also provide support to the Rwandan government to step up its response to the crisis. This includes providing financial support, training and capacity building for health workers, as well as providing insecticide-treated bed nets to vulnerable populations.
Together, we can work to end the malaria epidemic in Ruhengeri province and ensure that the population has access to quality health services.
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