In Rwanda, daily life and the growing number of office and computer-based jobs are creating a new health challenge: prolonged sitting. This issue is no longer something to be taken lightly, contrary to what many might think. The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has raised the alarm, warning that sitting for long periods can have harmful effects similar to smoking, and in some cases, even more severe than other recognized health threats.
Through a message shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Nsanzimana explained that prolonged sitting contributes to the development of brain disorders, heart disease, and chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes.
“Sitting for six or more hours a day increases the risk of heart disease by 35%, the risk of brain vessel rupture by 14%, and doubles the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Sabin.
He also added that the risk of premature death increases by 40% for people who spend many hours sitting. In his message, Dr. Sabin urged Rwandans to be cautious:
“For every 60 minutes you spend sitting, stand up! Even if you exercise later, if you’ve spent the whole day sitting, the risks remain high.”
This means that evening exercise alone is not enough to counteract the health dangers if a person has spent most of the day sitting without walking or changing positions.
A 2023 report by Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) revealed that over 390,000 people in Rwanda suffer from diabetes, highlighting the growing burden of sedentary lifestyle-related diseases. In this context, prolonged sitting is emerging as a key factor contributing to the spread of these illnesses.
Health experts emphasize that changing the culture of prolonged sitting, by standing up regularly, walking around, or doing light exercises such as leg stretches, can have long-term health benefits.
This is an important message for office workers, students, drivers, and others who spend long periods sitting: small changes in daily habits can help save lives.