The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) urged people to embrace sports and undergo regular medical check-ups to monitor their health status as a way of preventing heart diseases, which are increasingly affecting both the elderly and the youth.
This call was made in Rubavu District, Gisenyi Sector, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, during the celebration of World Heart Day, held under the theme “Protect Your Heart Health.”
In the lead-up to this event, RBC conducted a one-week campaign to screen for non-communicable diseases across different parts of Rubavu.
Jacqueline Akizanye, a resident of Byahi Cell, Rubavu Sector, expressed her joy after participating in the screening.
“I am very happy because I got tested and found out I have no health problem. Now I know my health status. At a time when illnesses are becoming more common due to diets rich in fatty foods and lack of physical exercise, such check-ups are very important,” She testified.
Mulindwa Prosper Rubavu District Mayor, said the district has introduced a monthly community sports program in all sectors.
“We set up a community sports program that takes place every third week of the month. It is attended as a preventive measure against non-communicable diseases. During these sessions, participants are screened, and those diagnosed with illnesses are encouraged to start treatment early,” He explained.
He emphasized that the program has produced visible results, with residents testifying that they have become more aware of the dangers of non-communicable diseases.
Between September 22 and 27, 2025, a total of 1,169 residents were screened. The results showed that 88 people (7.5%) were diagnosed with heart disease, 481 people (40%) had high blood pressure, and 55 people (5%) were found with high blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, 545 people(50%) were found to be free from any heart-related conditions.
Dr. Ntaganda Evariste, director of the cardiovascular diseases department at RBC, explained that the main causes of heart diseases include obesity, high blood pressure, and lack of physical exercise. He added that these illnesses are often silent but can also be life-threatening.
“Non-communicable diseases, including high blood pressure, are widespread and sometimes claim lives without people even being aware. That is why we encourage people to get tested and know their status. Heart diseases are among the leading causes of hospital admissions and deaths compared to other illnesses,” He said.
Dr. Ntaganda further noted that while in the past heart diseases mainly affected older people, today even the youth are at risk.
“What we ask young people is to recognize that these diseases exist. When you are still young, the body’s immunity is stronger, but as you grow older and the body weakens, the risk increases. That’s why they need to prevent them early and undergo regular medical check-ups,” He added.
According to an RBC study conducted in 2022, 16.8% of Rwandans aged 18–69 suffer from high blood pressure.
