Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has announced an expansion in its role in preventing death due to injuries, in response to increasing road accidents.

Statistics from RBC indicate that about 240 traffic injuries were recorded at least in one month, mainly head injuries that led to more deaths and injuries resulting into disability.

RBC injury registry also shows that 15 per cent of deaths in the country are related to traffic accidents.Speaking to journalists, last week, Anita Ahayo, Director of injuries and disability unit in Rwanda Biomedical Centre said they would use any available opportunity to save lives.

"Motorcycles account for 80 per cent of accidents though causing fewer deaths because of use of helmets…all due to recklessness, speeding, and drink-driving,” Ahayo said, adding that RBC is joining Rwanda National Police in prevention and early management of injuries.

"We want to reverse the trend in conjunction with other stake holders. We have boosted rapid rescue mechanisms by availing about 232 ambulances at strategic rescue places for all district hospitals. We are also improving services for management of injuries and there is also a toll free line – 912 in case of emergency,” added Ahayo.

Another initiative is to coach community health workers on offering first aid to save the injured.

Figures from Rwanda National Police show that traffic accidents are responsible for most physical disabilities in addition to its related deaths.

Forty per cent of victims claimed by accidents are pedestrians.

The World Health Organisation global status report on road safety 2013, indicates that Rwanda is doing well in Africa but still 2,118 people die every year in accidents.

According to WHO-Rwanda burden of disease 2010 report, among the age group 10-40, injuries account for 25 per cent of overall deaths.

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