The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has warned residents living near borders to maintain vigilance due to the persistently high prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) in neighboring countries.
This advisory was emphasized during the commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day held on Friday, March 2024, in Rugerero Sector, Rubavu district.
The event aimed to bolster awareness and intensify efforts towards ending the global TB epidemic, echoing the theme, "Yes, we can end TB”.
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Addressing Rubavu residents, Dr. Patrick Migambi, Division Manager of Tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), highlighted the elevated TB cases in neighboring countries like the DR Congo, stressing the importance of vigilance among border residents.
"Our neighboring countries consistently report high TB cases, and due to limitations, we are unable to conduct TB tests for every individual entering the country," Dr. Migambi emphasized.
He added, "Community mobilisation to prompt individuals exhibiting symptoms to undergo TB tests and fostering information exchange among neighboring countries regarding TB patients' treatment continuity during travels are effective measures to mitigate regional TB cases."
Dr. Migambi further said the inevitability of travel, stating, "There is no viable alternative to halt people from traveling."
For Prosper Mulindwa, Mayor of Rubavu District, TB prevention necessitates collaborative efforts from all institutions and stakeholders. He stressed the importance of understanding the risks of TB infection across all demographics, asserting that "everyone is a potential candidate," regardless of age or socioeconomic status.
Venant Zirarushya, a 56-year-old father of eight, shared his firsthand experience as a TB survivor, urging individuals to undergo testing upon experiencing symptoms such as coughing or chest pain. He advocated for a shift in mindset regarding TB, dispelling the misconception that it only affects individuals engaged in physically demanding labor.
Dr. Brian Chirombo, the World Health Organization's Head of Mission and Country Representative to Rwanda, acknowledged Rwanda's progress in combating TB but stressed the need for intensified regional efforts. Despite strides made, TB remains a prevalent cause of illness and mortality, with deaths occurring every minute.
According to WHO figures, an estimated 10.6 million people, including 5.8 million men, 3.5 million women, and 1.3 million children, developed TB in 2022. Within the African region, approximately 2.5 million individuals contracted TB in the same year, translating to one new case every 13 seconds.
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Despite these challenges, Rwanda has demonstrated significant progress in TB control. The TB incidence rate decreased from 96 cases per 100,000 population in 2000 to 56 cases per 100,000 population in 2022, as reported in the Global TB Report 2023, positioning Rwanda with the lowest TB incidence rate in the region.