SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA — Cases of malaria infection in Cyeza sector in the Muhanga district reduced from 5,973 to 1,927 recorded incidences in the year 2008, the Rutobwe Health Centre director revealed.

Longin Nsabimana, disclosed this while highlighting the achievements of the health centre during a Public Accountability Day on March 13, at Rutobwe health centre.

The downward trend, according to Nsabimana, is attributed to efforts of Community Health Advisors to sensitise residents on disease preventive mechanisms and the attitude of residents to register for health insurance programmes.

Nsabimana highlighted a number of services currently being offered at the centre including HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), family planning and regular vaccination of children.

"The health centre handles over 8,000 residents from Cyeza and Kayumbu sector and there is need to increase the number of staff because of the increasing number of patients,” Nsabimana said.

Health officials also noted that the centre is in dire need of an ambulance, fencing, and permission to offer Anti Retro-Viral drugs.

The occasion was also attended by Alice Uwimbabazi, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs and Joel Serucaca, the district health director, who asked residents to promote best health practices by ensuring hygiene, family health education and increased child care.

Residents and local leaders thanked health development partners-like Family Health International (FHI), Intra-Health Twubakane, among others, for the support in training, equipping and refurbishing of the health centre.

Rutobwe Health Canter was constructed in 1957 and is said to be the best health centre in Muhanga district.

Ends