Delegates from the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM Society), government officials, and health leaders, including Dr Daniel Ngamije, head of the Global Malaria Program at the World Health Organization, on Sunday, April 21, joined Kigali residents during Kigali Car Free Day, the mass sports event aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and a green city, and facilitating residents in medical tests and advise free of charge. The special event, “Africa Walks against Malaria”, marked the start of the MIM Society 8th Pan-African Malaria Conference (PAMC) taking place in Kigali from April 21-27. Aligned with World Malaria Day (WMD), observed annually on 25 April worldwide, the forum acknowledges international endeavours to combat malaria and raise awareness about malaria prevention, treatment, and research across the African continent. Attracting over 1,400 delegates, the conference will provide a platform for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to share experiences and insights on addressing malaria as a critical public health concern and more. ALSO READ: Car-free day: What is the impact? Notably, Kigali Car Free Day has, over the years, seen an emergence of new activities beyond group workouts, with activities like group tennis and ping pong, children’s mobile entertainment facilities, traditional dance, and blood donations added to the list. Participants underwent screenings for non-communicable diseases like hypertension, high blood sugar, eye disorders, and more. Alongside the health checks, a blood donation campaign was also conducted. Addressing participants, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, the Minister of Health, said: “Today we collectively participated in mass sports with our guests to eliminate malaria in Rwanda completely, and we are almost there.” Nsanzimana revealed that the current number of Rwandans afflicted by malaria has notably dropped to between 500,000 to 600,000 annually, in contrast to 5 to 6 million in the previous five years. He noted that the yearly death toll from malaria among Rwandans has dropped from over 500 individuals to just 30 to 40 per year. Although progress is visible, malaria continues to exist in certain areas of the country, including Kigali City. “Kigali residents are also encouraged to take proactive measures to combat malaria by eliminating stagnant water, slashing bushes, and clearing water trenches, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and contribute to the spread of malaria. That’s why we are here, to mobilise them collectively,” he said. ALSO READ: With all hands on deck, we can make Malaria history in Rwanda Nsanzimana emphasised the connection between sports and combating malaria, highlighting how engaging in sports acts as a natural vaccine against malaria and other diseases. He said that individuals who regularly exercise tend to have stronger immune systems, making them more resistant to malaria and other non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, and others. “Therefore, we invited our guests to showcase our city’s cleanliness and more. Hygiene and sanitation are powerful tools in combating malaria. We encourage everyone to make it a habit,” he said.
