Last year’s commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi recorded 2,666 trauma cases requiring medical attention, according to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). During a press conference on Thursday, April 2, RBC officials noted that the data shows a steady downward trend in reported trauma cases over time. Between 2010 and 2015, an average of 4,000 cases were recorded during commemoration periods. From 2016 onwards, the figures declined to between 2,500 and 3,000, while during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 numbers dropped to between 696 and 960 due to restrictions on gatherings. ALSO READ: AVEGA members reflect on journey of healing and resilience “While the numbers are gradually declining over the years, the trauma itself has not disappeared. The wounds caused by the Genocide are still present, but they tend to become more visible during the commemoration period, when memories are reawakened,” said Darius Gishoma, the Division Manager of the Mental Health Division at RBC, “The reduction in numbers does not equate to the disappearance of trauma. Instead, it reflects a combination of long-term healing efforts, improved support systems, and changing commemoration dynamics.” ALSO READ: Youth urged to counter anti-Rwanda narratives during Kwibuka 32 The data also reveals that 90 per cent of those affected are individuals who were born before 1994 and directly experienced the Genocide, while 10 percent are from the post-Genocide generation. “This shows that lived experience plays a significant role in trauma severity. But it also reminds us that trauma can be transmitted across generations, which is why continuous support remains critical,” Gishoma said. In preparation for the commemoration period, health authorities and partners intensify efforts to identify and support vulnerable individuals. Gishoma noted that those who experienced trauma in previous years are closely monitored and supported ahead of the commemoration period. “In March alone, follow-ups from previously recorded cases showed that about 1,950 individuals were experiencing trauma alongside other health conditions such as high blood pressure, age-related complications, and living alone with severe past trauma,” he said. These conditions increase their vulnerability, especially during this sensitive period, he said. That’s why beyond clinical care, support mechanisms also include social interventions such as housing assistance, provision of livestock, and community-based support systems aimed at improving overall well-being. Rwanda has also established a comprehensive support system that goes beyond emergency medical care. At commemoration sites, trained personnel are deployed to provide immediate psychological support, alongside designated safe spaces where individuals can be attended to in privacy and dignity. Where necessary, ambulances are on standby to transfer patients to health facilities, and more complex cases are referred to referral hospitals. “The goal is to ensure that no one is left unattended to. We have strengthened coordination across institutions so that support is timely, responsive, and accessible.” Complementing government efforts, organisations such as Association of Widows of the Genocide against the Tutsi (AVEGA Agahozo), continue to play a vital role in supporting survivors and promoting mental well-being. Julienne Murorunkwere, a psychologist at AVEGA, said AVEGA operates in 20 districts, with dedicated staff who conduct regular follow-ups and provide psychosocial support to members. “We work closely with survivors to monitor their mental health and ensure they receive the support they need. But beyond that, we focus on empowering them, helping them recognise their inner strength and resilience,” she said.
