The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has urged Rwandans to embrace regular physical exercise and medical check-ups as heart diseases and other non-communicable diseases increasingly affect both older people and the youth.
The call was made in Nyaruguru District during activities to mark World Heart Day under the theme “Protect Your Heart Health.”
Ahead of the event, RBC conducted a week-long campaign to screen residents for non-communicable diseases, including heart-related conditions, high blood pressure and high blood sugar.
During the campaign, 1,169 residents were screened. Of those screened, 88 people (7.5%) were diagnosed with heart disease, 481 (40%) had high blood pressure, while 55 (5%) had high blood sugar levels.
A total of 545 people were found without heart-related conditions.
For residents who took part in the screening, the campaign provided an opportunity to better understand their health status and the importance of prevention.
Mukiiza Didier, a Nyaruguru resident, welcomed the initiative and encouraged young people to make physical exercise and regular health checks part of their routine.
“Such campaigns help us stay fit and healthy and understand our health status. As young people, taking part in these exercises is important for our physical and mental wellbeing. I would like to see more people, especially in Nyaruguru, embrace sports and regularly go for medical check-ups.”
Nyaruguru District Mayor Dr Emmanuel Murwanashyaka said the district has established a monthly community sports programme across all sectors as part of efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases.
“We set up a community sports programme that takes place every third week of the month. It is attended as a preventive measure against non-communicable diseases. During these sessions, participants are screened, and those diagnosed with illnesses are encouraged to start treatment early,” he said.
Murwanashyaka said the programme has also helped increase awareness among residents about the risks associated with non-communicable diseases.
Dr Evariste Ntaganda, Director of the Cardiovascular Diseases Department at RBC, said major risk factors for heart disease include obesity, high blood pressure and physical inactivity.
He warned that cardiovascular diseases can develop silently, with some patients only discovering their condition after serious complications have occurred.
«“Non-communicable diseases, including high blood pressure, are widespread and sometimes claim lives without people even being aware. That is why we encourage people to get tested and know their status. Heart diseases are among the leading causes of hospital admissions and deaths compared to other illnesses,” Ntaganda said.»
He added that cardiovascular diseases are no longer a problem affecting only older people, with young people increasingly exposed to risk factors linked to unhealthy lifestyles.
«“What we ask young people is to recognize that these diseases exist. When you are still young, the body is stronger, but as you grow older and the body weakens, the risk increases. That’s why they need to prevent them early and undergo regular medical check-ups,” he said.»
According to an RBC study conducted in Nyaruguru District, 43% of Rwandans aged 18 to 69 have high blood pressure, highlighting the scale of one of the country’s major cardiovascular risk factors.
Health officials are therefore encouraging residents to adopt healthier lifestyles, exercise regularly, monitor their blood pressure and seek medical attention early when health problems are detected.
