Neglected Tropical Diseases Come Under the Spotlight in Rwanda

A survey of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) conducted across the country by the Ministry of Health, the NTD/Access Project and TRAC-plus, exposed the need to address these diseases.

Kigali, Rwanda — A survey of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) conducted across the country by the Ministry of Health, the NTD/Access Project and TRAC-plus, exposed the need to address these diseases.

Indeed, according to the 2008 mapping survey conducted on school-aged children across the country, 6 species of intestinal helminths were identified with a countrywide prevalence of 65.8%. The predominant parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides as observed in 38.6% of the students followed by hookworms in 31.6%, while Trichuris trichiura and Schistosoma mansoni [intestinal schistosomiasis] were found in 27% and 2.7% of the pupils, respectively. It is worth noting that the prevalence of S. mansoni reached 70% in the pupils living in close proximity to lakes Burera, Ruhondo and Muhazi and the surrounding swamps, as expected by the life-cycle of the parasite. 

The survey also highlighted the extent of activities that are known to contribute to maintaining a high prevalence of NTDs among the children, like swimming, fishing and collecting water from pounds and lakes. Of the children found to be  infected with schistosomiasis, 70% reported swimming regularly in the lakes, while 25% reported fishing in them. When asked about the main source of water used in their households, 91% of the children found to be infected with schistosomiasis reported using water from the local wells, lakes or rivers.

Poor sanitary conditions and incomplete health checkups also exacerbate the NTD burden. Indeed, it is widely agreed that the best way to eradicate NTDs is by ensuring high standards of hygiene, such as boiling water, covering food and washing hands. In the meanwhile, NTDs cause thousands of avoidable deaths each year and are among the world's most common infectious diseases. The NTD project is thus training health officials and community leaders to administer drugs against NTDs. A Mass Drug Administration was initiated in April, which will target about 60,000 adults and 3 million children countrywide against schistosomiasis and STHs. This treatment campaign will be reinforced by a sensitisation campaign to raise awareness and inculcate preventive measures.