CAMPAIGN DURATION: 26th September - 2nd October 2022
INTRODUCTIONRPSA in partnership with RBC conducted a community outreach in the MUSANZE district from the 26th of September to the 2nd of October 2022 for NCDs (Non-Communicable diseases) awareness, prevention, and Screening in the most populated areas of Musanze district such as MUHOZA sector near MUSANZE Agro-Market, Byangabo, Kabere, Kinigi, Karwasa, Ubworoherane Stadium and finally we closed the outreach at Rwaza Parish.
OUTREACH PURPOSE.The goal of the outreach was to raise awareness of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and their prevention while also screening for these NCDs.Target audience: children, adults, and the elderly as they are all vulnerable to the risk factors contributing to NCDs, whether from unhealthy diets, physical activity, exposure to tobacco smoke, or the harmful use of alcohol.
SESSION DETAILS
OUTREACH SESSION 1Date: 26th September 2022. Time: 1:30-5:30 pmVenue: MUHOZA sector near MUSANZE Agro-Market (opposite to RRA MUSANZE branch).Over 250 people were screened for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as blood pressure (BP), blood glucose (BG), Waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) during the outreach program and after the screening, we counselled them about how they can protect themselves the risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
OUTREACH SESSION 2Date: 27th September 2022 Time: 8 AM-5 PMVENUE: BYANGABO NEAR THE MODERN MARKETOn the 2nd day of our outreach program, we went to BYANGABO where we raised awareness about NCDs and how people should protect their health by choosing a healthy lifestyle like eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, saying no to tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption and drinking enough water. And then we screened people for NCDs like BP, BG, BMI and waist circumference and about 340 people were screened.
OUTREACH SESSION 3.DATE: 28TH SEPT 2022 Time: 8 AM-5 PMVENUE: KABEREOn the 3rd day of outreach at KABERE, in the early morning people were eager to know where they stand in fighting against NCDS.And about 320 of people come for screening and had an open conversation with our screening team during counselling. And they were very happy to know their wellness check.
OUTREACH SESSION 4.DATE: 29TH SEPT 2022 Time: 8 AM-5PMVENUE: KINIGIOn the 4th day of outreach in KINIGI, RPSA joins the rest of the world to celebrate world heart day 2022 under the theme” use heart, for heart”. And on this day reminded us how crucial is to keep our and other's hearts safe and healthy.Then, on this day we screened non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in KINIGI of MUSANZE district. And over 350 people were screened and counselled as usual.
OUTREACH SESSION 5.DATE: 30TH SEPT 2022 Time: 8 AM-5 PMVENUE: UBWOROHERANE STADIUMOn the 5th day of outreach at UBWOROHERANE STADIUM, we kept celebrating world heart day given that beating cardiovascular diseases is beneficial to every beating heart.Also, on this day there was a friendly football match between Musanze district workers and priests of the diocese of Ruhengeri. Therefore, all attendees were screened and reminded what to be done to beat NCDs. And beat NCDs only requires eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, saying no to tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption.
OUTREACH SESSION 6.DATE: 1st October 2022 Time: 8 AM-5PMVENUE: KARWASAOn the 6th day of outreach at KARWASA, over 300 people were screened for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as blood pressure (BP), blood glucose (BG), Waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). And people were incredibly amazed by this awareness and then understood how fatal NCDs are. so, they decided to act on these life threats.
OUTREACH SESSION 7.DATE: 2nd October 2022 Time: 8 AM-2PMVENUE: RWAZA parishOn the 7th day (the last day) of our outreach, we went to RWAZA parish the 3rd ever-built catholic parish in Rwanda, as the 1st holy mass ended, we started screening NCDs and counselling as we did on the previous days.
Speaking during the event on 30th September during a football match TUYAMBAZE Emmanuel, a level 4 pharmacy student who was part of the screening said that the exercise was an opportunity to gain more experience by talking and listening to people that he is meant to serve. He also added that NCDs are in the category of terrifying diseases that people could have without knowing it.“NCDs don’t immediately show symptoms. They grow slowly and sometimes people seek medical assistance when it is too late” He said.In the course of the event, Olivier HAKIZIMANA the RPSA president as one of the screening team in the outreach said that they have started a campaign to educate the youth who consume tobacco and high amount of alcohol to stop those habits as are among the risk factors of NCDs. He also took part in the screening and shared his knowledge with people who came to know their health status.Other speakers at this event were prof. MUCUMBITSI Paul and Dr. NTAGANDA Evariste talked about the dangers of these life-threatening diseases (NCDs) and how everyone should be responsible for his own healthy by reducing common risks factors such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, physical inactivity and eating unhealthy diets.
RESULTS OF OUTREACHThe outreach program in MUSANZE district was gratifying due to the big number of people who attended the screening activities and know how fatal NCDs are.In conclusion, NCDs account for a large percentage of premature deaths. And beat NCDs only requires eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, saying no to tobacco, and limiting your alcohol consumption.Additionally, detection, screening and treatment of NCDs, as well as palliative care are key components of the response to NCDs.Many thanks to RBC, MUSANZE district and to all RPSA volunteers who participated in this outreach.