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Rwandans do not have sufficient knowledge about the disease stroke, says NTAGANDA Evariste-RBC
Uwajeneza Donatha
Aug 19, 2024 - 11:31
While health authorities in Rwanda indicate that the number of people suffering from stroke continues to increase, with some even losing their lives, there are still some who show little knowledge about this disease, stating that they are not aware of it. The management of the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) says that it is going to intensify awareness campaigns.
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Stroke is one of the leading causes of death both in Rwanda and worldwide. Dr. Ntaganda Evariste, the head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Division at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), explains the causes of this disease.
He stated: 'Stroke is a brain disease related to a blockage in blood vessels, where the blood flow to a particular area is obstructed; this is what is referred to as a stroke. It becomes a stroke because the underlying cause of the stroke has become prevalent.Let me give an example: the main causes of stroke are high blood
Pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking... just those alone, because their rates are high. Many people have high blood pressure, many people suffer from diabetes, many people have high blood pressure, and if high blood pressure is not detected early, the underlying condition can lead to a stroke.'"
Although health authorities state that this disease is a concern, there are still Rwandans who admit they know nothing about it, with some even referring to it as a newly emerged epidemic because they are hearing about it for the first time.
When Isango Star spoke with some citizens about this disease, one person said: 'Isn't this the one they call swine flu!'
Another added: 'When I hear about stroke, I think it’s a disease caused by worms, or it might be a disease associated with poor hygiene.'
'If stroke is a new and emerging disease, then it’s really alarming. It’s like an epidemic, in short. Since I haven't contracted it and it hasn't yet reached the country, I feel like I don't know it.'
He said: "It’s nothing other than awareness... everyone will be asking, 'Can high blood pressure really cause a stroke? Can diabetes cause a stroke? Can it even lead to death? How can I prevent it? How should I take my medication? What should I do?' Then they will know."
Non-communicable diseases, including stroke, were the leading cause of death in Rwanda, accounting for 46% of deaths in 2023. Statistics from the World Health Organization show that globally, 15 million people suffer from stroke each year, with 5 million of them dying and another 5 million being left with permanent disabilities.
Written by Donatha UWAJENEZA; Yassini TUYISHIMIRE.
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