Over 8,000 people diagnosed with Tuberculosis in Rwanda in one year

New data from Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) reveals that 8,551 people were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) during the 2023–2024 performance year, highlighting that the disease remains a significant public health concern in the country.

The figures were shared on Monday, March 24, during the commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day, held in Mukarange Sector, Kayonza District, under the theme: "Yes! We Can End TB".

Dr. Habimana Mucyo Yves, Head of the National TB Control Program at RBC, emphasized the seriousness of the issue, saying that this is still a large number and considering that TB is an airborne disease, failing to detect and treat infected individuals early puts others at risk of infection.

Health authorities continue to urge the public to seek medical screening when experiencing signs that may suggest tuberculosis. However, many people still delay seeking proper medical help, sometimes turning to traditional healers instead, believing they have been bewitched.

Justin Gahutu, a resident of Kayonza District, shared his experience of spending an entire year going from one traditional healer to another, believing he had been cursed, only to later discover he was suffering from TB.

His delay in seeking appropriate treatment cost him not only his health but also all eight cows he owned. He said that at his lowest point, he weighed only 27 kilograms.

After finally going to the hospital and starting free treatment, he took medication for five months, recovered fully, and now feels strong again and hopeful about rebuilding his life.

Jeanine Gahongayire, also from Kayonza, suffered a similar experience. She tried various herbal and over-the-counter treatments in vain before being properly diagnosed and treated for TB.

RBC continues to urge the public not to ignore symptoms. Dr. Habimana noted that the most reliable way to eliminate TB is for anyone experiencing signs of the illness to immediately visit the nearest health center for diagnosis and treatment.

He stressed that TB can be cured completely with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, which is available for free.

Delaying treatment also puts others at risk, as TB is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 8.2 million people globally were infected with TB in 2023, and 1.5 million died from it.

In Rwanda, progress has been made in reducing TB cases, with the prevalence rate dropping from 96 per 100,000 people in 2000 to 55 per 100,000 in 2023.

Health authorities maintain that early detection, proper medical care, and public awareness are essential in eliminating tuberculosis from the country.