Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases at the Grassroots in Rwanda

In Rwanda, a silent epidemic is growing. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)—such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer—are claiming lives, reducing productivity, and straining our health system. These conditions account for nearly 44% of all deaths in the country, according to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre.

At Health Promotion Organization Rwanda (HPO), we are determined to reverse this trend through early detection, prevention, and community-centered education.

What Are NCDs and Why Do They Matter?

NCDs are medical conditions that are not caused by infectious agents. Unlike communicable diseases, they are often the result of poor lifestyle choices, genetic predisposition, or environmental factors. Common NCDs include:

• Hypertension
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Overweight and Obesity
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases
• Cancers

Left unchecked, these conditions lead to long-term disability, emotional distress, and preventable deaths. But there’s hope.

Our Grassroots Strategy: Prevention is Power

At HPO, we believe that prevention begins with awareness and ends with action. Our NCDs Program operates across Rwanda, with a particular focus on underserved communities.

Here’s how we’re making a difference:

1. Community-Based Screenings

We organize regular health screening events for blood pressure, blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), and other key indicators.

These campaigns often detect early-stage conditions before symptoms even appear.

“I didn’t know I had high blood sugar until I attended the screening at my local market. HPO helped me get care in time.” — Mariya, 42, Nyagatare District

2. Nutrition as Prevention

We promote local, affordable, and accessible dietary practices through workshops and cooking demos. Participants learn about:

• Balanced diets
• Reducing sugar and salt intake
• Avoiding ultra-processed foods

3. Physical Activity and Fitness Campaigns

We empower communities to embrace fitness through fun runs, weekend walks, and aerobic events—especially targeting youth and elders.

4. Training of Health Workers and Volunteers

We equip health professionals and volunteers with up-to-date knowledge on how to detect and manage NCDs, so they become long-term changemakers in their own communities.

5. Public Education through Schools and Radio

Our NCD education modules are integrated in school health clubs and broadcast through local radio, reaching even the most remote populations.

Partnerships That Scale Impact

HPO collaborates with government bodies such as Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), local health facilities, and NGOs to coordinate national-level responses to the NCD crisis. We also align with SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being – to ensure our efforts are globally accountable.

Your Role in This Movement

Are you a teacher, local leader, or healthcare provider? You can integrate NCD education in your activities. Are you a young person? Join our community runs or become an ambassador for healthy living.

📩 Contact Program Manager Jean Nepomuscene Uwurukundo at nepouwurukundo@gmail.comor call +250786412351 to bring an NCD prevention event to your area.

Together, let’s move Rwanda towards a healthier, longer, and stronger life.

References:

• Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) 2024 Annual Report on NCDs
• World Health Organization. Non-communicable diseases country profiles, Rwanda 2022
• HPO Internal NCDs Program Monitoring Data (2023–2025)