Residents of Rwimiyaga in Nyagatare District are grappling with a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with 1,023 cases reported in a single month, according to local health officials.
The rise in infections is attributed to several factors, including a lack of medical equipment and medication, individual rather than couple approaches to treatment, and the long distances residents must travel to reach Bugaragara and Matimba health centers.
Gonorrhea and trichomoniasis are the most prevalent STIs in the area, and health officials are particularly concerned about the high infection rates among the youth.
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Jean Marie Vianney Gahamanyi, who oversees the Rwimiyaga Health Post, told The New Times, "From May to date, I have received over 1,000 patients seeking treatment for STIs, mainly gonorrhea in men and trichomoniasis in women. However, the fact that they do not come as couples increases the risk of transmission. Many go untreated due to the lack of necessary equipment here. There is an urgent need for official support to prevent further spread of STIs in the community."
Gahamanyi stressed the importance of educating the community on safe sex practices to curb the spread of STIs. He urged couples to protect themselves, noting that unprotected sex not only leads to STIs but also poses a risk of contracting incurable HIV/AIDS.
At the Rwimiyaga health post, a 19-year-old resident, who wished to remain anonymous, sought treatment for trichomoniasis. She expressed fear of telling her boyfriend about the infection.
"I haven&039;t told him; it has been four days since I felt itching in my private parts. The doctor advised me to go to Bugaragara Health Center and inform my boyfriend to get medication, but I'm scared to approach him." She left the health post feeling overwhelmed, aware that both her health and relationship were at risk.
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Traveling to Bugaragara or Matimba health centers involves a long journey, deterring many residents from seeking timely treatment. This long distance often results in delayed healthcare access and treatment for many individuals with STIs.
Jean Paul Ndengeyimana, a resident of Rwimiyaga Cell, said, "Many people here are infected, including my two friends, but treatment is challenging because the health center is far, transportation is costly, and it costs Rwf 3,000, which some people cannot afford. I suggest our health center be equipped with more medicine and staff; currently, only two workers serve many patients."
Juliet Mureketete, the Nyagatare District vice mayor in charge of social affairs emphasised ongoing efforts to educate the population about preventing STIs and HIV/AIDS.
"We are working with doctors and partners to encourage testing and distribution of condoms, and conducting campaigns to raise awareness on HIV prevention. We encourage our residents to practice safe sex using condoms. We believe these efforts will help reduce new infections and STI cases."
According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre's (RBC) HIV/AIDS Annual Report for 2022-2023, managing STIs is crucial in the fight against HIV and hepatitis B, as they share similar transmission modes. Rwanda has adopted systematic screening for all visitors to health facilities to meet the unmet need for STI-related services, often hindered by cultural barriers and stigma.
Five syndromes have been adopted by the WHO for oral screening, physical examination, treatment, and reporting. From July 2022 to June 2023, over four million people were screened for STIs, with 224,460 (5.3%) showing one or more STI signs or symptoms. The Western province recorded the highest number of screened individuals (1,151,305), while the City of Kigali had the lowest number (415,603) but the highest positivity rate (9.7%).
The WHO reports that over one million people contract STIs daily, underscoring the need for better prevention and treatment measures.