Partners In Health (PIH)—known locally as ‘Inshuti Mu Buzima’ (IMB)—in partnership with Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) organised a Type 1 diabetes boot camp in Rwamagana on July 13, bringing together 42 patients with the disease, aged between 14 and 20 years, along with cardiovascular patients who had undergone heart surgery.
The first of its kind in Rwanda and Africa, this camp is dedicated to raising awareness about Type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases among young people, providing education and support, and creating a community of empowered individuals who can take control of their health.
The boot camp included educational sessions on nutrition, exercise, medication management, and mental health support. Participants also had the opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals, share their experiences, and learn from each other. For five days, all patients recorded reduced blood sugar levels, highlighting the positive impact of the boot camp.
These young individuals regularly visit the hospital for monthly check-ups. Justin Mbonigaba, a resident of Burera District who has been living with Type 1 diabetes for 12 years, expressed his gratitude for the boot camp.
"It was comforting to know that I am not the only one facing these challenges. The support and knowledge shared during the boot camp have given me a renewed sense of hope and determination to take control of my health,” Mbonigaba said.
He admitted to skipping his insulin medication sometimes due to the emotional toll of managing diabetes alone, but he now understands the importance of consistent treatment.
Dr Pacifique Hagenimana, the director of the non-communicable diseases section at Partners In Health, emphasised the boot camp’s goal of bringing together children with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases to learn from each other’s experiences and support one another in their health journeys.
"By creating a safe and inclusive space for these children to connect and share, the boot camp aimed to empower them to take control of their conditions and make positive lifestyle choices,” Hagenimana said.
He added: "95 per cent of diabetes patients administer their medication without needing health practitioners. Equipping children earlier on with the skills and knowledge they need to manage their health independently will help them lead healthier and more fulfilling lives in the long run.”
The boot camp has also inspired plans for future sessions, expanding the reach to even more children in need of support and guidance. Hagenimana hopes that these initiatives will help reduce the stigma around non-communicable diseases and encourage more young people to prioritise their health and well-being.
Doctors noted that prevention and early intervention are key to maintaining overall health and wellness. If one experiences symptoms such as feeling tired, blurred vision, excessive thirst, unintentional weight loss, and frequent urination, they should seek medical attention and get screened for potential diabetes.
Dr Simon Pierre Niyonsenga, Director of the National Diabetes Program at RBC, said: "Currently, there are 2,500 children with Type 1 diabetes. Bringing children with diabetes together in such a boot camp where they can learn about managing their condition and connect with others facing similar challenges, helps them feel supported to effectively manage their condition and live a healthy life.”
Niyonsenga added that there are over 200,000 adults with diabetes in Rwanda, but only 50 per cent are in the database, which may imply that over 100,000 do not receive proper care and support.
"RBC is working hard to increase awareness, encourage more adults to come forward and get the help they need, reduce the number of undiagnosed cases, and also detect those living with the disease unknowingly through joint campaigns with the Ministry of Local Government and other stakeholders,” he said.
Recommendations to prevent diabetes include not smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a nutritious diet, avoiding sugar and saturated fat, and staying physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
The camp participants walked home with an insulin cooling bag to help them properly store their insulin, a logbook to record daily glycemia, and a glucometer to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. RBC pledged to continue supporting these initiatives and provide ongoing education and resources to help prevent and manage diabetes and heart diseases in the community.
About Partners In Health
Partners In Health (PIH), an international nonprofit organisation, began operations in Rwanda in 2005 to provide high-quality care and universal health services. It has helped the Rwandan government fight HIV, improve maternal and child health, and provide integrated healthcare to nearly a million people in Burera, Kayonza, and Kirehe districts.
The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)— an initiative of Partners In Health led by internationally recognised faculty and staff from around the world—is an independent university that builds on PIH’s three decades of experience in delivering health services to some of the world’s poorest communities.