The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), in partnership with the US Embassy, has initiated a nationwide Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaign aimed at combating malaria, beginning in Nyagatare District, one of the regions most severely affected by the disease.

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Dr. Aimable Mbitiyumuremyi, the Malaria Program Manager at RBC, said that malaria cases in Nyagatare have surged to over 50,000 in the past year, doubling the figures largely due to the region&039;s unique environmental conditions, particularly in areas near border posts.

"Karangazi, Rwempasha, Musheri, and Matimba are the most affected areas, with rice fields, dams, and other mosquito breeding sites accounting for 80 percent of the malaria cases in the district. We are focusing on applying insecticides in these high-risk areas to prevent further mosquito breeding," Dr. Mbitiyumuremyi stated.

"We are collaborating to identify high-risk zones that serve as mosquito breeding grounds and are prioritizing these areas in our efforts. Future initiatives will include providing mosquito nets to children under five years old and pregnant women while continuing the IRS roll-out in high-risk areas."

In 2023, the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) protected over 1.3 million people across three districts in Eastern Province.

During the IRS campaign between August 21 and September 15, Nyagatare achieved a 99.6% spray coverage, Kirehe 99.4%, and Ngoma 99.7%.

More than 7,000 health workers were trained to implement the IRS program.

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U.S. Ambassador Eric Kneedler highlighted the 17-year collaboration between the United States and Rwanda in combating malaria, which has led to an 85% reduction in reported cases in Nyagatare alone, significantly improving the health and well-being of its residents. He noted that since 2017, $300 million has been invested in this ongoing battle against the disease, and the U.S. will continue to support Rwanda’s efforts.

The IRS initiative is part of Rwanda&039;s broader strategy to tackle malaria, which has resulted in a steady decline in cases over recent years. The IRS program involves spraying long-lasting insecticides on the interior walls of homes, killing mosquitoes upon contact with treated surfaces.

Besides IRS, other achievements towards eradicating malaria in 2023 included renovating the existing entomology laboratory, creating a data entry system and an analysis platform, among others.

RBC commended health workers whose dedication and hard work have significantly diagnosed and treated malaria effectively. In Nyagatare, figures indicate that 16,988 people received home based malaria treatment.

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Martha Niyitegeka, a health worker in Karangazi Sector, noted that despite community education efforts, heavy rains in 2023 created ideal mosquito breeding conditions, leading to an increase in malaria cases.

"The strong rains last year resulted in stagnant water near roadsides, creating perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Leaders are now focusing on improving drainage systems and distributing mosquito nets to protect residents, while health workers continue to educate the community about malaria prevention," she said.

Residents expressed concerns over the rising prices of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and limited availability, which have contributed to their reduced purchasing. There is a call for lower prices to increase net uptake.

Nyagatare District Mayor Stephen Gasana acknowledged that the rise in malaria cases is linked to the area's unique risk factors, particularly those near wetlands and the national park.

"We are conducting awareness campaigns to remind residents to clear bushes around their homes, use mosquito nets, and adopt other preventive measures," he said.

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Last year, Karangazi Sector alone accounted for 41% of Nyagatare's malaria cases, with 9,667 patients treated, including 231 who were hospitalized. Musheri reported 3,121 cases, Matimba 2,756, Rwimiyaga 1,854, Rwempasha 1,364, and Nyagatare town 1,309, with 350 requiring admission in hospital this year. There were 88 severe cases, including one fatality.

This year, the indoor residual spray effort is focused on high-risk areas across the country, aiming to further reduce malaria incidence and enhance public health. The campaign is expected to cover 160,000 households in Nyagatare.