KIGALI – Government warns on drinking and driving during the festive season.

The Minister of Health, Jean Damascène Ntawukuliryayo has cautioned Rwandans against over drinking and reckless driving during the festival season, saying they would end up losing their lives.

"People should not think that this is the end of their livelihood. They should avoid accidents,” he said. Ntawukuliryayo said this during a Media-health awards ceremony at Hotel Novotel-Umubano on Friday.

This year, La nouvelle releve, a local news paper was ranked the best in writing health related articles; Radio Rwanda was the best radio, while Theonille Uwizera of La nouvelle releve was the best journalist. The New Times emerged second.

Ntawukuliryayo asked journalists to pass on the message of the season and encourage people to cerebrate their Christmas and New Year in the safest way possible. He acknowledged media’s contribution towards community sensitisation.

He also asked the media to be active in raising awareness on issues like family planning.

"With awareness and change of people’s understanding, Rwandans will move away from unplanned families and the thinking that it is God who caters for the children,”
Ntawukuliryayo said. The country representative of World Health Organization, D.V. Nsue Milang thanked journalists for promoting health. He also said the media gives a chance to the Ministry and the community to assess themselves on what is happening in the society especially on health issues.

Among the guests, was Prof. Laurent Nkusi, the Minister of Information in the Prime Minister’s office. The World Health Organization in collaboration with the Ministry of health awards the best media houses and journalists in writing health-related articles every year.
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