GICUMBI - Imbuto Foundation is committed to fighting malaria infection in Rwanda.

The Foundation’s head of the Health Unit, Gustave Ngiriyandemye, made the announcement during the launch of the National Africa Healthy lifestyles Day at Gicumbi stadium, yesterday.

The event was organised in partnership with the ministries of Education, Foreign Affairs and Rwanda Schools Sports Federation (FRSS).

The function drew Gicumbi primary and secondary school teachers, students and youth sports clubs.

"Imbuto Foundation, under the leadership of the First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, is committed to eradicating malaria among the youth through sport because they are the strength of the nation, needed for Rwanda’s future development,” said Ngiriyandemye.

He called on the youth to pass on the anti-malaria messages to their families by sensitizing them to sleep under treated mosquito nets.

"In addition, you should endeavour to keep the environment in your homes clean so as to prevent mosquito breeding grounds,” he added.

The Director General in the Ministry of Education, Erasme Rwanamiza, advised the youth to desist from drug abuse.

"It is important that you keep your bodies healthy to succeed in your careers- a healthy mind needs a healthy body,” Rwenamiza said..

The chairman of FRSS, Fr. Innocent Gatete explained that the campaign to stem malaria among the youth was adopted during the African Union executive council in 2008.
Gatete observed that malaria and drug abuse related diseases, pose a serious challenge to the health sector in Africa.

During the event, a football match was played between APAPEB High school girls and their teachers.
The girls won 3-1.

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