SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE — A total of 60 secondary school teachers drawn from different schools in the south and Western Province, last week underwent training in preventing different diseases.

The training which was organized by Rwanda Health Communication Centre attracted teachers from the districts of Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Nyanza, Gisagara and Huye.

It was the last of its kind for secondary school teachers, according to organizers. The training equipped participants with knowledge of prevention and mode of transmission of diseases including HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other health related issues as family planning. 

Addressing the teachers last Friday, Sylvia Isimbi, of Rwanda Health Communication Centre, said: "This training mainly targeted journalists and teachers. We are convinced that if we equip these categories of people with the necessary knowledge of different health issues, they will influence many other people in their communities given the nature of their work.”

According to Isimbi, over 800 people have so far benefited from such training.

"Many of these people are considered as opinion leaders in their communities. They will in most cases be believed in whatever they say.

So it is important to give them the necessary health information if they are going to positively impact their communities,” added Isimbi.

"Knowledge about a disease is important for prevention, early treatment and proper treatment to prevent drug resistance which may lead to cases like chronic tuberculosis,” said Isimbi.

Participants were asked to use every available opportunity to pass on information on health related issues, and encourage residents pay for health insurance scheme (Mutuelle de sante).

The Health programme that runs in 10 districts countrywide has also so far benefited 100 journalists of different media outlets.

Students in anti-HIV/AIDS clubs in schools have also been given vital health information from the centre. The training is normally facilitated by experts from organisations like Save the Children, Intra-Health/Twubakane, Ministry of Health, Hospitals, TRAC and the National anti- Malaria programme.

According to the 2005 Health demographic survey, HIV prevalence in Rwanda stood at 3 percent, while 60 percent of HIV patients are diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis annual risk stands at 2 percent, according to the World Health Organisation.

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