Gatsibo begins sanitation drive

GATSIBO - Gatsibo District has launched a month-long drive to fight against malnutrition. The campaign, according to district officials, comes at a time when lack of hygiene has been cited as being a major problem in families. According to officials in the district, poor hygiene has caused a number of divorce and adultery cases, as well as fueling daily squabbles among families. While launching the campaign in Rwimbogo sector, the district Vice Mayor in charge of social affairs, Esperance Uwimpuhwe, called on residents to support the campaign by maintaining good sanitation. “Rwimbogo sector is third out of 14 sectors with a high rate of malnutrition in the district…it is your efforts that are needed to seek lasting solutions to the problem,” she added. The head of Rwimbogo Health Centre, Anthony Bigirimana, told The Sunday Times that most of the diseases faced by rural population are mainly caused by poor sanitation. “The biggest percentages of patients we receive at the health centre are victims of poor sanitation in their homes. Most of these diseases are caused by lack of access to clean water and many other primary necessities,” Bigirimana said. He wondered how a sector like Rwimbogo, which tops others in cattle keeping, could register cases of malnutrition.. dan.ngabonziza@newtimes.co.rw