On December 21, 2025, hundreds of residents in Rwamagana District lined up from early morning at the Catholic Church Rwamagana Paroisse for a free screening event focused on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.
The initiative, organized by the local government in collaboration with partners such as St. Theresa Foundation and St. Theresa Polyclinic, underscores Rwanda’s growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and community-driven health action.
A Personal Story of Discovery
Joseph Bizimana, a resident of Rwamagana District, shared his powerful experience with diabetes during the event.
“I got tested while I was still healthy and discovered I had diabetes without knowing it,” he said.
“Non-communicable diseases are silent killers, but if detected early, they can be managed.”
Bizimana emphasized that the absence of symptoms does not mean absence of disease:
“Having no symptoms doesn’t mean you’re not sick. Get tested, because non-communicable diseases are silent killers.”
“Getting tested is the first step in preventing serious complications from non-communicable diseases like diabetes.” He added
Reflecting on his journey, he noted: “I realized the value of early screening, because diabetes can be well managed if detected early.”
Voices of Commitment and Prevention
Ahayo Marie Anita, CEO and Managing Director of St Thereza foundation Said, speaking at the event, highlighted the broader impact:
“Non-communicable diseases are preventable and manageable when detected early. Today’s screening is an important step toward a healthier and more informed community.”
She further stressed the importance of proactive participation: “By participating in this screening, we are choosing awareness over neglect and prevention over treatment. Good health begins with knowing our status.”
The initiative, she pointed out, demonstrates a national commitment to protecting lives through early detection, education, and collective action against NCDs. Quality care and community response, all screenings were conducted by certified medical professionals adhering to strict Ministry of Health standards, ensuring full confidentiality, dignity, and respect. “This is healthcare done right,” organizers affirmed.
The turnout speaks volumes:
Thousands showed up, proving that when preventive services are accessible, communities eagerly embrace them.
“The message is clear: People want to know their health status,” said one participant.
The event aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2020–2025), which prioritizes scaling up screenings to reduce premature mortality from NCDs.
A Call to Action
Rwamagana’s screening event serves as a powerful reminder that early detection can transform outcomes for conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which are rising across Rwanda and sub-Saharan Africa. By making free, high-quality services available at community hubs like the Catholic church Rwamagana paroisse, local leaders are empowering residents to take control of their health.
As Rwanda continues to expand such initiatives nationwide, the focus remains clear: Prevention saves lives, and community action is key to a healthier future. And here, the proposed activity did not only consist of free screening services for non-communicable diseases, but also included HIV testing and counselling.
Naomi Irakoze Mugaragu.