In the peaceful areas of Masaka, kids run, giggle, and enjoy themselves under the bright afternoon sun. For most, these are typical moments ...
In the peaceful areas of Masaka, kids run, giggle, and enjoy themselves under the bright afternoon sun. For most, these are typical moments of childhood. However, for some, life comes with an unseen challenge. Eleven-year-old Brian Shema Ingabire, a student in the sixth grade, has become adept at dealing with the world while living with type 1 diabetes.
Every day starts with checking his blood sugar and determining his insulin dosage. Every meal, every activity involves a thoughtful process that most children find hard to comprehend.
Shema recalls the time he first found out about his illness clearly. "I had no idea what diabetes was. I was frightened at first, but the doctors and the camp helped me learn how to cope with it," he says softly. His tone reflects the peace of someone who has encountered fear many times but has become more resilient because of it.
After the diagnosis, his father left him and his mother, claiming he wasn't prepared to care for a child with diabetes. However, his mother never gave up, doing everything possible to help Shema accept the lifelong journey.
He is among numerous children whose lives have been influenced by the Geraldine Trada Foundation, a registered organization in Rwanda co-founded by Tracy Mutesi and her daughter Geraldine Trada, who reside in the UK. The foundation originated from a personal tragedy.
Mutesi experienced the loss of her father and two cousins due to diabetes, seeing firsthand the impact it can have on a family. In 2015, when Trada was twelve years old, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which strengthened the family's determination to take action.
Mutesi remembers the initial period with a sharp, painful awareness. "When my father died in 2018, I felt powerless. Shortly before that, my daughter was diagnosed in 2015. She had witnessed my father's suffering and was very scared. It was then that I realized we needed to take significant action, not only for her but also for other families going through similar challenges," she says.
For Trada, who is currently studying for her master's degree in the UK, comprehending her situation was initially daunting. "I had no idea what was happening to me. Looking back, I wish I had been more informed. Meeting other children in hospitals like Muhima showed me that I wasn't alone, and it inspired me to assist others," Trada shares. This marked the start of a journey that would not only change their lives but also impact many others significantly.
A Family confronts diabetes
The foundation's purpose holds significant personal meaning. Mutesi and Trada recognized through their own experiences that managing diabetes goes beyond medication. It involves education, emotional support, and a sense of community.
The group currently manages several initiatives, such as school engagement activities, type 1 diabetes camps for kids and their caregivers, and publicity efforts aimed at prevention via nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle learning.
Olive Mushimiyimana, a 34-year-old individual from Gatsata, recalls her diagnosis at the age of sixteen. "When I first discovered I had diabetes, I was very sad. I didn't understand what it meant to live with this condition. The doctors provided minimal information, and I felt completely isolated," she says. "Thanks to these initiatives, I've learned how to control my eating habits and keep track of my health. It has brought me hope and resilience."
Mukamazimpaka Alivera, a nurse affiliated with the Rwanda Diabetes Association, actively participates in the organization's camps and activities. She states that the programs cater to children, young people, and adults, making sure that all individuals with diabetes get the necessary advice and assistance.
"Kids achieve the most when they observe people similar to themselves. During the camp, they gain useful guidance, emotional encouragement, and the understanding that they aren't by themselves. This is essential for their future well-being," Mukamazimpaka states.
Tips for managing diabetes
Last Friday, on World Diabetes Day, Trada and Mutesi returned to Rwanda to organize a two-day camp in Rabagirana, Masaka. The event gathered children and young individuals with diabetes. Attendees learned how to check their blood sugar levels, safely use insulin, and engage in physical exercise. Sessions also focused on diet, nutrition, and building mental strength.
Regarding Shema, the camp was a life-changing experience. "Now I understand how to manage my insulin and maintain good health. I can play with my friends, exercise, and live like other kids. The camp made me feel empowered," he says.
Mukamazimpaka highlights that emotional support is equally important as medical advice. "For kids and teenagers, diabetes can be lonely. The camp helps them connect with others, exchange stories, and realize that handling the condition is achievable. They depart with self-assurance and optimism, which is priceless."
In addition to promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and informing the public
Mutesi highlights that education serves as a fundamental component of the foundation. Numerous individuals incorrectly assume that diabetes results exclusively from consuming excessive sugar. This misconception frequently leads to discrimination, especially among children.
"Education holds the key. We guide families and children on how to lead a fulfilling life with the condition, and we offer effective methods to handle it," she explains.
On Sunday, the foundation collaborated with Gasabo District to host a car-free day at the University of Kigali in Gisozi. The occasion featured a fun run, group sports events, and diabetes health checks.
Participants such as Turikunkiko Rwema, who is 31 years old, appreciated the chance to assess their health and understand how daily habits can help avoid illness. "Physical activity benefits both the body and mind," she mentions. "The program showed me how to remain healthy and look after myself, which I plan to keep doing."
Narratives of hardship and perseverance
Not every account from the camp is solely about hope. Jean Damaschee Uzabakiriho, 39, found out he had type 2 diabetes in 2000 and has dealt with its consequences ever since. He had his leg amputated in 2015 and now uses a cane and a prosthetic.
His wife, Beatrice Nyirashimiyimana, 37, is facing rapidly advancing vitiligo, a skin disorder that has led to both physical and emotional challenges.
Uzabakiriho describes the everyday difficulties. "I need assistance in maintaining regular treatment. The foundation has played a key role in linking us to resources and support. It is not only about medication; it is about direction and optimism," he states.
Nyirashimiyimana also mentions that the condition impacts more than just health; it influences all areas of daily living. "It restricts what I can accomplish. I sometimes feel powerless, but being aware that assistance is accessible makes a significant difference," she states.
The narratives of Uzabakiriho and Mushimiyimana highlight a larger truth: diabetes in Rwanda is more than just a health issue, it also represents a social and economic concern.
Numerous patients encounter challenges such as expensive treatments, dietary limitations, and insufficient availability of specialized medical care. Initiatives like the Geraldine Trada Foundation help bridge these gaps by offering information, support, and a network of assistance.
Effect on kids and households
Mukamazimpaka highlights the significance of early identification and ongoing learning. "Children require direction not only for their own benefit but also for their families. Parents should grasp how to assist their children, and kids need to be encouraged to make well-informed decisions. The foundation makes this information available," she states.
By means of camps and community initiatives, kids develop a feeling of control. They acquire knowledge on how to track their health, give insulin properly, and recognize the effects of not taking action. The organization also offers chances for interaction with peers, enabling children to feel less alone and more strong.
A blueprint for tomorrow
Trada highlights that the battle against diabetes goes beyond just treatment, focusing also on prevention and community education. "Our goal is for every child with diabetes in Rwanda to feel strong and encouraged. Awareness, early identification, and teaching healthy habits are essential. No one should believe that diabetes defines their identity," she states.
Mutesi emphasizes the foundation's long-term objective: to stop type 2 diabetes by means of lifestyle education, encouraging healthy eating habits and consistent exercise. She views children as drivers of change, impacting their families and broader communities.
"Education serves as the base for prevention. When children learn about healthy practices, they can share this information with their parents and brothers and sisters," she explains.
The foundation's influence can be seen in Shema's eyes, in Mushimiyimana's self-assurance, and in the appreciation of families such as the Uzabakiriho family. It is a tale of perseverance, kindness, and the ability to convert personal loss into group efforts.
From Loss to leadership
The path of Mutesi and Trada highlights the remarkable impact a single family can have when sorrow is turned into a mission. They have established initiatives that uplift children, inform communities, and assist families dealing with the challenges of diabetes.
The sound of children's laughter at the Rabagirana camp serves as a vivid example of their efforts. For a short time, needles and sugar monitors are set aside, making way for fun, companionship, and education.
As the kids departed the camp having acquired new abilities, optimism, and a feeling of inclusion, thanks to Mutesi and Trada, they were given the opportunity to develop into resilient, knowledgeable, and encouraged individuals.
Why timely identification is crucial
Alphonse Ntirenganya, the nurse overseeing non-communicable diseases at Kagugu Health Centre, shared his thoughts on the effect of the screening event held during the car-free day in Gisozi.
He showed contentment that "many individuals stepped forward who would not have undergone a test under normal circumstances." As he stated, the free screening provided an essential opportunity: "Some of those tested had never before checked their blood sugar. Early identification offers them a better chance."
He also highlighted the importance of ongoing care, pointing out that screening is merely the initial stage in the process of diabetes management. If individuals identified as high risk are not properly connected to healthcare services, they might be overlooked.
Recent statistics highlight the critical need for these initiatives. Based on the most recent NCDs STEPS survey, the rate of elevated fasting blood glucose (or current treatment for high glucose) in Rwanda is approximately 3 percent, with the City of Kigali exhibiting significantly higher figures.
Projections are even more concerning: a particular model predicts that the rate of type 2 diabetes could climb to 22.6 percent by 2025, compared to only 2.8 percent in 2015.
These numbers point to an escalating public health concern that requires ongoing preventive measures along with enhanced treatment options.
Observing World Diabetes Day is therefore more than just symbolic. It serves as a crucial opportunity for learning, promoting awareness, and conducting screenings. In Rwanda, this year's national initiative, titled "Live Well, Prevent Diabetes: Get Screened," highlights the significance of routine check-ups and making healthier choices.
By implementing these efforts, the Ministry of Health, along with collaborators like the Rwanda NCD Alliance, aim to access marginalized populations, promote early detection, and minimize issues that arise from unaddressed diabetes.
In addition to increasing awareness, the day provides a chance to address stigma. Some Rwandans still have incorrect beliefs about diabetes, such as thinking it is always connected to consuming excessive sugar or that it only affects the rich.
Mutesi and Trada's efforts in public education, particularly with children, strongly correspond to the goals of WDD: to increase awareness, manage diabetes effectively, and reduce stigma. Through integrating screening with guidance and peer encouragement, they transform the conversation from one of fear into one of empowerment.
In the end, combating diabetes in Rwanda requires a long-term, cross-sectoral approach. The screening event on car-free day, Alphonse's perspectives, and the foundation's campaigning demonstrate that community-driven initiatives can bring about meaningful change.
However, they also highlight the broader context: increasing incidence, deficiencies in diagnosis, and the necessity for policies and initiatives that promote early identification, awareness, and ongoing care. As WDD emphasizes to the global community, diabetes is not merely an individual illness, but a societal issue that demands a unified approach.
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Tagged: Rwanda, Health and Medicine, Central Africa, East Africa
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