Rwanda Faces Rising Malaria Cases, Urges Action Against Mosquito Breeding

Malaria cases are on the rise in Rwanda. The Ministry of Health says this is due to growing mosquito populations and resistance to treatment. Mosquitoes are also biting people before they enter homes treated with insecticides.

Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, the Minister of Health, pointed out that some districts are seeing more cases. Gasabo, Kicukiro, Bugesera, Gisagara, and Nyamagabe have been particularly affected.

"Malaria cases have increased in these areas," Dr. Nsanzimana said. "Mosquitoes are now biting earlier, even before people enter their insecticide-treated homes."

Malaria is a serious illness. Symptoms include high fever, headaches, joint pain, and sometimes convulsions. If not treated within three days, malaria can be deadly.

Despite the use of insecticide-treated nets, mosquitoes have adapted. They now feed earlier, causing a rise in cases even in areas where people take precautions.

One key problem is the increase in mosquito breeding sites. Stagnant water in containers around homes creates perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

"Even a bottle cap with water can hold up to 2,000 mosquitoes," Dr. Nsanzimana warned. "We need to clear these breeding grounds around our homes."

The Ministry of Health is urging people to take action. Remove all containers that hold water. Cut back bushes and clean up areas that could attract mosquitoes. These steps are vital in the fight against malaria.

People who feel sick should seek medical help immediately. Malaria is treatable, and new treatments are being introduced to prevent drug resistance. The Ministry of Health is also empowering community health workers with more tools to fight malaria.

Around the world, malaria cases have risen. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported an increase from 232 million cases in 2019 to 247 million in 2021. Deaths also went up, from 400,000 to 619,000.

But in Rwanda, malaria cases have decreased. Efforts over the past six years have reduced malaria by nearly 90%. In 2016, there were 4.8 million malaria cases. By 2022, that number dropped to 998,000.

The female Anopheles mosquito, which spreads malaria, breeds in standing water. To keep malaria under control, it’s crucial to remove water containers and stagnant water near homes.

When an infected mosquito bites a person, it feeds on blood to nourish its eggs. The eggs develop in places with stagnant water, like puddles or ponds. After 10 to 14 days, the mosquito can spread the malaria parasite to other people.

If the parasite enters the human body, it travels to the liver. From there, it enters the bloodstream and infects red blood cells, causing malaria symptoms.

The Ministry of Health urges everyone to sleep under insecticide-treated nets and remove mosquito breeding sites from around their homes. Early action can prevent the spread of malaria, which is treatable but can be deadly without treatment.

Rwanda has made significant progress in the fight against malaria. But for these efforts to continue, everyone needs to work together to eliminate breeding sites and protect themselves from mosquitoes.