Nyarugenge: GT Foundation Stands with Diabetes Patients on World Diabetes Day
The commemoration took place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Muhima District Hospital in Nyarugenge. Hospital leadership, in collaboration with GT Foundation, used the occasion to educate patients on the dangers of diabetes while reassuring them that the disease can be well managed when medical guidance is followed consistently.
Fabrice Rukundo, a 25-year-old young man who was diagnosed with diabetes in 2018 while still in primary school at age 12, shared his experience. He recalled collapsing and being rushed to hospital, noting that accepting the diagnosis was difficult, especially at such a young age. However, with the support of his parents and siblings, he slowly adapted.
“Given how young I was, accepting it wasn’t easy. But because I had supportive parents and siblings—and being a child who was very social—other children accepted me as well and protected me from any stigma,” he said.
Rukundo, who joined GT Foundation’s activities in 2020, expressed pride in being part of the organization. Beyond advocacy and medication support, he said meeting peers living with diabetes strengthened him emotionally because he realized he was not alone.
Another patient, Jean Damascène Uzabakiriho from Gacurabwenge, Kamonyi District, also shared his journey. Diagnosed at 14, he now stands on one leg after the other was amputated due to severe complications. His ordeal began in 2005 when he developed a severe wound on his left foot. He sought treatment everywhere, including traditional healers—mainly because he lacked financial means, and community-based health insurance had not yet been established. It was not until 2016 that doctors confirmed diabetes as the underlying cause of his persistent illness and recommended amputation to save his life.
Uzabakiriho praised GT Foundation for assisting him since 2020, especially in securing medication.
“They help advocate for us so we can get free medication, and even provide transport for those of us from far away. Thanks to their advocacy, we receive fast medical attention without long queues,” he noted.
Five Years of Partnership with Muhima Hospital
Dr. Steven Mugisha, Director General of Muhima Hospital, said this marks five years of partnership with GT Foundation. He emphasized the foundation’s vital role in supporting diabetes patients through continuous follow-up.
“Every year, they help us mark World Diabetes Day, and they also support us in providing advice, helping patients obtain insurance, and assisting those with limited means to access necessary medication,” he explained.
He added that the hospital identifies vulnerable patients under its care and works with the foundation to ensure they receive the support they need.
A Mother’s Experience Inspires a Lifeline for Patients
Mutesi Tracey Trada, a Rwandan living in the United Kingdom, founded the Geraldine Trada Foundation after her own child was diagnosed with diabetes. She recounted visiting Rwanda with her child and meeting local children living with the disease, which inspired her to take action.
Mutesi noted that although the government strives to ensure access to medication, many patients still struggle due to financial constraints—leading some to give up on treatment.
“While the government works hard to make medication accessible, challenges remain—like transport fees for hospital visits, dietary needs, and inability to afford health insurance. We try to bridge this gap, even though our resources are limited,” she said.
The foundation began its activities in 2019 and recently received official authorization to operate in Rwanda. It now has members from 15 families across the country.
Research indicates that 50% of diabetes patients lack sufficient understanding of the disease. Health officials continue to urge Rwandans—especially those above 35—to undergo screening at least once a year. According to a study by Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), prevalence stood at 2.9% in 2012 but declined by 3.1% in 2021.
WHO Raises Alarm Over Rapid Surge in Diabetes Cases in Africa
On Friday, November 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about the alarming rise of diabetes across Africa. The organization reported that 24 million Africans aged 20–79 are currently living with diabetes. Without urgent intervention, the number could soar to 60 million by 2050.
WHO noted that the rising trend poses a significant threat to individuals and health systems due to diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, hypertension, kidney disease, nerve damage, and premature death.
Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, attributed the surge to poor dietary habits and limited access to early diagnosis and treatment. He called on African governments to invest more in health systems and strengthen preventive and early screening services.
He also urged Africans to prioritize physical exercise, healthy diets, and adherence to medication for those already diagnosed.
WHO highlighted Ghana and Uganda as among the countries currently making notable progress in implementing comprehensive diabetes care services.
Meanwhile, health authorities worldwide continue to warn that diabetes cases are rising at an unprecedented rate, calling for stronger collaboration between public health institutions and communities to combat the growing threat.
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