ERNews

Kevine Umurerwa's routine flu turned into a week-long battle with Influenza A, in late May when the 23-year-old university student got ill, highlighting the rising threat of severe flu strains in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Public warned about increase of influenza-like illnesses Umurerwa came down with what she assumed was a normal flu. But as the days went on, she realised something wasn’t right. Her body felt unusually weak, and her elbow began to ache, a symptom she had never associated with the flu. The exhaustion was so intense that she couldn’t go to work – she operates a cloths store during the day – for an entire week. Alongside the weakness came a persistent cough and pounding headache, making even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. “I did what I always do when the flu hits. I bought Fervex, the medication that’s always worked for me in the past. But this time, it didn’t help. I completed the full dose, hoping I’d feel better, but my condition got worse. The way my symptoms d...

The Ministry of Health has gazetted the third batch of Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) under the Tobacco Control Act, reaffirming the commitment to tobacco control and public health protection. The warnings, which feature approved pictures and pictogrammes, will be required on all tobacco product packaging. These new regulations will come into effect nine months from the date of publication. The intervention aims to increase public awareness of the serious health risks associated with tobacco use, deter tobacco consumption, particularly among the youth, and protect non-smokers and other vulnerable populations from the harms of second-hand smoke. In a statement, the Ministry of Health emphasised the importance of public participation in ensuring the successful implementation of the new regulations. The public has been urged to report instances of non-compliance, actively support awareness campaigns, and advocate for smoke-free environ...

In Rwanda, improper medicine use is contributing to treatment failures, adverse effects, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a persistent concern for public health. The World Health Organization estimates that AMR was linked to nearly five million deaths worldwide in 2019. Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites – to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs. This can make infections harder to treat and increases the risk of complications, such as prolonged illness, higher healthcare costs, and even death In an interview with The New Times, Lazare Ntirenganya, the Division Manager for Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials at Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), explains what rational medicine use entails, the challenges people face, and the steps needed to safeguard public health. The excerpts: What does rational use of medicines mean, and why is it essential in healthcare? According to the World Health Organization...

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated that their focused attention is to ensure that no child would be left unimmunised against polio, saying polio vaccine is safe and effective. This was disclosed on Saturday in Gusau by the Social Policy Specialist and Officer in Charge, UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, Isah Ibrahim, during the flag-off ceremony for the June 2025 Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign held at the Gusau Emir’s Palace, Zamfara State. The UNICEF social policy specialist explained that through united efforts, remarkable progress has been made in the fight against polio. “However, we must acknowledge that significant challenges remain, demanding our immediate and focused attention to ensure that no child is left behind,” he stated. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional leadership of Zamfara State leaders for unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of our children. Your steadfast...

By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah Tema, June 14, GNA — Mr Wisdom Aditse, Head of the Tema Metropolitan Environmental Health Department, has cautioned the public against purchasing and consuming food exposed to contamination. Mr Aditse urged residents to be more vigilant about where and how their food is prepared and sold, noting that many food vendors continue to disregard basic hygiene standards, putting the health of consumers at risk. He gave the advice during a sensitisation programme for stakeholders on the Mpox, and cholera outbreaks organised by the Tema Metro Health Directorate. He explained that while some food vendors try to maintain hygiene, a significant number fail to follow the rules and regulations set by the Environmental Health Department, which has made law enforcement challenging. He said the department regularly inspects food vending sites in Tema, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic such as markets, lorry stations, and busy street...

An Iowa hospital is working to improve postpartum care and reduce maternal mortality for new mothers through a new program. Ottumwa Regional Health Center says its Special Delivery Program prioritizes early intervention and raises awareness about what postpartum complications women can experience. These complications can occur days or even months after delivery, something the hospital says the program wants to change by empowering women to advocate for their health and alert doctors about recent deliveries. Before they leave the hospital, women will receive educational tools and a wristband that they wear for six weeks. According to the release, the wristband is a discreet visual cue to help healthcare providers identify postpartum patients and decrease the risk of misdiagnosis. The program also encourages families, friends and others around the new mother to ask them how they feel and if they have any health concerns. The hospital says the time after a new delivery is c...

People with measles, a highly contagious disease, are traveling on airplanes, raising concerns about the spread of the respiratory virus as global cases rise and summer travel season gets underway in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that people can get infected with measles during travel or at crowded events, unless they are fully vaccinated or have had the disease. “Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings, including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events,” the CDC said in its updated advisory Tuesday. For those planning summer travel or going to concerts, getting vaccinated is the best way to stay safe, the CDC and health-care experts say. “If you’re fully vaccinated against measles, this is not something I think you have to put on your worry list this summer,” said Jennifer Nuzzo , t...

People with measles, a highly contagious disease, are traveling on airplanes, raising concerns about the spread of the respiratory virus as global cases rise and summer travel season gets underway in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that people can get infected with measles during travel or at crowded events, unless they are fully vaccinated or have had the disease. “Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings, including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events,” the CDC said in its updated advisory Tuesday. For those planning summer travel or going to concerts, getting vaccinated is the best way to stay safe, the CDC and health-care experts say. “If you’re fully vaccinated against measles, this is not something I think you have to put on your worry list this summer,” said Jennifer Nuzzo , t...