BTC through the programme “Ubuzima Burambye” is funding Rwanda’s national campaign against drug abuse. This activity led by the Mental Health Division of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) involves various stakeholders such as the Ministry of Youth and ICT, Ministry of Education, Rwanda National Police, National Youth Council, NGOs including association of Girl Guides and associations of ex drug users.

Drug abuse in Rwanda

Jeanne D’Arc Dusabeyezu who is in charge of drug abuse prevention and treatment within the Mental Health Division at the RBC exposes the situation in the country: “a recently conducted study by the Ministry of Youth and ICT shows that 52.5% of the youth aged between 14 and 35 years old has consumed one or more substances at least once in their lifetime. Moreover, the age of substance use initiation is on average 11 years old. Due to regular drug use, one young man or woman out of thirteen (7.46 %) is alcohol dependent, one young man or woman out of twenty (4.88%) suffers from nicotine dependence and one young man or woman out of forty (2.54%) is cannabis dependent”.

This situation is putting pressure on health care facilities. At Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital, the number patients with alcohol and drug-induced mental illness has seriously increased in the last few years from 440 in 2009 to 2804 in 2016. It is clear that without sound actions, Rwanda will face an increasing number of drug addictions. This could become a serious public health issue and an important barrier to development.

National anti-drug abuse campaign

In line with the prevention and treatment of mental disorders, the Mental Health Division of RBC and the inter-ministerial committee responsible for fighting against illicit use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, supported by BTC Rwanda is conducting a national campaign of awareness and sensitization against drug abuse.

“We took the opportunity of the spirit surrounding the international day to fight against drug abuse traditionally held on June 26 to mobilize people. There are lots of fake messages such as “Taking drugs will make you stronger and solve your problems”. We have realized how important it is to reach out to the youth with clear messages about their health and the danger of drugs. They also need to know that if they suffer from psychological or mental health problems they have opportunities to consult and be assisted. Taking drugs should never be seen as an option. This is what the campaign is all about” concludes Jean D’Arc Dusabeyezu.

The campaign was officially launched on June 22nd in Kirehe district and extended to Huye, Nyarugenge, Gicumbi & Rubavu districts which are at high risk of drug use and drug trafficking particularly those on borders. The campaign will last until December and will be countrywide. Drug use awareness is integrated within a global package of sensitisation on health issues conducted by the RBC & MoH.