Association of Medical Doctors of ASIA, founded in 1984, Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC since 1995
Activities
School Health Check-ups in Rwanda
Publication date:2025-01-21
Since 2015, AMDA has been conducting health examinations at primary schools in Rwanda in collaboration with “Think About Education in Rwanda,” a Japan-based NGO keenly promoting better education for Rwandan children. As of now, a team of medical specialists led by Dr. Safina, who works at a local hospital in Kibilizi, has been taking charge of the health initiative. This time, the team organized school health check-ups between October and December 2024 at four local elementary schools. After seeing a total of 1,297 students, the following medical/health issues were found:
[Cryptorchidism: 15 cases, umbilical hernia: 8 cases, arrhythmia (irregular pulse): 1 case, microcephaly: 1 case, Down syndrome: 1 case, an ophthalmological ailment: 1 case, auricular tumour: 1 case, malnourishment: 20 cases]
As the result shows, cryptorchidism was the most prevalent ailment observed among students in all four schools. Moreover, 20 students who were found to be malnourished were from a school in the impoverished district of Kibilizi.
Symptoms such as cryptorchidism and malnourishment are treatable when appropriate medical attention is given. As for irregular pulse, along with ophthalmological and auricular cases, it is essential that they are referred to proper medical facilities for more specific examinations and care. Similarly, developmental disorders, Down syndrome and microcephaly all require continuous observation and support. Since it takes a certain amount of time in Rwanda for such cases to be referred to specialists, a solid mechanism should be established for the faster coordination.The check-ups provide opportunities for the parents and school teachers to understand the health status of the children as well, thereby enhancing their overall health awareness. In addition, 1) nutritional guidance to prevent malnutrition, and 2) promotional activities for the early detection of cardiac and testicular ailments, are something to be implemented in the course of time.
As the check-ups brought to light the existing medical problems in Rwandan pupils, it is fair to say that the periodic health examinations should be systematized at school. With the aim of promoting the well-being of Rwandan children and reducing their mortality rate, AMDA hopes to continue its efforts in a persistent manner.
- GPSP Medical Mission (Promotion of Health)
- Rwanda
- 2024
- GPSP
