Official Launch in Ruhango
On December 18, 2025, the Bilharzia Storytelling Initiative (BSI) officially launched its program in Ruhango District's Kinazi Sector. The event marked a significant milestone in the organization's mission to combat schistosomiasis through creative storytelling and community engagement. Local leaders, health officials, and community members gathered to celebrate the expansion of BSI's work into one of Rwanda's most affected districts.
A Vision for Eradication
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Eric Niyongira emphasized the importance of community-driven approaches to disease elimination. "Our goal is to eradicate bilharzia not just in Ruhango, but across all of Rwanda," he said. "By reaching schoolchildren through drama, poetry, and games, we are planting the seeds of prevention that will grow with the next generation." The initiative targets primary school students as both beneficiaries and advocates, equipping them with knowledge they carry home to their families.
Partnerships Driving Change
The launch was made possible through partnerships with the Rwanda NGOs Forum, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the END Fund, and local district authorities. These collaborations provide BSI with the institutional support, technical expertise, and community access needed to deliver health education at scale. Together, the partners are working to ensure that every child in Ruhango's schools understands how bilharzia spreads and how to prevent it.
Looking Ahead
With the Ruhango launch complete, BSI now operates across three districts — Bugesera, Gatsibo, and Ruhango — reaching over 11,000 children through health education notebooks, teacher training, inter-school sports, and entertainment events. The organization has set its sights on further expansion, with plans to bring its storytelling approach to additional districts across Rwanda in the coming years.
Originally published on The Forefront Magazine.
Originally published at theforefrontmagazine.com
