The Insight Corner Hub: Is There an Alcoholism Disaster in Rwanda?

 

The Current Situation

Alcoholism is becoming a significant concern in Rwanda, particularly among the youth. Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that there is a 7% prevalence of alcohol use disorder and a 2.5% prevalence of alcohol dependence in the country². This issue is not only affecting individuals' daily lives but also posing a considerable burden on society².

Impact on Youth

The situation is even more alarming among the youth. Alcohol consumption is affecting their education and overall well-being². A recent survey by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) revealed that alcohol consumption in the country has increased from 41% in 2013 to 48% in 2022⁴. This increase is particularly concerning as it indicates a growing trend of alcohol abuse among young people.

The Massive Campaign Against Alcoholism

In response to this escalating issue, the Rwandan government has launched a national movement against alcoholism, especially targeting the youth⁶. The campaign, dubbed "TunyweLess" (Let's Drink Less in Kiswahili), aims to reach out to people through various means, including social and traditional media, urging them to either stop drinking or drink less⁶.

Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana has been actively involved in the campaign, warning young drinkers about the dangers of alcohol⁴. The campaign's first promotional video features Dr. Nsanzimana in a bar, talking to people about how alcohol can ruin their lives and lead to various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease⁴.

Trends in Cases of Alcoholism

The trends in cases of alcoholism are worrying. The frequency of alcohol consumption was found to be higher in men (61.9%) than in women (34.3%), with a significant difference⁴. Among the provinces, the Western province had the highest rate of heavy alcohol drinking⁴.

Furthermore, Rwanda's major referral neuropsychiatric hospital, Ndera, has seen an increase in alcohol abuse-related mental cases, especially among people within the 18 to 35-year age bracket [10].

Read also: Rwanda's Adoption of Drink Less (TunyweLess): A New Approach to Alcohol Control

Conclusion

While it's too early to label the situation as a disaster, the increasing trend of alcoholism, particularly among the youth, is indeed a cause for concern. The Rwandan government's proactive approach towards tackling this issue is commendable. However, it will require sustained efforts and comprehensive strategies to effectively curb this growing problem and ensure the well-being of its population.

References:

(1) Rwanda: Tackle Alcohol as Obstacle to Development. https://movendi.ngo/news/2019/05/04/rwanda-tackle-alcohol-as-obstacle-to-development/.

(2) TUNYWE LESS: Curbing the rise in alcohol consumption among the youth. https://www.moh.gov.rw/news-detail/tunywe-less-curbing-the-rise-in-alcohol-consumption-among-young-people-in-rwanda.

(3) Rwanda launches national campaign against alcoholism among youth - APAnews. https://apanews.net/2023/07/10/rwanda-launches-national-campaign-against-alcoholism-among-youth/.

(4) Rwanda's mental hospital raises alarm over rise in cases of alcohol .... https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/rwanda-today/news/rwanda-s-mental-hospital-raises-alarm-over-rise-in-cases-of-alcohol-abuse-1358032.

(5) Alcohol Rwanda 2019 country profile - World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/alcohol-rwa-2019.

(6) Experts warn against excessive alcohol consumption in Rwanda. https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/151888/News/experts-warn-against-excessive-alcohol-consumption-in-rwanda.

(7) INFLUENTIAL FACTORS OF ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTH IN Final .... https://www.rwandagirlguides.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Publication/Annual_report/2020_AUG_10_AGR_Final_Study_Report_Final.pdf.

(8) Rwanda launches national campaign against alcoholism among youth. https://apanews.net/rwanda-launches-national-campaign-against-alcoholism-among-youth/.

(9) (Hello Africa) Rwanda launches campaign to tackle rising alcohol use .... https://english.news.cn/20230721/535d9b5748ea4f749ede0c54464bb473/c.html.

(10) Feature: Rwanda launches campaign to tackle rising alcohol ... - 新华网. https://english.news.cn/20230721/84fb28ea27184ceaa3604ba6cf87d6a5/c.html.

(11) undefined. https://www.moh.gov.rw/privacy-policy.

(12) undefined. https://www.moh.gov.rw/.