Food Hygiene Identified as a Major Factor in Preventing Diseases in Rwanda

Food hygiene has been identified as one of the most critical factors in preventing diseases and protecting public health in Rwanda, health authorities have said.

While food is essential for energy and proper nutrition, experts warn that food prepared under poor hygienic conditions can become a major source of disease. Contaminated food and unsafe water continue to contribute to illnesses affecting many Rwandan households.

RBC Links Poor Hygiene to Common Diseases

According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, and other gastrointestinal infections remain widespread. These illnesses are largely linked to poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and improper food handling practices.

Through public awareness campaigns, including the Isuku Hose (Comprehensive Hygiene) program, RBC encourages citizens to treat hygiene as a daily culture rather than a temporary response to illness.

RBC emphasizes that anyone involved in food preparation, whether at home, in schools, restaurants, or during social events, must strictly follow hygiene standards.

Key Food Hygiene Practices Recommended

RBC outlines several essential hygiene measures that should be observed consistently:

• Washing hands with clean water and soap before cooking and eating
• Maintaining personal hygiene and wearing clean clothing
• Cleaning cooking and dining areas thoroughly
• Washing kitchen utensils before and after use
• Cleaning fruits and vegetables with safe water before cooking or eating
• Separating raw food from cooked food
• Covering food to protect it from dirt and insects

Health officials say these simple practices can significantly reduce food- and waterborne diseases across communities.

Health and Economic Impact of Poor Hygiene

A 2025 RBC study shows that poor hygiene in food preparation has serious consequences for public health and national development.

These include increased food- and waterborne diseases, frequent hospital visits for both children and adults, loss of time and money spent on medical treatment, reduced productivity among workers and farmers, and poor growth among children under five years old.

RBC reports that stomach-related illnesses are among the leading causes of hospital visits for children in Rwanda. However, many of these cases are preventable through proper hygiene.

Community Members Share Their Experiences

Uwimana Bonifilida, a mother of four from Uwinkingi Sector, says her family used to suffer frequent stomach illnesses due to poor hygiene practices.

“Before, we cooked carelessly and used water from wherever we found it. We did not wash vegetables properly, and the children fell sick often,” she said.

She explained that after receiving hygiene education from community health workers, her family’s health improved significantly.

“They taught us to wash our hands, cook in clean places, and wash food properly. We have gone a long time without visiting the hospital for stomach diseases. Hygiene has transformed our lives.”

Similarly, Mukamurera Venantie from Karama Sector in Huye District said hygiene should be practiced daily.

“Hygiene is a culture that must begin at home. When food is prepared without cleanliness, you expose yourself and your family to disease,” she said.

She added that community awareness has reduced disease cases.

“People now wash their hands, clean utensils properly, and maintain kitchen gardens. Diseases have greatly decreased.”

Leaders Call for Collective Responsibility

The Mayor of Nyamagabe District, Hildebrand Niyomwungeri, said personal hygiene plays a major role in ensuring food safety.

“When a person maintains personal hygiene, it also helps them keep food clean and safe,” he said.

He urged residents to promote hygiene as a shared responsibility and to support people with disabilities so that everyone can maintain proper and sustainable hygiene practices.

Doctors Warn of Broader Consequences

Dr JMV Kagimbangabo, the Director of Kigeme Hospital, warned that diseases caused by contaminated food affect not only individuals but also the national economy.

“Poor hygiene disrupts household income and national productivity. Many people suffer diarrhea after drinking contaminated water or eating unsafe food,” he said.

He stressed that prevention is possible.

“Everyone should wash their hands before handling food and ensure food is well cooked to prevent infections such as tapeworms, which can even affect the brain.”

Hygiene as a Way of Life

RBC reminds citizens that disease prevention is far less costly than medical treatment. The institution encourages families to use safe water, avoid uncovered food, and seek medical attention early when symptoms appear.

Health indicator reports show that approximately 80 percent of diseases recorded nationwide are linked to poor hygiene and sanitation. In addition, 90 percent of patients seeking medical care suffer from illnesses that could have been prevented through proper hygiene practices.

RBC concludes that when hygiene becomes a way of life, Rwanda moves closer to achieving a healthy, productive population capable of sustainable development.