The leadership of Kirehe District reports that there is a notable number of residents suffering from mental health problems caused by various factors, including drug abuse, family conflicts, and the lasting effects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. However, the number of people seeking medical treatment for these conditions remains very low.
Kirehe District has an estimated population of about 470,000 people. According to research by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), 22% of Rwandans suffer from mental health disorders meaning one in five adults and one in seven young people face mental health issues.
Yet, there is still a significant gap between those who have mental health problems and those who actually seek medical care. If 22% of Kirehe residents have mental health issues, it means that over 100,000 people are affected, but only about 2,000 are currently receiving medical follow-up.
Several reasons explain why many people with mental health problems do not seek treatment. Some are unaware of their condition, while others know but feel ashamed to seek help, fearing social stigma. In addition, mental health services are still limited and underdeveloped despite the growing need.
Despite these challenges, ongoing initiatives aim to remove barriers and ensure that people with mental health problems receive the care they need. The non-profit organization Ubuntu Center for Peace has trained over 7,000 “peace builders,” who identify people showing unusual behavior that might be linked to mental illness, approach them, and offer counseling to help them recover.
Many of those supported by these peace builders have since recovered from long-term mental health challenges and report significant improvements in their wellbeing.
Kumbuka Liliane, a resident of Mahama Sector, Saruhembe Cell, shared: “I couldn’t socialize or dance with others. I had inner pain and anxiety. We practiced breathing exercises, and by the fourth day, I managed to do it. Now I can dance and interact freely without shame. I even reconciled with someone I had been in conflict with for six years. After the training, I called and forgave them, and now we live peacefully.”
Habineza Jean de Dieu, from Mpanga Sector, said: “I grew up unhappy because I didn’t live with my parents. I carried emotional wounds, struggled in school, lost self-confidence, and often felt suicidal. After joining group sessions on life skills, I was able to overcome my depression and change my life.”
According to Dr. Niyonzima Jean Bosco, Director of Ubuntu Center for Peace in Rwanda, mental health problems often lead to other physical illnesses such as chronic headaches, back pain, and chest pain. These can cause family conflicts or even push individuals toward drug abuse and suicide.
In an interview with AGACIRO PRESS, Dr. Niyonzima explained: “We teach people resilience—how to know themselves and find their place in society. This approach has shown great results. Many who had trauma and depression have healed, and some even recovered from physical illnesses such as chronic headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, and asthma.”
Rangira Bruno, Mayor of Kirehe District, confirmed that many residents with mental health issues still hesitate to seek treatment. He emphasized that awareness campaigns and counseling programs are ongoing to encourage affected individuals to consult medical professionals.
“In Kirehe District, the number of people receiving mental health treatment is still very low compared to those in need. We are therefore focusing on awareness, counseling, and healing sessions to help our residents recover.”
National statistics show that in Rwanda, depression affects 11.9%, anxiety 8.1%, post-traumatic stress disorder 3.6%, severe mental disorders 1.3%, socially disruptive behavior 0.8%, and suicidal tendencies 0.5% of the population.
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