09/27/2025
Not long ago, Solange Igirimaboko from Rwanda shared the privilege of partnering once again with SMM in the Rwibikonde community. She expressed how the activities carried out this year had contributed to development across different sectors and how honored she felt to be part of this work.
A team of volunteers including local leaders, youth representatives, teachers, and health workers was trained to restore collaboration and improve results. Guided by the theme “Zero in on Zero”, the refresher produced valuable ideas, especially on preventing reinfections of ascariasis and hookworm. One outcome was the commitment to hold regular community hygiene days, inspecting toilets, reinforcing hygiene clubs, and encouraging collective responsibility.
Children were also gathered and reminded about hygiene. Since children often manage many household chores, their behavior plays a vital role. They are becoming key agents of change, a driving force in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.
A f***l test was conducted on 31 randomly selected children, and to the community’s concern, all of them tested positive for ascariasis. They were immediately dewormed, and the results were shared with parents to raise awareness and responsibility. To further protect the most vulnerable, rubber boots were distributed to prevent children from walking barefoot and risking reinfection.
Looking ahead, the program plans to expand education to parents on a larger scale, ensuring that entire households adopt practices that safeguard health.
Through these efforts, the community is not only fighting disease but also building permanent pathways to the Gospel. As it is said, “a good soul rests best in a healthy body.”
We give glory to God for His healing power, to the community for their dedication and making this health outreach possible. Together, lives are being changed, hope is being restored, and the foundation for healthier, stronger families is being laid.
