The Health Minister of Rwanda, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, delivered a crucial health warning via the X platform [formerly Twitter] on June 9, 2025. He urged vigilance as diseases linked to climate changes are predicted to escalate. Noting the ongoing transition from the rainy season to the dry season, he emphasized, "We are currently transitioning from the rainy season to the dry season; there is an increase in diseases linked to changes in climate conditions."
Dr. Nsanzimana specifically pointed out the increase in respiratory illnesses such as the flu caused by the influenza virus and Covid-19. He advocated for enhanced personal hygiene and proactive infection prevention measures. Additionally, he highlighted the growing concerns around malaria, stating, "Let’s work together to fight mosquitoes and get tested in a timely manner."
Addressing malaria risks in detail, Dr. Nsanzimana explained, "Wherever you see stagnant water containing small black organisms referred to as mosquito larvae, know that mosquitoes are just days away from being able to fly. Remove this stagnant water; it is where mosquitoes lay eggs and multiply, leading to more cases of malaria."
This health advisory comes just days after Covid-19 returned to global headlines. Despite being over five years since the pandemic began, the emergence of a new variant has caused concern. The strain, named NB.1.8.1, has been identified in the UK and other countries like Northern Ireland and Wales.
Currently, NB.1.8.1 accounts for approximately 10% of global Covid-19 infections, sparking attention for its ability to spread rapidly. While the variant does not appear to cause more severe symptoms, health experts warn about its faster cell infiltration, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Covid-19 variants have continued mutating rapidly, with the current strain notably efficient in spreading among individuals.
As the dry season sets in, Minister Dr. Nsanzimana has called on Rwandans to strengthen preventative measures to mitigate the spread of diseases like Covid-19 and malaria.