Stronger Together: RDA’s 2025 Mental Health Awareness Triumph

The Rwanda Diabetes Association successfully hosted its 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month event in Kigali, highlighting the importance of integrating mental wellness into diabetes care while launching the Kigali Diabetes Support Group.

On May 24th, 2025, the Rwanda Diabetes Association (RDA) hosted a powerful and impactful Mental Health Awareness Month event under the theme: “Growing Stronger: Diabetes Care Meets Mental Wellness.” Held in Kigali, the event aimed to spotlight the mental health challenges faced by individuals living with diabetes while promoting holistic care that integrates physical, emotional, and social well-being. Introduction Living with diabetes goes beyond managing blood sugar levels. Many individuals face chronic stress, anxiety, diabetes distress, and even depression. Recognizing this dual burden, RDA organized this event to foster awareness, open dialogue, and community support. The day featured: A Diabetes Walk Expert talks by psychologists and diabetes specialists Interactive games and activities Personal testimonies Launch of the Kigali Diabetes Support Group Key Outcomes and Community Impact 1. Strong Community Participation The event welcomed 50 participants, including youth, adults, and caregivers. All attendees actively participated in the walk, discussions, and activities, demonstrating strong community engagement. 2. Educational Impact Through Expert Talks Specialists addressed: Stress and anxiety management Diabetes distress Emotional resilience Sexual and reproductive health concerns linked to diabetes Post-event surveys showed that 85% of participants found the sessions very helpful, gaining practical tools to navigate emotional challenges. 3. Emotional Connection Through Personal Stories Personal testimonies from individuals living with diabetes and caregivers helped reduce stigma and foster open conversations. Many participants reported feeling less isolated and more understood. 4. Launch of the Kigali Diabetes Support Group A major milestone of the event was the official launch of the Kigali Diabetes Support Group, onboarding all 50 attendees as founding members. The first meeting is scheduled for July 2025, focusing on: Peer support Diabetes management education Mental wellness Sexual and reproductive health awareness 5. Strengthened Community Bonds Interactive activities helped build solidarity. Impressively, 100% of participants reported feeling more connected to others facing similar challenges. 6. Amplified Awareness Through Social Media The event reached an estimated 596 people on social media platforms like X, extending awareness beyond the physical event and highlighting the importance of integrated diabetes care across Rwanda. Areas for Improvement and Future Recommendations While the event was a resounding success, RDA identified key opportunities for growth: Expanded free screenings for diabetes, mental health, and sexual health Increased outreach to rural communities through mobile units Youth-focused mental health and resilience workshops Better long-term data tracking to measure impact Integration of nutrition counseling and exercise demonstrations These improvements will help ensure broader and more sustainable impact in future initiatives, including World Diabetes Day 2025. Conclusion The 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month event marked a major step forward in promoting holistic diabetes care in Rwanda. By addressing mental, physical, and sexual health together, RDA continues to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Through expanded outreach, ongoing support groups, and integrated care strategies, the Rwanda Diabetes Association is committed to improving the lives of people living with diabetes across the country. Together, we are growing stronger.