In partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Public Service as well as the Rwanda Social Security Board and Rwanda Private Sector Federation the Ministry of Health has launched a wellness program in Rwandan workplaces. The event marked the celebrations of the the World Occupational Safety and Health Day on May 25 at Intare Conference Arena.

The wellness program at workplace comes to improve employee health, boost employee productivity, reduce healthcare costs and scale up employee retention among other factors.

It will entail NCDs and Mental health screening exercise at workplaces as the diseases are among the riskiest among employees’ sections, health education and awareness raising on NCDs, mental health and the risk factors as well as ensuring the implementation of applicable policies and laws advocating for a safety workforce are put in place.

According to the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, leaders have the primary responsibility to work on the policy and framework part, providing a conducive workplace environment that would promote a healthy lifestyle.

“As policy makers, we have to go and change our policies, and implement conducive guidelines spearheading the promotion of wellness at the workplace so as to ensure a healthy society from all angles,” he noted.

He also made a rallying call for the prioritization of individual wellbeing through integrating physical exercise in daily life, eating nutritious foods, having regular health check-ups, and adopting a healthy lifestyle to enhance productivity.

On her side, commenting on the program, the Minister of Public Service and Labour, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, she urged people not to consider it as just a program, but a way of living.

She believes the program will create a work environment that encourages healthier lifestyles and fosters a productive culture as it is equipped with tools and opportunities that should make it easier to adopt and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

“Specifically, the program aims at creating awareness, encouraging employees to take charge of their own wellness and be more conscious of how the choices they make can influence their physical, mental and social wellbeing”.

The most prevalent conditions linked to the working environment and lifestyles are related to Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health as well.

Globally 71% of deaths are attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and 15 million of the 41 million deaths attributed to NCDs are premature deaths that occur in people within the productive ages between 30 to 69 years.

In Rwanda, NCDs account for 44% of all deaths and most of the deaths occur before the age of 69 years.