Imagine suddenly losing the ability to talk, see well, or even move, your whole world changing in seconds because of a stroke. Hospital bills rise, work becomes impossible, and if you’re self-employed, everything you’ve worked for, your money, business, or property can disappear.
Beyond the physical struggle, many survivors face stigma and emotional battles, all caused by a condition that is often preventable.
On September 7, 2020, Faustin Ndayishimiye, who worked as a Data Manager at a health centre in Kirehe District, traveled to Nyamata, Bugesera District for a training session. That week was exhausting.
“I was handling too much work. I needed to compile and submit data for HIV patients, maternal and child health, and general reports. The system used nationwide was slow, deadlines were tight,” he said. “I hardly slept for almost a week, attending training by day and working on reports at night.”
On the morning of September 11, as he brushed his teeth, something felt off.
“The toothbrush slipped from my hand, my speech became weak, and one leg suddenly felt like it had no strength,” he said.
He knocked on the door for help, and fortunately, a cleaner nearby noticed him and called others who assisted him in getting dressed and taking him to the training venue.
Even though nurses were attending the training, none recognized he was having a stroke.
“One nurse assumed I was drunk and laughed, thinking I had been drinking early,” Ndayishimiye said. “It hurt because I couldn’t speak clearly to explain what was happening.”
He was later taken to Nyamata Hospital, transferred to Rwanda Military Hospital, and then to CHUK.
“I cried like a baby when I realized I couldn’t move my arm,” he said.
After a month in Kigali, he was moved to Gahini District Hospital so treatment could continue near home.
“Just transport cost around Rwf 20,000 per trip. It wiped out my savings,” he said. “After six months, I tried returning to work, but I was too weak. Eventually, I was dismissed.”
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anny Salama Murekatete, from Nyamirambo Sector in Nyarugenge District, experienced a stroke while caring for her six-month-old baby. She remained in a coma for three months.
