State Minister for Health Urges Gakenke Residents to Avoid Substandard Beverages
On 10 September 2026, the State Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ivan Butera, visited Gakenke District to assess the delivery of health services, with particular focus on the use of E-Health technologies to improve efficiency, accessibility and the quality of healthcare services.
Accompanied by the Mayor of Gakenke District, Mukandayisenga Vestine, and District health officials, Dr. Butera visited Bushoka Health Centre and Nemba District Hospital to assess the use of digital health solutions across different levels of the health system, from community-based services to the district hospital level, while identifying challenges requiring further support.
In Kivuruga Sector, Gasiza Cell, Nturo Village, the delegation also visited a Community Health Worker to assess how digital tools are being used to deliver and monitor health services at the community level.
During a community dialogue in Gakenke Centre, Dr. Butera urged residents to refrain from consuming, selling and distributing substandard beverages, highlighting the risks they pose to public health. Residents were also encouraged to make use of available health services and contribute to the Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) scheme. The message was reinforced through songs and awareness-raising performances by artist Intore Tuyisenge.