The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
The 18th International Guide Dog Day was celebrated in Gatsibo District, Kabarore Sector, on Thursday, with the theme “Seeing Beyond Eyes.” The event, organized by local disability groups, saw more than 200 guide dogs handed to people who are blind or visually impaired, providing them with greater independence in daily travel. During the ceremony, Regine Umuhoza, a blind advocate, highlighted the importance of guide dogs. “A guide dog gives us the freedom to move without relying on others,” she said. “But the cost—about 50,000 Rwandan francs—keeps many from acquiring one.” She added that the high price also hampers those who already own a dog and need a replacement. The Rwandan Association of the Blind (RUB), led by President Dr. Mukarwego Nasphole, noted that the high cost is largely due to the dogs being imported. “Because they are not produced locally, many of us cannot afford them,” Nasphole said. “We are continuing advocacy to make them more affordable.” Philipe Ngirente, a spokesperson for the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, expressed optimism about a new partnership with Mituweli, Rwanda’s health insurance scheme. “We are pleased that guide dogs will now be included in Mituweli’s coverage,” Ngirente said. “This should reduce costs and widen access, but we need clear details on when the service will start, the exact price, and where the dogs will be distributed.” The partnership aims to make guide dogs available at lower cost through Mituweli’s reimbursement system. The plan also includes a rollout of up to 800 guide dogs over the next two years in Musanze and Gatsibo districts, targeting the roughly 100,000 people in Rwanda who are blind or visually impaired. The event underscored the need for affordable mobility aids and the role of insurance schemes in supporting people with visual impairments. Article source: Umuseke | Image credit: Umuseke
The 18th International Guide Dog Day was celebrated in Gatsibo District, Kabarore Sector, on Thursday, with the theme “Seeing Beyond Eyes.” The event, organized by local disability groups, saw more than 200 guide dogs handed to people who are blind or visually impaired, providing them with greater independence in daily travel. During the ceremony, Regine Umuhoza, a blind advocate, highlighted the importance of guide dogs. “A guide dog gives us the freedom to move without relying on others,” she said. “But the cost—about 50,000 Rwandan francs—keeps many from acquiring one.” She added that the high price also hampers those who already own a dog and need a replacement. The Rwandan Association of the Blind (RUB), led by President Dr. Mukarwego Nasphole, noted that the high cost is largely due to the dogs being imported. “Because they are not produced locally, many of us cannot afford them,” Nasphole said. “We are continuing advocacy to make them more affordable.” Philipe Ngirente, a spokesperson for the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, expressed optimism about a new partnership with Mituweli, Rwanda’s health insurance scheme. “We are pleased that guide dogs will now be included in Mituweli’s coverage,” Ngirente said. “This should reduce costs and widen access, but we need clear details on when the service will start, the exact price, and where the dogs will be distributed.” The partnership aims to make guide dogs available at lower cost through Mituweli’s reimbursement system. The plan also includes a rollout of up to 800 guide dogs over the next two years in Musanze and Gatsibo districts, targeting the roughly 100,000 people in Rwanda who are blind or visually impaired. The event underscored the need for affordable mobility aids and the role of insurance schemes in supporting people with visual impairments.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
