The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) today conducted a Workplace Wellness training for its staff to strengthen institutional capacity for the effective implementation of the Workplace Wellness Programme and its Operational Plan. 

The training featured specialized sessions on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), highlighting the importance of maintaining safe and healthy workplaces through effective occupational safety measures, Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), emphasizing preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles and psychosocial well-being. Participants also undertook practical First Aid training, equipping them with essential life-saving skills to effectively respond to medical emergencies in the workplace.

During the training, PS Aristarque Ngoga, underscored the importance of investing in employee well-being as a key driver of institutional performance and quality public service delivery. 

"A healthy, safe, and resilient workforce is fundamental to an effective institution. Strengthening workplace wellness enables us to better protect our staff while enhancing our capacity to deliver timely and efficient emergency management services to the people of Rwanda," he said.

The training covered four key areas: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Mental Health, and practical First Aid, facilitated by specialists from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, as well as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), delivered by experts from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour. 

Dr. Evariste NTAGANDA, Head of the Cardiovascular Diseases Department under the Non-Communicable Diseases Division at RBC, emphasized that "workplace wellness goes beyond preventing illness; it is about creating a safe and supportive environment where employees can thrive. Promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening occupational safety, and addressing mental health are essential investments in a productive and resilient workforce."

The training was organized in response to growing workplace health challenges globally and nationally. According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases account for approximately 71% of global deaths, while the International Labour Organization estimates that more than 2.3 million people die annually from work-related injuries and occupational diseases. 

In Rwanda, reported occupational injuries increased from 754 cases in 2017/2018 to 1,467 cases in 2022/2023, according to the Rwanda Social Security Board. Through this initiative, MINEMA reaffirms its commitment to fostering a healthy, safe, and productive working environment while strengthening institutional capacity to effectively implement its Workplace Wellness Programme.