KIGALI, JUNE 04, 2024: Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, through its branch Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Center, has launched a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program to address the growing problem of opioid use disorders (OUD). This project seeks to introduce the use of Methadone initially, followed by Buprenorphine and Naltrexone as alternative treatments, coupled with psychosocial interventions, to provide comprehensive care for individuals suffering from OUD.

From 2020 to 2022, Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital recorded 4,101 cases of substance use disorders, with 5.6% (223 patients) specifically dealing with OUD (Ndera, 2022). Similarly, Huye Isange Rehabilitation Center reported that 34.3% of its 1,744 patients from 2015 to 2022 had OUD (HIRC, 2022). Additionally, a study by Twahirwa Rwema et al. (2021) highlighted that heroin is the primary drug of choice for 99% of people who inject drugs in Kigali, Rwanda.

Currently, Rwanda lacks medically assisted treatment options for opioids, leading to immense suffering for patients and their families. Those with financial means often seek treatment abroad, leaving the majority without access to essential care. As Rwanda’s neuropsychiatric referral hospital, Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital is committed to addressing this critical gap.

Research indicates that combining medication with therapy can effectively treat substance use disorders and support long-term recovery. MAT has been shown to improve patient survival, increase retention in treatment, reduce criminal activities related to substance use, and enhance employment prospects. Statistics reveal that up to 90% of patients who undergo MAT maintain sobriety for at least two years. This project will provide one year of methadone treatment to the patients enrolled in the pilot phase and research will be carried out to measure the outcomes of methadone maintenance then the result will be considered to improve the clinical practice.

Jean Michel Iyamuremye, the Acting Director of Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Center, who is the initiator of this project said: “This initiative builds on the expertise and knowledge gained during my Humphrey Fellowship, where I specialized in drug abuse education, treatment, and prevention. My final project focused on implementing MAT in Rwanda, specifically at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital. This project represents a continuation of my efforts to achieve this goal and bring effective OUD treatment to Rwanda.”

The project has three phases to be implemented in three years, it will currently concentrate on Phase One, where patients will receive Methadone at Icyizere Center with regular follow-ups. The treatment will involve:

(i) Support Services, which will incorporate counseling, support groups, and other psychosocial interventions; and

(ii) Evaluation of effectiveness of methadone maintenance to provide an evidence-based treatment.

Speaking at the launching event, the Mental Health Division Manager at RBC, Dr Darius Gishoma, congratulated Ndera Hospital for this step and appreciated its contribution in mental health for more than a half century. He also called for more initiatives and solutions to improve the wellbeing of the population.