In Kigali, Rwanda, customers at hair salons are increasingly concerned about the risk of respiratory infections spreading when barbers cut hair without masks. Many are calling for regular health checks for barbers, suggesting that health authorities should screen them at least once every three months. This move aims to mitigate the risk of infection transmission in salons.
The concern is heightened by the presence of children in salons, as their immune systems are not yet strong. Mukanzaramba, a resident of Kimisagara, expressed worry that a barber with an infectious illness could put children at risk, especially those already vulnerable to flu or other illnesses like tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a disease that can spread through the air, and a cough lasting two weeks or more is a reason to seek medical advice and testing.
Some barbers in Kigali have expressed mixed views on the proposed regular screenings. Manzi, a barber in Kimisagara, said no customer or employer had raised the issue with him, while Byiringiro Ismaël, another barber, stated he would attend screening if required. Byiringiro suggested that information could be shared through community meetings or umuganda, adding that if a barber has flu, they should wear a mask.
Customers in Kigali often choose salons based on cleanliness and maintenance. Mukiza Junior, a clothes seller at Kimisagara Market, said seeing a barber cough repeatedly could make him leave. He expects salons to be well-organized and clean, and worries about getting infected if a barber appears to have a respiratory problem.
A motorcycle taxi operator emphasized that basic precautions are essential, even if a cough alone cannot reveal what illness someone has. He suggested that someone who is coughing a lot should wear a mask, and salons should keep their windows and doors open. However, he noted that it can be difficult to take such precautions during rainy weather.
Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing its tuberculosis rate, from 238 per 100,000 people in 2000 to about 62 cases per 100,000 in 2024, according to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. The centre says this is the lowest rate in East Africa, and deaths from TB have also decreased substantially. In the 2024/2025 financial year, Rwanda recorded 8,196 TB patients, with about 90 per cent of patients treated for ordinary TB completing their treatment successfully.
The Ministry of Health and community health workers have played a crucial role in encouraging people with persistent coughs to seek testing. The Ministry of Health reported that community health workers referred 27.2 per cent of all identified TB patients for screening, and TB treatment is provided free of charge. Despite these efforts, concerns about barber health and customer safety in salons continue to grow.
Key points
- Customers in Kigali are demanding regular health checks for barbers to mitigate the risk of respiratory infection transmission in hair salons.
- Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing its tuberculosis rate, but concerns about barber health and customer safety in salons persist.
- The Ministry of Health and community health workers are working to encourage people with persistent coughs to seek testing and providing free TB treatment.
