Rwanda: Illicit Alcohol Left Me Blind, Took My Wife's Life - Ruhango Man

What the report says

A man in Rwanda’s Ruhango District says illicit alcohol left him blind and caused the death of his wife and two family friends, according to The New Times, which was distributed by AllAfrica. The report identifies the man as Gaspard Karekezi of Bweramana Sector and says the incident began in February, when the drink was brought home after a visit to a family friend.

The article says Karekezi and his wife, Annonciatha Mukantaganda, drank the brew and that her condition quickly worsened the following day. She later died, and Karekezi said he became ill after attending her burial. He was referred to the University Teaching Hospital of Butare, where doctors treated kidney problems and performed urgent surgery that saved his life, but he later lost his sight.

Hospital officials quoted in the report said they suspect methanol contamination in the alcohol, noting that such poisonings can damage the liver and optic nerve and may be mistaken for a normal hangover at first. An ophthalmologist also warned that delayed treatment can lead to serious eye damage. The report says Ruhango District officials confirmed three deaths linked to the alcohol, and that Rwanda’s health minister had previously said unsafe alcoholic beverages had caused dozens of deaths and other severe health effects this year.

The story also describes the wider social impact on Karekezi, who says he can no longer provide for his five children and depends on help from neighbors.