Visually impaired persons in Rwanda’s Southern Province are calling for the white cane, a crucial mobility tool in their daily lives, to be included in the country’s community-based health insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Santé) to ease accessibility and affordability.

They say that the white cane is not currently recognized as a medical or assistive device covered under health insurance, creating a major obstacle that limits their ability to move freely, work, and participate in community life. “The white cane is our eyes. When you have it, you gain independence and confidence to walk and work. But the challenge is that it’s too expensive, and most of us cannot afford it,”
said Marie Nyirabayovu, a visually impaired resident of Nyanza District.

Visually impaired citizens say that although the white cane is essential for safe mobility, access remains limited most can only obtain it through donations from NGOs or disability organizations, and even then, the supply is inadequate. “Sometimes we wait for years for a donation. Many remain without a cane, which increases their risk of accidents or keeps them confined at home,”
said Emmanuel Nteziyaremye, a resident of Huye District.
 

The cost of a white cane ranges between $35 and $45 (over 50,000 Rwandan Francs), a price too high for most visually impaired people who often lack stable income or employment.

They are therefore urging the government to integrate the white cane into the Mutuelle de Santé scheme, just like other assistive devices provided for people with physical or hearing impairments.

According to Mugisha Jacques, Executive Director of the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), some progress has been made in efforts to make the white cane more accessible. “Currently, the white cane is imported tax-free. That’s a significant achievement. We are also in talks with the Ministry of Health (MINISANTE) to make sure these canes are available in district pharmacies, so they are closer to those who need them,”
Mugisha said.

He added that the ultimate goal is for the white cane to be listed among assistive medical devices, allowing beneficiaries to obtain it through public health insurance or other government-supported schemes.

The White Cane: A Tool for Life, Not a Luxury

Beneficiaries emphasize that the white cane should not be viewed as an optional item but rather as an essential mobility aid for independent living. “Without my white cane, I cannot move freely. I can’t cross a road or even reach government offices. Lacking it is like having eyes that don’t see,”
explained Béatha Uwase, a visually impaired woman from Ruhango District.

They are calling on the government, health agencies, and disability organizations to make the white cane a basic right, rather than a gift offered only occasionally through charity programs.

Health Ministry’s Perspective

An official from the Ministry of Health (MINISANTE), who requested anonymity, told Radio Salus that the government acknowledges the concern and is working toward inclusive health planning. “We are exploring ways to make assistive devices like the white cane more accessible. However, this requires coordinated planning and budgeting across several sectors,”
the official explained.

Rwanda’s Broader Efforts Toward Disability Inclusion

Over the past decade, Rwanda has implemented multiple policies to support people with disabilities, including the establishment of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and partnerships with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) to expand access to healthcare services.

These initiatives aim to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities in health, education, and employment.
Disability rights advocates say that including the white cane in the national health insurance package would be a major milestone toward a fully inclusive Rwanda.

As of now, visually impaired individuals in Rwanda continue to advocate for the recognition of the white cane as a vital health-related device, eligible for coverage under the Mutuelle de Santé.

Both the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) and the Ministry of Health express optimism, with ongoing discussions to distribute white canes through district pharmacies and potentially include them in insurance-supported programs.

While the journey toward full inclusion continues, these efforts mark an important step in protecting lives, promoting equality, and empowering the visually impaired community across Rwanda.
Source: https://www.topafricanews.com/2025/11/10/visually-impaired-in-southern-rwanda-urge-health-insurance-to-cover-white-cane/