When young patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes step into the clinic in Kigali, Rwanda, they often arrive with heavy hearts and a dim outlook on their futures. Under the compassionate guidance of Dr. Aime Manzi, a passionate physician who faced similar battles in his own childhood, these children learn that their journey is just beginning—not ending.

Dr. Manzi, who himself was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age, understands the deep-rooted fears and misconceptions that his young patients face. “Seeing a child walk into my office feeling hopeless, and then watching them leave filled with hope is what makes my work fulfilling,” he says emphatically.

Many of his young patients come from backgrounds where ignorance and stigma surrounding diabetes still prevail. Some have faced misdiagnoses, while others have endured rejection by peers and family members who wrongly believe that diabetes is contagious or a dire punishment from God. Such experiences are heartbreakingly familiar to Dr. Manzi, who at just 27, is both a dedicated doctor and a resilient survivor of his own diabetes journey.

The Challenges of a Misunderstood Disease

Dr. Manzi's own diagnosis came at the age of 11. Initially, he was mistakenly treated for diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, common afflictions in Rwanda. By the time he collapsed one day doing chores, it took the urgent care of a family member to get him to a hospital in Kigali, where he finally received the correct diagnosis: type 1 diabetes.

His parents were left in disbelief that their son would have this lifelong condition. “They thought that managing diabetes was too costly and believed it stemmed from poor dietary choices, namely too much sugar," he recalls. They feared wasting money on a child perceived as hopeless and believed focusing on healthier siblings would be a better investment.

The impact of stigma extended beyond his home; at school, the community’s misconceptions led to isolation. “I lost all of my friends. Parents didn’t want their kids to play with me,” Dr. Manzi remembers sadly.

A Transformative Camp Experience

A pivotal moment arrived when Dr. Manzi was invited to an overnight camp organized by the Rwanda Diabetes Association. Here, he encountered other children with diabetes leading joyful lives and thriving academically. Their resilience ignited a fire within him. “I realized that they were okay with their diagnosis, that they could live fulfilling lives," he recalls.

Returning home with renewed determination, he begged his parents to let him continue his education: “Trust me, let me go back to school,” he urged them.

Dr. Manzi soon began volunteering with the Rwanda Diabetes Association, helping newly diagnosed children recognize that their diabetes diagnosis didn't define their futures. “We need to change the narrative," he asserts, passionately advocating for a society that embraces those living with diabetes.

The Spread of Knowledge and Empowerment

As he grew older and progressed through school, Dr. Manzi sought to dispel myths about diabetes. In one memorable instance, he challenged a science teacher's misconceptions that diabetes was solely genetic and life-threatening. This experience ignited his love of science and led him on the path to becoming a physician.

Today, Dr. Manzi treats nearly 500 children at a clinic operated by the Rwanda Diabetes Association, which serves about 1,300 patients across the country. He is committed to advocating for his patients and educating their families to understand and support their children's health needs.

Rwanda's healthcare landscape has transformed in recent decades, with significant investments leading to improved facilities. However, many families still struggle to afford essential diabetes management supplies. Dr. Manzi is determined to change this, providing free insulin and monitoring tools to those in need through partnerships like that with Direct Relief's Life for a Child initiative.

An Inspiring Future

Every day, Dr. Manzi interacts with young patients who remind him of his own journey. One recent patient—a 14-year-old boy facing challenges similar to those Dr. Manzi encountered—is struggling with blood sugar management at school, worried about the repercussions of insulin injections. Dr. Manzi works tirelessly with him and his family to find solutions, reminding them that hope exists, and education is invaluable.

“I want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed, just like I did,” Dr. Manzi affirms. His mission is clear: to help children with diabetes live not just manageable but profoundly fulfilling lives—showing them that their diagnosis is just one part of their greater story.

The work Dr. Manzi does not only changes lives; it transforms communities, fosters understanding, and cultivates a new generation of empowered individuals ready to face the world head-on—with their diabetes in tow, but their spirits undaunted.