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Direct Relief delivers pediatric HIV medicine to Rwanda amid HIV aid disruptions

Mugisha R. John — 2026-06-02T10:12:28Z

Direct Relief has delivered a shipment of pediatric HIV medicine to Rwanda's Ministry of Health to help prevent treatment interruptions among children affected by medication stockouts.

The shipment included pediatric dolutegravir, an antiretroviral drug used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV in adults and children. The medication was donated by ViiV Healthcare, a pharmaceutical company focused on HIV treatment research and development.

While Direct Relief has long supported HIV care through programs targeting opportunistic infections, including the Diflucan Partnership Program, it has historically provided limited antiretroviral medicines, a category largely funded through government-supported initiatives.

Pediatric dolutegravir has improved treatment options for young children living with HIV, who have traditionally faced fewer child-friendly formulations, more complex dosing requirements and medications that were harder for caregivers to administer consistently. The drug is taken once daily, is generally well tolerated and has a high barrier to drug resistance.

The donation comes as HIV programs across Africa face uncertainty following changes to U.S. foreign aid funding. Since 2003, the United States has been the largest funder of HIV treatment programs in the region through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR.

In January 2025, the U.S. government froze most foreign aid programs, including PEPFAR, although some HIV services were later allowed to continue under a waiver. UNAIDS has reported treatment interruptions, medicine stockouts and disruptions to community health programs that support adherence in several countries.

The donated medicine is intended for children who lost access to treatment because of stockouts.

“If a patient goes a month without treatment, that can lead to resistance, and if you bring that same treatment back, it may be less effective because the virus can mutate,” said Dr. Jeffrey Samuel, Direct Relief's regional director for Africa.

Samuel said Direct Relief is prepared to work with pharmaceutical partners and local organizations to help maintain treatment access if funding gaps continue to affect HIV programs.

New Rwanda Initiative Targets Early Treatment for Children With Orthopedic Disabilities

Mugisha R. John — 2026-05-03T11:08:17Z

A new initiative aimed at improving care for children with bone and joint disabilities has been launched through a partnership between Rilima Hospital (ROSH, Ste Marie) and the Christian organization Christian Blind Mission (CBM-Rwanda).

The two-year project, titled “Promoting child-centered orthopedic and rehabilitation care to ensure early intervention, recovery, and long-term functional outcomes,” will operate in the districts of Bugesera, Kicukiro and Gicumbi. It was officially launched on April 29, 2026, at Rilima Hospital.

Eugenie Mukantagwera, CBM's representative in Rwanda, said the Germany-based organization focuses on supporting people with disabilities especially children through health care, education and social welfare programs. She added that CBM also helps parents form savings groups to better support their children's needs.

“This is our first collaboration with Rilima Hospital,” she said. “We want to strengthen existing services and ensure that care for children with disabilities extends beyond hospitals into communities, working closely with government and health systems so that beneficiaries can truly access the services they need.”

Local authorities welcomed the initiative, saying it will help identify children with disabilities and connect them to appropriate care while ensuring long-term follow-up.

Rebecca Karungi, head of health in Kicukiro District, said the project will make it easier to track affected children and support families in maintaining their well-being.

“We will work closely with parents to ensure these children grow up healthy and are able to contribute to the country's development,” she said.

Father Donatien Twizeyumuremyi, director of Caritas Kigali and a member of the hospital's health committee, said the project fills an important gap by focusing not only on treatment but also on prevention and post-treatment follow-up.

“In the past, we treated patients but had limited involvement in preventing disabilities or monitoring patients after discharge,” he said. “This project strengthens what we have been doing and adds much-needed continuity of care.”

Dr. Albert Tuyishime from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) said the initiative complements existing national efforts to support children with disabilities, emphasizing that they have the same rights to health and development as any other child.

“A key priority is identifying these children early, with the help of community health workers, and ensuring they receive care at the appropriate level—from local clinics to specialized facilities,” he said. “By linking families, communities and hospitals, this project will help us reach more children faster and provide timely support.”

He added that caring for children with disabilities requires a collective effort, starting with families, to ensure they can lead full lives, including playing, learning and participating in everyday activities.

Swiss generics maker Sandoz signs deal with Rwandan government

Administrator — 2026-04-16T12:22:10Z

Sandoz has signed an agreement with the Rwandan government for the direct supply of essential medicines, including antibiotics and cancer drugs.

In addition to Rwanda, the supply is intended to include selected African partner countries and could be expanded in the future.

The agreement with the Rwandan government, which initially covers about 60 products, is a first step toward a sustainable regional procurement model for affordable, high-quality medicines, Simon Goeller, Chief Transformation and Growth Officer at Sandoz, is quoted as saying in the press release.

The additional quantities will be supplied from the Kundl plant in Austria, the company announced on Wednesday.

Sandoz said medicines supplied under the deal will be produced in Austria, at one of Europe's last major antibiotic manufacturing hubs. The company believes the partnership could serve as a model for a more sustainable system of procuring affordable medicines across Africa.

Simon Goeller, Chief Transformation and Growth Officer at Sandoz, described the agreement as a “first step” toward building a long-term regional supply system that ensures patients can access the medicines they need without disruptions.

“It is good news for Rwanda and for Africa,” Goeller was quoted as saying in a statement by the company.

“Securing additional volumes for this important region is great progress, but we still need urgent and similar action from EU governments to ensure the sustainability of this unique European asset, which is critical to Europe's long-term autonomy and resilience.”

The Minister of Health, Sabin Nsanzimana, said Rwanda is among the few countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that reimburse cancer treatment through its public health system, while continuing to prioritise the fight against infectious diseases.

“This partnership reflects our efforts to work with established biosimilar and generic manufacturers to expand access to quality, affordable cancer care and essential antibiotic therapies,” he said.

“Through this agreement, Rwanda aims to support improved access to treatment for patients within Rwanda and across the African Union.”

The agreement builds on the 2025 Alpbach Communiqué, a global initiative aimed at securing reliable antibiotic supply chains from Europe to other regions, including Africa.

Rwanda was among the countries that supported the initiative and is also home to the African Medicines Agency, further reinforcing its role in advancing access to medicines on the continent.

China Donates Medical Equipment Worth Rwf30 Million to Masaka Hospital

Mugisha R. John — 2026-04-11T10:01:26Z

The Chinese Embassy in Rwanda has donated medical equipment worth 30 million Rwandan francs to Masaka Hospital in Kicukiro District to support surgical care.

The equipment, handed over April 10, 2026, includes a modern hospital bed, surgical lights and other supplies intended to improve operating room capacity.

Dr. Oreste Tuganeyezu, director general for general health services at the Ministry of Health, said the donation reflects ongoing cooperation between Rwanda and China in the health sector.

“This support builds on existing partnerships, including assistance in constructing CHUK and the deployment of medical doctors,” he said, noting that about 18 Chinese doctors are currently working in Rwanda, some at Masaka Hospital and others at Kibungo Hospital.

Tuganeyezu said the new equipment will help strengthen surgical services and improve the quality of care delivered to patients.

Masaka Hospital Director Dr. Hanyurwimfura Jean Damascene said the donation highlights 14 years of collaboration with China, including annual medical team deployments.

“The equipment we received today complements what we already have and will help us provide better services to the community while supporting both Rwandan and Chinese doctors,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi said the donation underscores the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

“This is part of our continued contribution to strengthening health services and improving people's well-being,” he said.

Rwanda and China have maintained diplomatic relations for about 40 years. China sends medical teams to Rwanda annually, with the current group marking the 26th team, which has collectively treated more than 5,000 patients.

Lawmakers push for greater mental health support amid rising cases

Administrator — 2026-03-26T17:20:22Z

Parliament held talks with Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva on Thursday, focusing on citizen-centered policies, with particular attention to mental health.

Lawmakers raised concerns about the increasing prevalence of mental illness in the country and pressed the government on measures to support affected individuals.

Sen. Marie Rose Mureshyankwano said, “This issue of mental illness is worrying; you may even find people here who are affected.”

Some deputies highlighted the need for programs to support secondary school students, both in boarding schools and those studying from home.

A recent report from the National Commission for Human Rights noted overcrowding in mental health facilities. Visits to Caraes-Huye, Icyizere-Kicukiro, Caraes Ndera in Gasabo, and Isange Rehab found that while overcrowding in Gasabo has decreased, Caraes Butare remains above 145% capacity.

The 2023-2024 report also revealed that some patients travel long distances for treatment and, in some cases, stop seeking care entirely. Statistics show the number of people with mental disorders in Rwanda has grown from 35,000 in 2017 to 50,000 in 2025.

Prime Minister Nsengiyumva said the challenges stem from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as well as alcohol and drug abuse.

To address the issue, the government has introduced school counseling programs, expanded mental health services in health centers, and plans to increase the number of specialized professionals in the field.

Rwanda to host Africa blood transfusion conference in 2028 after 12-year gap

Administrator — 2026-03-26T07:43:54Z

Rwanda will host a major continental conference on blood transfusion and related medical services in 2028, organizers said, marking the country's return as host after more than a decade.

The event will be held in partnership with the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT), according to an announcement made during the organization's 12th conference underway in Namibia from March 21–26, 2026.

Rwanda is represented at the meeting by Dr. Muyombo Thomas of the Rwanda National Center for Blood Transfusion (RCBT-Kigali), who told participants how the country uses drones to deliver blood to patients in need, particularly in remote areas.

The biennial conference brings together global experts in transfusion medicine, as well as professionals from blood centers across Africa and specialized healthcare providers.

The 2028 gathering will be the 13th edition of the conference. Rwanda last hosted the event in 2016.

Founded in 1997 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, AfSBT works to strengthen blood transfusion services and related systems across African countries.

Rwanda has made significant gains in blood donation and supply in recent years, supported by growing public awareness. In 2024, the country collected 84,383 units of blood, meeting 99.72% of hospital demand, according to official data.

Figures from the Rwanda Biomedical Center show that O-positive blood accounted for the largest share, with 40,291 units collected, or 47.75% of the total. Other blood types included 20,007 units of A-positive, 15,137 units of B-positive and 3,393 units of AB-positive.

Less common blood types included 3,431 units of O-negative, 1,124 units of A-negative, 831 units of B-negative and 169 units of AB-negative, the least collected at 0.2%.

A total of 58,688 donors contributed to the blood supply, including 16,366 women, or 27.89%, and 42,322 men, or 72.11%, the data showed.

RICA warns public against freshly slaughtered chicken

Administrator — 2026-03-23T14:31:24Z

Rwanda's Inspection, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) has warned the public against consuming freshly slaughtered chicken, saying it may not meet required safety standards.

Dr. Gaspard Simbarikure, a RICA official responsible for hygiene, quality inspection and quarantine of animal products, said the common practice of slaughtering chickens on demand for immediate consumption should be discouraged.

“People are used to having chickens slaughtered in front of them, but this needs to change,” he said.

Simbarikure said meat should be kept under regulated cold storage for at least 24 hours after slaughter to ensure safety and quality.

He urged consumers to confirm that meat has been inspected by a certified veterinarian and to request proof of inspection before purchase.

Benitha Niyogisubizo, a meat inspector at a slaughterhouse in Burera District, said meat processed at approved facilities undergoes proper hygiene and quality checks before being supplied to the market. She encouraged households and businesses to use authorized slaughterhouses.

Demand for chicken is rising in Rwanda as consumers seek more affordable alternatives to beef.

New health services lead to higher mutuelle de santé contributions

Administrator — 2026-03-21T13:53:26Z

Rwanda has increased contributions for its community-based health insurance program, Mutuelle de Santé, after adding costly new medical services, Health Minister Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin said.

Speaking on March 19 to the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender, and Family Affairs, Dr. Nsanzimana explained that the newly added services which were previously fully funded by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), would increase costs by at least 21 billion Rwandan francs annually.

Launched 25 years ago, Mutuelle de Santé aims to provide universal access to healthcare. Membership fees started at 1,000 Frw, rose to 3,000 Frw in 2011, and are now adjusted by income: the lowest-income group is fully subsidized, while others pay 3,000 to 20,000 Frw per year. RSSB estimates that 90% of members will pay between 4,000 and 8,000 Frw.

The expanded coverage includes cancer treatment, kidney care, joint replacements, orthopedic and spinal surgeries, assistive devices for disabilities, hearing support, and eye care.

“Last year, Mutuelle spent 98 billion Frw, with members contributing 31 billion Frw, or about 34% of the total,” Dr. Nsanzimana said. He added that MINALOC and RSSB are correcting errors in assigning members to the proper payment tiers, aiming for completion by July 2026.

The minister emphasized that, despite the higher fees, costs remain reasonable compared to the services now provided. For example, kidney dialysis, previously limited to 18 sessions per patient, can now be fully covered, along with other expensive treatments.

Lawmakers welcomed the changes but urged the Health Ministry to clearly communicate the reasons for the new contributions and address potential issues, including medicine shortages and treatment delays.

The new contributions will be collected and implemented beginning July 2026.

Rwanda Plans School-Based Health Clinics, Expands Nursing Education

Administrator — 2026-03-19T17:30:05Z

Health Minister, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, announced plans to establish basic health clinics in schools across the country to improve student health services.

Speaking to the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender, and Family Affairs, Dr. Nsanzimana emphasized the importance of providing on-site medical support for students. “We want schools to have basic clinics.

In some cases, there are facilities, but no trained personnel. Children can get injured while playing or contract contagious or mental health-related illnesses. Certain services are essential to have in schools,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the need for small clinics in crowded public spaces such as bus stations and markets, to provide care for injuries or other health issues that may arise.

Dr. Nsanzimana further outlined the government's plan to increase the number of high school-trained nurses to over 3,000 by 2029. These graduates are expected to strengthen the health sector and improve service delivery across hospitals and clinics. “The nursing program in secondary schools will help increase the workforce where nurses are highly needed,” he said.

The ministry has been implementing a program to quadruple the number of healthcare workers in Rwanda, which has already shown results across various health sectors. Since the reintroduction of secondary school-level nursing programs, many institutions have requested approval to offer the courses.

By 2028, the government aims to have 3,000 high school-trained nurses. “We chose to teach nursing at secondary school because nurses are in high demand. They are essential in health centers and schools, especially if schools are to have basic clinics,” Dr. Nsanzimana explained.

He added that increasing the number of trained nurses will ensure that health facilities and schools have sufficient staff to meet growing demand, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Rwanda Introduces New HPV Vaccine, Gardasil 9, to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Administrator — 2026-03-09T17:28:30Z

Rwanda has begun administering a new vaccine, Gardasil 9, to protect against human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause cervical cancer and other cancers of the reproductive organs.

The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) said the vaccine is currently being rolled out in Gicumbi, Karongi, Kayonza, and Nyarugenge districts. Gardasil 9 protects against nine types of HPV, including the four most common strains — 6, 11, 16, and 18 — plus five additional types.

Rwanda is the first country in Africa to introduce Gardasil 9 into its immunization program.

Hassan Sibomana, RBC's Director of Immunization Services, told The New Times that the vaccine differs from the previously used Gardasil 4, which protected against only four HPV types. “Gardasil 9 protects against multiple HPV strains that can cause different cancers and offers broader protection than the previous vaccine,” he said.

The vaccine is administered in two doses for people aged 9 to 45, with schoolgirls receiving a single dose. The initial rollout targets selected districts to assess effectiveness and safety before nationwide distribution. RBC plans to inform communities as additional doses become available.

Sibomana emphasized Gardasil 9's potential to significantly reduce cervical cancer. “Our goal is to reach 90% vaccination coverage, screen 70% of women, and provide treatment to 90% of those diagnosed. Last year, nearly 95% of 12-year-old girls in targeted districts were vaccinated successfully,” he said.