According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the new intervention ensures that every baby born in Rwanda receives a dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a critical window for preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
Hepatitis B is a highly infectious viral disease that can be passed from an infected mother to her child during childbirth. Health experts warn that when infection occurs at birth, up to 95 per cent of affected infants go on to develop chronic Hepatitis B, significantly increasing their risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life. The birth dose vaccine is widely recognised as the most effective and cost-efficient way to prevent such transmission.
Globally, an estimated 296 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B, while viral hepatitis causes more than one million deaths each year, largely due to liver cancer and cirrhosis.
RBC noted that the country has already made notable progress in hepatitis prevention and control through strong immunisation systems, widespread screening and free access to treatment. National data indicate a low Hepatitis B prevalence of approximately 0.26 per cent, reflecting the impact of sustained public health interventions.
“Introduction of the universal birth dose further strengthens Rwanda’s commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030,” the centre said in a statement on Friday, January 2, 2026.
To support the rollout, health facilities across the country have been equipped to administer the vaccine within 24 hours of birth, including for babies born outside health facilities. Health workers have also received targeted training, while cold chain systems have been strengthened to ensure vaccine safety and consistent availability.
RBC has called on health workers, parents, communities and partners to support the initiative by ensuring that all newborns receive the Hepatitis B birth dose on time.
The centre said the new measure underscores the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health, emphasising that vaccines save lives and remain a cornerstone of disease prevention.
According to the ministry, 961 babies were delivered nationwide on December 25, 2025, up from 941 births recorded on Christmas 2024, marking an increase of 20 children.
Girls slightly outnumbered boys, with 487 girls and 474 boys born on the festive day.
Among districts, Nyarugenge recorded the highest number of births with 59 children, followed by Gatsibo (56), Rubavu (52), Gasabo (50), Bugesera (46), Musanze (45), Nyagatare (43), Ngororero (40), Kayonza (37), and Huye (33).
By province, the Eastern Province had the largest number of births, with 263 children, compared with 254 in 2024. The Western Province followed with 228 births, the Southern Province had 195, Kigali City recorded 140, and the Northern Province 135.
The health ministry also noted that births on Christmas increased significantly compared with non-holiday days, rising to 59% from the usual 41%.
The ministry emphasised that the high number of births underscores the importance of maintaining sufficient healthcare staff during holidays and festive periods, particularly on Christmas, to ensure safe deliveries and quality care.
Babies born on Christmas often hold a special place in families and communities. For many Christians, especially Catholics, being born on this day carries symbolic significance, as it coincides with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Beyond the personal joy of welcoming a child, a Christmas birth is seen as a blessing and a meaningful start, reflecting the themes of hope, renewal, and new beginnings that are at the heart of the holiday.
The ceremony, held at the Digital Transformation Center in Kigali, underscored a collective commitment to ensuring that the digital future is accessible to all.
The event brought together key partners and dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Israel to Rwanda, a representative of the German development agency GIZ, officials from the Ministry of ICT, the Segal Family Foundation, Dot Foundation, the Rwanda Basic Education Board, the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), and Dot Rwanda—highlighting the strong collaborative spirit driving this initiative forward.
Rwanda Assistive Technology Access is an NGO founded in 2018 by Rene William Ngabo, with a core mission to promote access to assistive technology and advance the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities.
It is driven by the belief that the right devices, equipment, and software can unlock limitless potential, and works to fill critical gaps in the assistive technology landscape in this digital era.
“Passion and commitment make things possible. At RATA, we bridge the gap in assistive technology because we believe the right devices and software can unlock limitless potential.
“Today, seeing our talented graduates gain real coding skills proves that when barriers are removed, ability becomes unstoppable,” said Rene William Ngabo, RATA’s Founder and Director, as he addressed the graduates, recognizing their resilience and the collective effort that made this milestone possible.
Marie Grace Niwemukiza, a representative from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), said the initiative aligns with Rwanda’s National Priorities.
This is a strong initiative aligned with NST2 and the One Million Coders Initiative, which is a key government priority to build a digitally skilled workforce,” she said. “Programs like this expand access to digital skills, strengthen inclusion, and support national efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.”
She further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting inclusive digital programs that broaden skills and employment opportunities, particularly for persons with disabilities.
She also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to inclusive digital programs that expand skills and opportunities, particularly for persons with disabilities.
The celebration underscored a unified commitment to inclusive progress.
GIZ representative Norman Schräpel addressed the graduates directly, affirming: “Training in coding for people who normally don’t have access to this kind of skills is making history.”
He emphasized the critical need for diverse perspectives in tech, addressing both gender gaps and the inclusion of persons with disabilities to build a truly representative talent force.
Echoing the sentiment of shared vision and resilience, the Ambassador of Israel, Einat Weiss, drew parallels between Rwanda and Israel, focusing on innovation as a cornerstone of development.
She commended the graduates’ extraordinary dedication, adding: “Seven months of coding is very hard and you set a standard.”
She concluded with a powerful call to action, urging stakeholders to make digital accessibility a standard, invest in inclusive design, and build partnerships that place persons with disabilities at the center of innovation.
The seven-month intensive program equipped the graduates with fundamental and advanced coding skills, preparing them to be active contributors to Rwanda’s growing tech ecosystem.
Selected as the top performers from RATA’s foundational digital literacy training, these graduates have now mastered coding, marking a significant leap in their tech careers.
They are now poised to pursue tech careers, participate in the local production of assistive technologies, and develop solutions for their communities, contributing to projects that leverage technology for social good.
In a communiqué dated January 2, 2026, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka dismissed allegations made by DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya in a statement issued on December 31, 2025. The group said the claims of territorial conquest and mass civilian casualties were “based on no credible or verifiable sources” and accused Kinshasa of manipulating public opinion.
The DRC government has alleged that fighting along the Kamanyola–Uvira axis since early December involved bombs and kamikaze drones, leaving more than 1,500 civilians dead and displacing over 500,000 people. Kinshasa has also claimed that observed troop movements pointed to a planned military manoeuvre towards Fizi and an advance along the strategic Kalemie axis in Tanganyika province.
AFC/M23 disputes this account, arguing that government forces sought to reoccupy areas following what it described as the withdrawal of its own fighters, using those locations as bases for sustained offensives. The group accused Congolese forces of launching repeated attacks on its positions and on densely populated areas, particularly in Uvira and Makobola, and alleged cases of mass rape and systematic looting by government troops.
According to the communiqué, civilian deaths resulted from airstrikes and what it termed indiscriminate bombings allegedly carried out by forces allied to the Kinshasa government, including the Congolese army (FARDC), the FDLR, Mai-Mai Wazalendo militias, foreign mercenaries and Burundi’s national defence forces. AFC/M23 said these attacks hit populated areas such as Kamanyola, Luvungi and Sange, reporting eight deaths and 55 injuries in Kamanyola alone.
The group also accused Congolese security forces of using heavy artillery to disperse a civilian march in Uvira on December 22, 2025, saying the action endangered lives and violated fundamental rights.
AFC/M23 further condemned what it described as repeated ceasefire violations, hate crimes and coordinated attacks by forces allied to Kinshasa across land, lake and air. It criticised the anti-Tutsi slur made by FARDC spokesperson General Sylvain Ekenge on state broadcaster RTNC in late December, arguing they reflected an official government policy rather than isolated remarks.
In its statement, AFC/M23 warned of what it called a “real and imminent risk of genocide” against Congolese Tutsis, citing hate speech, discrimination and continued breaches of the ceasefire, which it said contradict the Doha Framework Agreement. It referenced multiple international and regional human rights conventions, arguing that current actions amounted to serious violations of international law.
The artist, born David Constantine Brooks, landed in the Rwandan capital in the early hours of Friday, January 2, 2026, setting the tone for what promises to be a high-energy night of Caribbean rhythms and global hits.
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at BK Arena, and is organised by Visit Rwanda in partnership with Skol, RwandAir, Bank of Kigali, among other sponsors. The show is designed to kick-start the year with an electrifying live experience featuring two of Jamaica’s biggest exports.
Doors will open at 4:00 pm, with early entertainment provided by DJ Lamper, while seasoned hosts Rocky Try and Michel Legrand will steer the night’s programme.
Tickets are priced between 20,000 and 150,000 Rwandan francs, with Bank of Kigali cardholders enjoying a 30 per cent discount.
One of the event’s partners, Skol Malt, has also rolled out promotional campaigns across different parts of Kigali City, offering fans a chance to win concert tickets and other prizes.
Shenseea, born Chinsea Linda Lee, is among the most influential female artists in contemporary global music. Born in 1996, she has earned Grammy Award recognition for her work on Kanye West’s Donda (2022) and a 2025 nomination for Best Reggae Album.
With a Jamaican mother of African descent and a Korean biological father, Shenseea’s multicultural background mirrors her wide-reaching musical appeal. She rose to international prominence through tracks such as “Hit and Run,” “Lighter,” and “Blessed,” cementing her status on the world stage.
Mavado, meanwhile, is regarded as one of dancehall’s most influential figures. The 45-year-old achieved global recognition in the mid-2000s with hits like “Weh Dem A Do” and “Real McKoy” before signing with DJ Khaled’s We The Best Music Group in 2011, then under the Cash Money/Republic Records umbrella. His mainstream US presence was further bolstered by the 2013 hit “Give It All to Me,” featuring Nicki Minaj, alongside enduring tracks including “Father God,” “Not Perfect,” and “Progress.”
The country saw at least 407 mass shooting incidents in 2025, defined as shootings in which four or more people were killed or injured, not including any shooter who may also have been killed or injured in the incident, according to the GVA, a nonprofit organization formed in 2013 to provide free public access to accurate information on gun-related violence in the United States.
The data also indicated that 224 children aged 11 or younger were killed by gunfire, while 461 others in the same age group were wounded during the year. In addition, 1,030 adolescents aged 12 to 17 were killed in shootings, and 2,733 were injured.
The GVA’s gun-related death statistics include homicides, murder, defensive gun use and accidental shootings, but exclude suicides. However, citing preliminary estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the GVA reported that more than 24,000 people died in firearm suicides in 2025.
Local media noted that although shooting-related deaths and injuries have declined for four consecutive years since 2021, more than 40,000 people were killed or injured by gunfire in 2025, with suicides excluded. This means that, on average, more than 110 people were killed or injured by gun violence per day last year.
According to RSE data, the total market capitalisation reached Frw 6.68 trillion ($4.6 billion), with equities accounting for Frw 4.7 trillion ($3.3 billion) and debt instruments valued at Frw 1.9 trillion ($1.3 billion).
Total market turnover stood at Frw 4.8 trillion ($3.4 billion), dominated by over-the-counter and repo transactions, which made up 92% of activity at Frw 4.54 trillion. Bonds and equities contributed Frw 181.8 billion ($125.1 million) and Frw 6.7 billion ($4.2 million) respectively.
Capital markets also saw growth in fundraising, with Frw 359.02 billion ($250.1 million) raised in 2025, Frw 326 billion through Treasury bonds and Frw 33.02 billion via corporate bonds. Market indices reflected this upward trend, with the RSI Index rising 12.96% to 14,792.6 and the ACSI Index increasing 22.45% to 182.26.
Investor participation continued to expand, with 22,731 direct investors, 88,966 indirect investors, and an underlying investor base exceeding 250,000.
RSE also listed 16 new products, including 12 Treasury Bonds and four corporate bonds from companies such as Mahwi Grain Millers, Africa Medical Supplier (AMS), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Energicotel PLC.
Several strategic initiatives marked 2025 as a year of innovation. RSE introduced the Green Exchange Window (GEW) and the Multi-Currency Denominated Securities Market Segment (MDS).
RSE CEO Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba said in November that the initiatives aim to deepen private-sector participation, expand access to long-term finance, and support sustainable investment across Rwanda and the continent.
“The market is ready for these instruments,” Rwabukumba said, noting that RSE has already raised more than Frw 70 billion through sustainability-linked and green bonds, reflecting strong investor interest in sustainable finance.
Additionally, in 2025, the exchange hosted the inaugural Pan-Africa ESG Awards and the 28th African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) Annual Conference, while gaining membership in the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) and joining the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative’s Net Zero Financial Services Providers Alliance.
“The year 2025 marked a period of strong market growth, increased investor participation, and major institutional achievements for Rwanda Stock Exchange,” RSE stated, adding, “With expanding activity across equities, bonds, and OTC markets, alongside the introduction of GEW and MDS segments, RSE continues to advance innovation, sustainability, and market development in Africa’s capital markets.”
With these developments, the Rwanda Stock Exchange continues to strengthen its profile in the East African capital market landscape, attracting both domestic and international investors.
Among the major advances are kidney transplants, introduced locally in 2023, and advanced cardiac surgery. Both services are now routinely offered at King Faisal Hospital (KFH), Rwanda, underscoring the country’s steady progress in specialised care.
According to Dr. Augustin Sendegeya, the Chief Medical Officer at KFH Rwanda, a total of 88 kidney transplants were performed in 2025. During the same period, 861 heart surgeries were conducted, including 543 procedures on children and 318 on adults.
Kidney transplantation is among the most complex medical services globally, typically available only in highly advanced healthcare systems. Its availability in Rwanda reflects more than three decades of progress in the country’s health sector. Internationally, the procedure can cost upwards of USD 20,000, often within a single week.
In contrast, Rwanda provides kidney transplant services under the community-based health insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Santé), allowing patients to receive comprehensive care throughout the year.
Dr. Sendegeya noted that international partners involved in the programme are required not only to provide services but also to train Rwandan specialists.
“We are confident that from January 2026, kidney transplants will be performed entirely by Rwandan doctors, without external assistance,” he said.
The frequency of kidney transplants has also increased. While procedures were initially conducted once every three months, they are now carried out monthly, with plans underway to begin weekly transplants from 2026.
As a result, patients no longer need to travel abroad to access these services.
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Rwanda has also embarked on an ambitious programme to quadruple the number of healthcare professionals. Previously, one doctor served approximately 1,000 people, compared to the national target of four doctors per 1,000 citizens.
Two years into implementation, the programme has reached 45 per cent of its target, with 1,522 students enrolled in medical training. The Ministry of Health has further expanded medical education by introducing 14 new training programmes, bringing the total to 25 across various specialisations.
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In 2025, Rwanda recorded another medical milestone when a fetus received a blood transfusion while still in the womb, an unprecedented procedure in the country, successfully performed using advanced technology.
Improved training for specialists in maternal and reproductive health has contributed to a decline in maternal mortality, which fell from 111 to 82 deaths per 100,000 live births within a year.
Additionally, referrals of women experiencing childbirth complications to tertiary hospitals decreased by 30 per cent in secondary teaching hospitals, reflecting improved capacity at lower-level facilities.
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Rwanda is continuing its drive to eliminate cervical cancer by 2027, ahead of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) global target of 2030.
The government estimates that achieving this goal will require an investment of USD 38.4 million. WHO targets include vaccinating 90 per cent of girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV), screening 70 per cent of women aged 30–49 using HPV DNA testing, and ensuring timely treatment for 90 per cent of women diagnosed with the disease.
Rwanda is on track to meet these benchmarks at least three years early. Plans indicate that 627,889 girls aged 12 will be vaccinated, 1,366,880 women aged 30–49 screened, and 6,277 women treated for cervical cancer.
Currently, screening coverage stands at 34 per cent. About 92 per cent of women diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer recover following treatment, while 81 per cent of those with advanced disease receive modern care.
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Improved cancer care has gone hand in hand with strengthened emergency medical services. In Kigali, emergency responders now reach patients within 15 minutes of an incident.
Nationwide, the ambulance fleet has expanded to 510 vehicles, supporting referrals to higher-level hospitals and rapid response to accidents and acute illnesses.
These services are reinforced by the Health Intelligence Centre, launched in April 2025. The platform aggregates real-time data from health facilities across the country, enabling faster decision-making, improved oversight, and more efficient delivery of health services.
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The health sector has also seen increased investment in modern diagnostic equipment, including sensor-based digital X-ray machines, 3D CT scanners, fluoroscopy systems for real-time organ imaging, mammography units for breast cancer screening, and ultrasound machines used in obstetrics and general diagnostics.
Among the most notable acquisitions is the ZEISS KINEVO 900 S surgical microscope at KF, the first of its kind in Rwanda, which enables surgeons to visualise minute anatomical structures and perform complex procedures with robotic assistance.
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Looking ahead, Rwanda is set to begin producing medical radionuclides in 2026 for use in advanced nuclear medicine. The country has already received preliminary authorisation to produce these substances, which are used in PET scans for precise diagnosis.
This move is expected to position Rwanda as a regional hub for nuclear medicine, reducing reliance on imports from Europe and Egypt.
In April 2025, Rwanda also inaugurated a medical syringe manufacturing plant in Rwamagana District. At full capacity, the facility is expected to produce between 600 million and one billion syringes per day, supplying both domestic demand and regional markets.
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In November 2025, construction began on a USD 24 million laboratory dedicated to detecting zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans. The facility is expected to be completed within two years.
Mental healthcare also advanced in 2025, with KFH introducing Ketamine therapy for severe mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression and acute post-traumatic stress disorder.
While traditionally used as an anaesthetic, Ketamine has been shown to produce rapid improvement in some psychiatric patients, often within hours.
This development comes amid rising demand for mental health services. Data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) show that, in 2022/2023, an average of 3,305 people were diagnosed with mental health-related conditions each month. CARAES Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital reported treating 119,859 patients in 2024/2025, a 17.7 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
Giving out his New Year message early on Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the world to invest “more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars.”
“It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice,” Guterres said. “Our future depends on our collective courage to act. This new year, let’s rise together: For justice. For humanity. For peace.”
In his annual New Year’s Eve address on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the unity of the Russian people “determines the sovereignty and security of our Fatherland, its development, and its future.”
“The New Year is, above all, a time when we hope for the best, for goodness and good luck,” Putin noted. “It is a special and magical holiday, when we open our hearts to love, friendship, and compassion, to sympathy and generosity.”
As South Africa hosted the first G20 summit on African soil in 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Wednesday that the country stands proud that its presidency ensured the voices of Africa and the Global South were “recognised, reflected and respected.”
“Despite the challenges we face, our country is getting stronger, our economy is improving,” he added. “As we prepare to welcome a new year, let us remain united to building the South Africa of our dreams.”
Vowing “a sweeping leap and growth in all fields,” South Korean President Lee Jae Myung pledged commitment to stable growth underpinned by peace in 2026.
“Solid peace is another word for growth, and strong security is the driving force of prosperity,” he said in his New Year’s speech on Thursday morning, noting his government will step up efforts to bolster regional peace and stability through cooperation.
Despite fractured trade and rising geopolitical tensions, global economic growth proved “more resilient than anticipated,” said Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday.
“Let us carry this mindset into the new year — resilient and united, determined and hopeful,” he said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to “defeat the decline and division offered by others” in his New Year message on Wednesday.
“Things have been tough in Britain for a while,” he began, promising that more people will feel once again a sense of hope in 2026, “a belief that things can and will get better, feel that the promise of renewal can become a reality, and my government will make it that reality.”
In his speech, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined his three wishes for the French people: unity, strength and hope.
“We must stand firm on what we cherish: humanity, peace, and freedom,” he said Wednesday. “So, let us look ahead and look far into the future, as citizens and as a nation. I wish you a very happy and prosperous year 2026.”
The demonstrations took place at Mahama Refugee Camp in Kirehe District and Kigeme Camp in Nyamagabe District, where refugees marched peacefully around the camps, carrying placards and chanting messages condemning what they termed incitement and discrimination.
Maj Gen Ekenge appeared on Congolese national television on December 27, 2025, during a programme discussing the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in areas affected by ongoing fighting in South Kivu Province. During the broadcast, he made remarks that refugees say targeted Congolese Tutsis, including comments discouraging intermarriage with Tutsi women.
The statements triggered widespread criticism and diplomatic pressure, prompting Congolese authorities to suspend Maj Gen Ekenge from his duties.
Mahama Refugee Camp, one of the protest sites, hosts about 72,100 refugees, including approximately 27,000 Congolese nationals. Many have lived in exile for more than three decades, while others were born in refugee camps after their families fled violence in eastern DRC.
Chantal Umutoni, a refugee at Mahama Camp, said the demonstration aimed to draw international attention to what she described as long-standing discrimination and insecurity facing Congolese Tutsis.
“We cannot celebrate festive seasons like others while our relatives continue to be killed or forced to flee, and the world remains silent,” she said.
She accused the DRC government of portraying Congolese Tutsis as foreigners in their own country and condemned the remarks made by the FARDC spokesperson, warning that such language could incite violence.
Umutoni and other protesters called for Maj Gen Ekenge to be held accountable under international law, arguing that his statements could encourage attacks against Tutsi women or reinforce social exclusion based on ethnicity.
Justine Mukakayonga, who has lived as a refugee for 30 years, said the remarks underscored the persistence of the violence that forced her and others to flee.
“These comments show that the conditions we escaped still exist and that the Congolese state is not ready to end them,” she said, appealing to the international community to advocate for refugees’ rights and facilitate their safe return home.
Twenty-five-year-old Eric Mandera said he was saddened by having been born in exile while what he described as hate speech against his community continues to circulate in his country of origin.
Another protester, Justin Ndagijimana, warned that labelling a particular ethnic group as untrustworthy fuels social exclusion and violence.
“When leaders portray citizens of a certain group as suspicious, it sends a message that they should be isolated or eliminated,” he said. “We are citizens like any other and deserve equal rights, including the right to return to our land and live in safety.”
Christophe Ndayisaba, a representative of Congolese refugees, said the protests were directed not only at Maj Gen Ekenge but also at what he described as a broader pattern of inflammatory rhetoric among senior DRC officials.
“Suspension alone is not enough,” he said. “We are calling for justice and concrete action from the international community so that this problem is addressed and refugees can return home with dignity.”
Similar demonstrations were held at Kigeme Refugee Camp in Gasaka Sector, Nyamagabe District, which hosts 14,415 Congolese refugees. Many have lived in exile for years, including individuals born in refugee camps who have never seen their ancestral homes due to repeated displacement.
At Kigeme, protesters marched with placards and loudspeakers, criticising the DRC government and condemning what they described as the continued spread of hate speech.
Judith Mukansanga, originally from Masisi in North Kivu Province, spoke to IGIHE while caring for her grandchild. She described the hardships of refugee life, particularly during a period when others were celebrating the New Year.
“While others celebrate, we struggle to survive,” she said, explaining that her daughter had left the child with her in search of work. “Life in exile is extremely difficult, yet the international community looks on. We want help to return to our ancestral land.”
She added that persistent hostility towards certain Congolese communities reflected a lack of political will to resolve the refugee crisis.
The DRC government has repeatedly denied targeting any ethnic group and has dismissed claims that Congolese Tutsis are persecuted. However, refugees and rights advocates point to ongoing military operations, allied armed groups, and public statements by senior officials as evidence that ethnic tensions and discriminatory rhetoric persist.
