Musa Ismaila, the health commissioner in Kebbi, told the media in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, that the outbreak, declared in late January, became more fatal last week with a sudden rise in suspected cases.
“A total of 248 suspected cases have been recorded. We are facing the unfortunate situation of an outbreak with a higher-than-usual number of cases, characterized by symptoms such as fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea and sensitivity to light,” Ismaila said.
Drugs and other medical supplies have been distributed to the affected local government areas, and the state government is working to contain the situation.
CSM outbreaks are mostly caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A. In Nigeria, these outbreaks typically occur during the dry season due to low humidity and dusty conditions and usually subside with the onset of the rainy season.
Dr. Butera made this statement on March 6, 2025, during a session with the Committee on Governance Affairs and Gender of the Chamber of Deputies.
He highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to advancing its healthcare sector, ensuring that services previously sought abroad are now available locally.
“We are seeing positive outcomes from these services. So far, 44 kidney transplants have been performed in Rwanda since the program began, and all the patients are doing well,” he said.
Patients in need of a kidney transplant must have a donor, who can be a family member, a friend, or any willing individual who meets the medical requirements.
Before this service was introduced in Rwanda, the government had to send over 70 patients abroad for kidney transplants, costing more than Rwf 800 million.
Typically, undergoing a kidney transplant in India costs between $7,400 and $14,000, depending on factors such as the patient’s age, blood type, and the hospital where the procedure is performed.
Medical experts point out that patients who undergo transplants abroad often face challenges, including difficulties in post-surgery follow-up care once they return home.
In May 2023, King Faisal Hospital in Kigali launched kidney transplant services, a highly specialized procedure that was previously only available abroad at a high cost.
Although official statistics on kidney disease prevalence in Rwanda are not available, studies indicate that up to 10% of the population may suffer from chronic kidney disease, while around 40% may have mild kidney issues that can be treated and fully cured.
Dr. Butera also reported significant progress in heart surgery, with more than 500 procedures successfully conducted since the program’s launch.
“We have performed heart surgeries on 356 children and 186 adults here in Rwanda since we started this initiative,” he stated.
King Faisal Hospital also offers advanced procedures to correct congenital heart defects in children using catheterization technology, which eliminates the need for open-heart surgery.
Dr. Butera emphasized that the number of patients sent abroad for treatment has significantly decreased, thanks to the availability of specialized services within Rwanda.
To further enhance healthcare accessibility, the government has implemented cost reductions on various medical services. For instance, the cost of a full-body scan has been reduced by 65%.
These specialized medical services are now available at King Faisal Hospital, one of the region’s leading healthcare institutions providing world-class medical care.
This acknowledgment came from Dr. Raji Tajudeen, the Acting Deputy Director-General and Head of the Division for Public Health Institutes and Research at Africa CDC, during his visit to Rwanda for the Africa Health International Conference Agenda (AHAIC) 2025.
“Rwanda is a great example. They have made significant progress in advancing primary healthcare. As we gather here today, let’s seize this opportunity to understand how Rwanda achieved this success,” he remarked.
He pointed to the country’s effective response to the Marburg virus outbreak and its ability to reduce related fatalities as clear evidence of the country’s robust healthcare system.
Tajudeen emphasized the importance of improving access to affordable and quality healthcare services, stressing that building a strong primary healthcare system is the key to achieving this goal.
He explained that strengthening primary healthcare involves focusing on the needs of the population and empowering communities to take responsibility for their health.
Additionally, he highlighted how primary healthcare could drive technological innovation, particularly through increased access to the internet and smartphone usage, which already reaches 80% across Africa. Tajudeen also addressed the declining levels of international aid to African countries, urging governments to seek sustainable ways to close funding gaps.
He commended President Paul Kagame for demonstrating that investing in healthcare in Africa is not only possible but essential. “President Kagame has shown that willingness alone is not enough. What matters is turning commitment into action,” he added.
“We must be intentional about learning opportunities. More importantly, we must find ways to deliver affordable and quality healthcare services. How do we achieve that? How do we ensure healthcare is both affordable and effective? The only way is to build a strong primary healthcare system that delivers quality services,” he said.
He further emphasized the need for African countries to develop their pharmaceutical industries and locally produce medical equipment. Acknowledging the growing commitment of African leaders to this cause, he encouraged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to invest in healthcare, assuring them that Africa CDC would continue to provide support.
When asked about Rwanda’s strategy for enhancing primary healthcare, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, outlined six key pillars driving the country’s success.
First, Rwanda is increasing its healthcare workforce, from community health workers to national referral hospitals. Through the “4×4 Reform” initiative, the country aims to quadruple its health workforce within the next four years.
Second, Rwanda is building capacity by ensuring healthcare workers receive comprehensive training to deliver high-quality care. The third pillar focuses on investing in healthcare infrastructure. Rwanda has constructed 1,280 health posts, representing 57% of the country’s healthcare facilities and 510 health centers.
Over the next five years, the government plans to build 100 modern health posts and renovate 420 existing ones, ensuring that each administrative unit has at least one health facility.
The fourth pillar involves leveraging technology in healthcare. Rwanda is adopting advanced medical equipment and promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance service delivery and address workforce shortages.
Fifth, the country is committed to improving governance and ensuring efficient management of the healthcare system. Lastly, Rwanda is exploring new methods of health financing to reduce dependence on donor support and promote long-term sustainability.
Nsanzimana emphasized that if African nations prioritize technology and embrace innovations like AI, they can overcome many healthcare challenges and significantly improve service delivery across the continent.
Rwanda’s approach demonstrates that with strategic planning and commitment, it is possible to build a resilient and effective primary healthcare system that serves the needs of the population.
This initiative aims to enhance skills, workforce training, and research and development to support the continent’s goal of manufacturing 60% of its vaccines locally by 2040.
The effort aligns with decisions by African Union leaders to expand the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) mandate beyond vaccines to include medicines, diagnostics, and other essential health products.
Financial support for this vision has been substantial, with more than $3.5 billion pledged by global donors and development finance institutions.
The African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) is expected to unlock $1.2 billion over the next decade, while Afreximbank has committed $2 billion to strengthening Africa’s health product manufacturing sector.
A recent Africa CDC survey identified 574 manufacturers across the continent, including 25 engaged in vaccine production. Ten of these already have installed capacity, and by 2030, three African manufacturers are expected to produce and secure World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification for eight vaccines, expanding supply for the continental market and beyond.
The RCCN Secretariats were formally introduced during the 2nd Vaccines and Health Products Manufacturing Forum in Cairo, held from February 4 to 6, 2025.
In his keynote address, Africa CDC Director General, Dr, Jean Kaseya, hailed the initiative, describing it as a game-changer for workforce development in biomanufacturing.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, leading institutions were selected to coordinate efforts in each region, with Institut Pasteur du Maroc and The Unified Procurement Authority leading in North Africa, the Africa Biomanufacturing Institute in East Africa, Institut Pasteur de Dakar in West Africa, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Southern Africa.
These networks will address one of Africa’s biggest challenges in vaccine manufacturing: the shortage of skilled professionals in biomanufacturing, research and development, and regulatory affairs.
By linking training institutions, manufacturers, and regulatory authorities, the RCCNs will establish structured programs to build a sustainable and well-equipped workforce.
One of the sector’s biggest obstacles has been the lack of hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships and structured workplace training, which are essential for creating a steady pipeline of skilled professionals.
Expanding education in biomanufacturing, research, and regulatory affairs will be central to the initiative, aligning with Africa CDC’s Vaccine Research and Development and Vaccine Manufacturing Competency Frameworks.
Dr. Chiluba Mwila, Talent Development Lead for Africa CDC’s Platform for Harmonised African Health Manufacturing, emphasized the urgent need to quadruple Africa’s current 3,000 vaccine manufacturing and R&D employees to meet its production targets.
He pointed out key challenges, including limited educational programs, brain drain, and fragmented funding. The RCCNs aim to tackle these issues by developing a skilled workforce to support the continent’s growing vaccine and health product manufacturing sector.
Beyond technical expertise, the initiative also focuses on integrating sustainable business and operational models into workforce development. According to Dr. Abebe Genetu Bayih, Coordinator of the Platform for Harmonised African Health Manufacturing, the goal is to create an environment where Africa CDC and its partners can coordinate training programs effectively and sustainably.
Strengthening collaboration between research institutions and industry stakeholders will also ensure that Africa’s vaccine manufacturing ecosystem remains innovative and globally competitive.
Under the theme, “Building resilient and sustainable surgical services in Africa,” the conference emphasized the urgent need to expand surgical capacity and deliver life-saving care to underserved communities.
In his remarks, Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, disclosed the plan and highlighted the significant need for more surgeons in in the country.
“We have only 162 surgeons, yet we need a thousand. This seems like an impossible mission, but it is possible,” he said. Through the government’s “4×4” program, the number of surgical residents has grown from just three annual intakes to over 60 in 2024.
“We have expanded training sites to provincial hospitals and the plan is to decentralize them to district hospitals. By bringing training closer to the communities, we not only increase the number of surgeons but also ensure patients receive timely care without needing long-distance transfers,” Nsanzimana explained.
He assured that expanding training would not compromise quality. “Training more does not mean reducing quality. We can have both the needed numbers and the required quality standards,” he emphasized.
The minister encouraged young doctors to consider careers in surgery, highlighting the unique role of human expertise. “With advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, surgery remains one field that cannot be replaced by machines. AI will assist surgeons, but it cannot replace the human touch required for critical procedures,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Rwanda’s ability to meet its ambitious goals. “We have a plan, not just a dream. With the support of our partners and the dedication of our medical community, we will bring surgical care closer to those who need it most,” he declared.
This initiative aligns with the 76th World Health Assembly’s call in May 2023 to strengthen emergency, critical, and operative care services as part of Sustainable Development Goal 3 which stipulates ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente, representing President Paul Kagame, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to universal surgical care.
“Surgery is not a luxury; it is a fundamental pillar of healthcare. Rwanda recognizes the critical role of surgical care in achieving universal health coverage,” he said.
He detailed the government’s roadmap to expand surgical capacity by investing in training and infrastructure.
“We are activating and expanding teaching hospitals across our communities. Our goal is to train the next generation of surgeons in areas that are geographically accessible,” he stated.
Rwanda is also collaborating with global partners to enhance surgical education. The government has partnered with Operation Smile and UNHCR Africa to equip specialists with advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries.
“These partnerships reflect our commitment to sustainable change, not only in Rwanda but across the continent,” the Prime Minister said.
Operation Smile, a key partner, is playing a vital role in decentralizing surgical care. Co-founder and CEO Kathy Magee stressed the importance of local capacity-building.
“To ensure that every child has access to care close to home, we harness the talent and resources within the country,” she said.
The organization employs a “hub-and-spoke” model to facilitate care delivery. The central hub, based in Kigali at CHUK and the Rwanda Military Hospital, supports six district hospitals in Ruhengeri, Gisenyi, Kibuye, Bushenge, Kibungo, and Rwinkwavu.
This model enables patients in remote areas to access quality surgical services without traveling to major urban centers.
“We have gained the trust of Rwanda’s leading plastic surgeons, Professor Faustin Ntirenganya and Dr. Charles Furaha. Their leadership is instrumental in shaping our five-year plan and strengthening surgical education,” Magee noted.
As the Pan-African Surgical Conference continues, Rwanda’s vision stands out as a model for the continent.
Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to training, Rwanda is paving the way for a future where every district hospital has a surgeon and every patient has access to life-saving surgical care.
The insurance vouchers were issued on February 22, 2025, following a community service activity (Umuganda) conducted by the company’s staff, local residents, government officials, and various stakeholders.
During the exercise, participants cleaned the Kigali Golf Course and its surroundings and planted 80 additional trees, complementing the 420 trees previously planted. The initiative aligns with the company’s environmental efforts to introduce a variety of tree species, including coffee, mango, and tea.
{{A Token of Appreciation to the Community
}}
RUGC’s acting CEO, Gaston Gasore, expressed appreciation to the communities surrounding the Kigali Golf Course for being valuable partners in maintaining the facility’s aesthetic appeal.
“We called upon you to support us, and you turned up in large numbers. It wouldn’t be fair for RUGC to focus solely on itself, which is why we decided to show our gratitude by providing health insurance to some of you who may not afford it. It’s important that our neighbours have access to good healthcare,” Gasore stated.
The Head of Business Banking at NCBA Bank Rwanda, Nkubito Samuel, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that supporting residents’ healthcare needs aligns with their commitment to community well-being.
“It is heartbreaking to hear about people suffering at home because they cannot afford health insurance. We welcomed this idea because the community is our primary stakeholder,” he said.
The Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Juliet Kabera, commended RUGC and its partners for their noble initiative, which combined community service and support for vulnerable residents.
“This initiative embodies core Rwandan values, including unity, as we see people coming together and forming new friendships. It also reflects a strong work ethic and, most importantly, a spirit of generosity towards those in need,” Kabera noted.
RUGC is responsible for the management and maintenance of Kigali Golf Course, overseeing various development projects, including the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas.
This prestigious project features the Kigali Golf Course, a state-of-the-art Clubhouse, tennis courts, a running trail, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and a fine dining area. The Clubhouse also offers a range of golf accessories, including professional attire, golf clubs, and bags.
The bill, which was approved in principle on November 5, 2024, officially entered the review process on February 17, 2025.
One of its key provisions states that individuals aged 15 and above have the right to make independent decisions regarding their access to reproductive health information and services.
According to the explanations provided, the term “age of maturity” in this law refers to individuals aged 15 and above.
Statistics from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion indicate that 22,454 teenage girls were victims of sexual abuse and became pregnant in 2024, highlighting the severity of the issue.
In 2020, 19,701 teenage pregnancies were recorded, increasing to 23,111 in 2021 and 24,472 in 2022. However, in 2023, the number slightly decreased to 22,055.
Health authorities affirm that previous prevention methods, such as abstinence and condom use, have not yielded sufficient results, hence the need to facilitate adolescents’ access to family planning services.
The Sixth Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reveals that some women aged 15-19 have undergone abortions, are currently pregnant, or are already mothers taking care of children.
A significant number of these young mothers come from rural areas and have only completed primary or secondary education.
The study also shows that 4.5% of girls engaged in sexual activity before turning 15, compared to 10.1% of boys. Some of these young individuals had children before reaching the age of 15.
Provisions on surrogacy
The draft law also includes a provision allowing surrogacy for individuals aged between 21 and 50 who meet specific requirements.
If enacted, this service would only be available to married couples struggling with infertility.
The first surrogacy services provided in Rwanda cost approximately 3.5 million Rwandan francs . However, the cost is expected to decrease once it is integrated into health insurance services.
According to the law, the legal mother of a child born through assisted reproductive technology is the one recognized in the formal agreement related to the procedure.
Surrogacy was first introduced in 1986 with the birth of the first baby conceived through this method. Since then, it has gained popularity, particularly in developed countries.
For example, in the United States, approximately 750 babies are born annually through surrogacy.
What could have been a life-saving intervention becomes a missed opportunity, leading to severe disabilities or even death.
Data from top global medical centers reveals that only one in three stroke patients manages to reach the hospital within the critical three-hour window, where treatment is most effective.
{{Brain fights survival instincts}}
The human brain, a marvel of survival instincts, paradoxically works against the human body when it comes to strokes.
When faced with sudden and alarming symptoms, many individuals enter a state of cognitive dissonance. Instead of seeking help, their minds instinctively search for less frightening explanations for what’s happening.
This psychological response, designed to ease anxiety, becomes dangerous when it delays life-saving action. The brain’s natural desire to avoid acknowledging a threat and to maintain normalcy only increases the risk of a stroke going undiagnosed until it’s too late.
{{The deadly spiral of symptom dismissal}}
When a stroke strikes, people often fall into a pattern of dismissal. It starts with recognizing unusual sensations or difficulties, but those signs are quickly rationalized.
A sudden headache is shrugged off as a result of a busy day, arm weakness is explained away as sleeping awkwardly; slurred speech gets chalked up to exhaustion or dehydration.
Dr. Jenipher Niyonziza, a medical practitioner at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital in Musanze district, cautions that this pattern creates a dangerous delay.
“The mind’s powerful ability to normalize concerning symptoms often proves detrimental during medical emergencies. This delay can significantly impact survival and recovery chances,” she says.
The deceptive nature of stroke symptoms
Unlike the dramatic depictions in TV shows, real stroke symptoms are often subtle. This can lead to a dangerous disconnect between perception and reality.
A person may experience slight slurring of speech or minor coordination issues and mistake them for something trivial, like fatigue or stress.
The brain’s tendency to search for simpler explanations, coupled with the temporary nature of early symptoms, leads people to underestimate the danger. When the symptoms briefly subside, individuals often feel a sense of relief, unaware that the relief is only temporary.
{{Cultural barriers and their impact}}
Cultural beliefs can play a significant role in how people respond to stroke symptoms. In many communities, seeking immediate medical care is often viewed as an overreaction, adding social stigma to the already complex situation.
Dr. Niyonziza explains that traditional communities, which prioritize self-reliance and resilience, may lead individuals to avoid seeking professional care.
“Distrust of medical institutions in certain communities adds hesitation, while a preference for alternative medicine can lead people to try traditional remedies instead of seeking emergency care,” she says.
{{The gender factor in stroke response}}
Research highlights striking differences in how men and women respond to stroke symptoms. Women, especially those in caregiving roles, often place their family’s needs above their own, causing them to delay seeking medical attention for themselves.
This pressure to maintain stability at home, while noble, can lead to dangerous delays in treatment. Social expectations and the fear of being perceived as overreacting or becoming a burden often prevent women from addressing symptoms until they become more severe.
{{Age-related misconceptions}}
A dangerous myth persists that strokes are a problem only for the elderly, leaving younger adults vulnerable to ignoring symptoms.
However, studies show that strokes are increasingly common among adults aged 25-45, especially as stress, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles take their toll.
“Younger individuals tend to think their age provides protection against serious health events like strokes. But this misconception is becoming more dangerous, especially as we see high blood pressure and other risk factors on the rise among younger populations,” says Dr. Niyonziza.
{{The socioeconomic barrier}}
Economic factors often play a major role in delaying stroke treatment. Many people, especially in areas with limited insurance coverage, fear the high costs of medical bills and delay seeking help.
In rural or underserved areas, transportation barriers further complicate the issue, making it difficult or even impossible to reach emergency care in time.
Additionally, many individuals are concerned about their jobs or the potential loss of wages if they seek immediate medical attention.
These financial pressures, combined with the critical need for fast intervention, create a perfect storm of hesitation at the worst possible time.
In a post on the social media platform X, Ghebreyesus stated that the funds would help strengthen Uganda’s response efforts, including surveillance, laboratory support, logistics, infection prevention, and treatment.
The WHO had previously provided $1 million on January 30 and mobilized trial vaccines to aid Uganda’s health authorities in containing the outbreak.
Uganda declared an Ebola outbreak last month following the death of a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
According to the Ministry of Health, as of Wednesday, the country has recorded nine laboratory-confirmed cases, including one fatality, while at least 265 people who had contact with the first case are under monitoring.
Magoola is the Founder and Managing Director of Dei BioPharma, the pharmaceutical and biotech firm, currently developing a vaccines and drugs manufacturing plant in Mattuga, in the outskirts of near Kampala.
This invention utilizes a novel composition of guided RNA attached to the Cas9 protein. This complex targets and disrupts mutated genes responsible for cancer, preventing their repair and ultimately killing the cancerous cells.
While the foundational CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which allows for precise gene editing, earned Professors Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Magoola’s invention takes this technology a crucial step further.
Instead of allowing the cell to repair the disrupted gene, his method prevents this repair, leading to the targeted destruction of cancer cells.
Unlike existing FDA-approved gene editing products, Magoola’s invention is specifically designed to treat cancer by disrupting the mutated genes. Critically, it targets only cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed.
This specificity offers the potential to treat all types of cancer, regardless of stage, and eliminates the debilitating side effects associated with traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, antibody therapy, and radiation.
Following the patent publication, Magoola has been requested to submit an approval plan to the US FDA in March 2025, paving the way for clinical trials to begin before the end of 2025.
“All details of the manufacturing of this product have been completed and are ready to go for testing,” Magoola stated in an interview recently.
This ground-breaking treatment holds immense promise, and represents a USD 300 billion market. Its simplicity will make it accessible globally, including in developing countries, at a minimal cost.
This is particularly significant considering the projected global cancer burden of 35 million cases annually by 2030. Magoola emphasizes that this invention is a humanitarian contribution aimed at eradicating cancer worldwide.
This achievement follows another recent milestone for Magoola and Dei BioPharma. On January 7, 2025, the USPTO accepted their application for a patent on the world’s first universal vaccine against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
