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.
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.
{{Expanding the health workforce
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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.
The survey shows that the proportion of girls aged 15 to 19 who have ever been pregnant has fluctuated over the past two decades. In 2005 (DHS 3), the rate was 4 percent. By 2010 (DHS 4), it had risen to 6 percent, and in 2014–15 (DHS 5) it reached 7 percent. The rate dipped slightly to 5 percent in 2019–20 (DHS 6) but increased again to 8 percent in 2025 (DHS 7), signaling a concerning upward trend in recent years.
Education remains a key factor in teenage pregnancy. Adolescents with no formal education experience the highest rates, with 21 percent having been pregnant. Those who have completed primary education have a lower rate of 13 percent, while teenage girls with secondary education see the rate drop sharply to 4 percent.
“University-level data are not presented due to the limited number of observations in the sample,” the report reads, underlining the protective role of schooling for adolescent girls.
The findings present a contrast within Rwanda’s broader health progress. The same survey reports a declining total fertility rate, now at 3.7 births per woman, down from 4.1 five years ago, alongside record-high use of modern family planning methods among married women.
Maternal care indicators are also near universal, with 98 percent of births assisted by skilled health providers and delivered in health facilities.
The survey further highlights worrying trends among young people, including a decline in comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention among youth aged 15–24, suggesting the need for renewed awareness campaigns targeting adolescents.
Conducted between June and October 2025, the RDHS7 covered more than 14,500 households nationwide, providing nationally representative data on fertility, maternal and child health, nutrition, HIV, and mortality. The full report is expected to inform future policy interventions aimed at protecting adolescents and sustaining Rwanda’s gains in public health.
The directive, published on November 26, 2025, follows assessments showing persistent gaps in promoting and monitoring hygiene practices at individual, household, workplace and community levels.
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Under the new rules, all Rwandans are required to bathe the entire body at least once a day; brush their teeth at least twice daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste; maintain clean hair and short, clean nails; and wash hands routinely, before preparing or eating food, before breastfeeding or feeding a child, after using the toilet, after cleaning a child, after handling waste, or anytime hands are visibly dirty. Individuals must also wear clean clothing and footwear, and sleep in clean bedding.
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Every household must have a latrine built to a minimum depth of six meters where possible, properly constructed, covered and kept clean. A handwashing facility must be installed near the latrine. Homes are also required to have an enclosed bathroom, cemented or tiled where possible, and a clothesline for drying laundry.
Residents must ensure animals do not sleep indoors and must properly manage wastewater from the home, as well as rainwater, through designated drainage channels. It is prohibited to dump waste in drainage systems.
Households must also ensure safe storage and treatment of drinking water; clear bushes and stagnant water around the compound; segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste; and maintain a clean kitchen and dish-drying area. Houses and their surroundings are to be swept or mopped daily.
Compounds should be kept orderly and, where possible, include vegetable gardens, fruit trees, ornamental plants or flowers. Water storage tanks for clean water and rainwater must be cleaned at least once every six months. In urban areas, waste must be disposed of in covered bins or designated areas until collected by licensed waste-management companies.
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The guidelines also set minimum standards for cemeteries. Burial sites must be located away from rivers, springs and groundwater sources to prevent contamination. Cemeteries must have waste-management systems, clean access paths and sanitation workers to clean after funeral ceremonies.
Additionally, wilted flowers must be removed within two days, and a handwashing facility with clean water and soap must be placed at the entrance.
Cemeteries must also have separate public toilets for men and women, equipped with toilet paper, waste bins and handwashing areas.
On road hygiene, the directive requires roads to be swept regularly and kept free of waste or unauthorised structures, with waste bins placed at least every 100 meters. Public urination and defecation on roads is prohibited. Inter-district roads must have public toilets, and all roads must have adequate rainwater drainage. Trucks transporting goods are barred from dropping waste onto roadways.
Places of worship, including churches, parishes and mosques, must have separate toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities, with handwashing facilities and covered waste bins. They must maintain contracts with waste-collection companies and ensure proper management of rainwater and wastewater. Facilities conducting water baptisms must use clean, designated water.
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Rehabilitation centres and prisons are required to maintain adequate supplies of clean water; separate toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities; and secure, well-maintained sanitation facilities. They must have functioning rainwater harvesting and wastewater systems; clean water storage tanks for use during shortages; clean, well-equipped kitchens; appropriate laundry and drying facilities; and adequate bathing areas.
Facilities must also implement regular pest-control programs, ensure constant cleaning of premises, provide mosquito nets, bedsheets and mattresses for every inmate, and maintain waste-collection contracts with licensed service providers.
According to the Ministry of Health, the guidelines form part of a broader strategy to establish a permanent hygiene and sanitation inspection framework from national to local levels. The initiative aims to enforce compliance, strengthen accountability and ensure that individuals, households and institutions contribute to improving hygiene standards across the country.
The event, held at KFH, brought together parents who previously delivered premature babies at the hospital, their children, neonatal specialists, and hospital leaders. It served as an opportunity to highlight the burden of premature births, celebrate success stories, and recognise the critical role of healthcare professionals in improving survival rates.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in every ten babies globally is born prematurely. At KFH alone, between 170 and 200 premature infants are admitted annually, all requiring specialised care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The unit provides respiratory support, assisted feeding, and monitored thermal regulation through incubators to stabilise infants until they reach appropriate developmental milestones.
Dr Nkuranga John Baptist, a neonatal expert at KFH, said premature births can be triggered by multiple factors, many of which are linked to maternal health and lifestyle.
“A mother who manages her weight, reduces work-related stress, attends all eight antenatal visits, and receives timely monitoring if she has conditions such as diabetes or hypertension significantly lowers the risk of delivering prematurely,” he said. He added that women carrying multiple babies require more intensive follow-up.
Parents who shared their experiences described the emotional and physical toll of caring for premature infants. Venutse Niyonsaba, who delivered quadruplets after 14 years without conceiving, said the period was one of the most difficult in her life.
“You can imagine the joy of finally having children after 14 years, only to find that all four need critical care, and their mother also requires surgery. It is a journey I would never wish on anyone,” she said.
Fridorine Sekiza, whose baby was born at 26 weeks and spent three months in the NICU, noted that many parents are unprepared for the experience.
“You return home after delivery, but leave your baby in the hospital. People don’t know whether to congratulate you or console you. These are difficult moments, but we appreciate the doctors who help our babies survive,” she said.
Dr Athanase Rukundo, Acting Head of Clinical and Public Health at the Ministry of Health, said premature birth remains a recognised national concern, and efforts are underway to strengthen the referral and care system.
“We are aware of challenges such as the limited number of ambulances equipped to transport premature infants, and discussions are ongoing to address this. We are also working to ensure all hospitals receive essential equipment and to increase the number of specialised staff to reduce premature infant mortality,” he said.
WHO representative Dr Theopista Kabuteni encouraged parents to adopt Kangaroo Mother Care, a method involving prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the parent and the baby to stabilise temperature, promote breastfeeding, and improve survival outcomes.
UNICEF’s Dr Manzi Emmanuel commended parents for their resilience and praised the strong collaboration between WHO, UNICEF, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and the Ministry of Health in improving child health indicators.
As part of the commemoration, KFH offered training sessions for parents on breastfeeding, Kangaroo Mother Care, and other essential practices for managing premature infants.
Ministry of Health data shows that Rwanda records between 37,000 and 40,000 births annually, with premature babies accounting for about 10%. Complications related to premature birth contribute to 36% of newborn deaths in the country, while 60% of premature infants die before reaching one year. Overall, 45% of under-five deaths occur among children born prematurely.
The event concluded with testimonies from parents and a visit to families with infants still receiving care in the NICU, during which KFH distributed gifts to all mothers.
Organised by the Dutch Embassy in Rwanda, in partnership with Rwanda Cancer Relief and Bethania Home Care, the walk took place around the Kigali Golf Course as part of the global observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held every October.
Leading the walk were Ambassador Joan Wiegman of the Netherlands and Ambassador Einat Weiss of Israel, who were joined by students, health professionals, and members of the diplomatic community, all dressed in pink.
“We all know someone who has faced cancer, some who survived and some who didn’t,” Ambassador Wiegman said. “That’s already a big source of inspiration. I wanted to add my voice, and that of my fellow women ambassadors in Rwanda, to the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and encourage early detection.”
The Dutch Ambassador revealed that her decision to lead the Pink Power Walk was deeply personal.
“Until a year ago, I never thought I would be speaking about this,” she shared. “In January, during a routine check-up, I was diagnosed with a pre-stage of breast cancer. I felt healthy; nothing was wrong. And suddenly, I was a patient.”
She recalled the emotional turmoil that followed.
“The first feeling was denial. I was simply not okay with it; I didn’t agree,” she said. “The fear only came later when the treatment started and the surgery, that’s when I realised this was for real. But I was supported very well. I had good treatment and an incredible network of people who helped me through it.”
Ambassador Wiegman said the experience changed her perspective on life and strengthened her belief in awareness and early detection.
“I realised that not everyone has access to the same level of care I received. So when I came back to Rwanda after my treatment, I decided to tell my story; to share that it’s okay, that you don’t have to be ashamed or afraid. You can speak up and get treatment,” she said, recalling a walk organised by her embassy to support her following her diagnosis.
Friday’s walk attracted more than 90 students from Mother Mary International School, along with men and women from various organisations, all walking to symbolise unity and hope. Participants also received free breast cancer screenings and health consultations.
Ambassador Weiss highlighted the importance of early detection and community solidarity.
“People are still not aware how simple it is to go for an early check-up,” she said. “The difference between early and late detection is life-changing. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate; it affects women and men. We walk together to say that no one should face it alone.”
She also praised Rwanda’s leadership in health innovation, noting that the country’s achievements have a regional impact.
“Rwanda is a spearhead when it comes to health in Africa. If the message comes from here, it reaches beyond borders, across the East African Community and the continent,” Weiss noted.
Rwanda Cancer Relief, which co-organised the event, emphasised that the walk was part of a larger movement under Pink October.
“We are grateful to our partners for standing with us,” said Mizero Alain Fabrice, Executive Director of Rwanda Cancer Relief. “We conducted screenings to identify possible early signs of breast cancer. Some people will need follow-up checks, and others received information on prevention and self-examination. Awareness is the first step to saving lives.”
Sister Helena Katebera, who leads Bethania Home Care in Kinyinya, said the event also aimed to highlight community-driven cancer care.
“Our mission is to care for patients undergoing treatment, especially those from outside Kigali who need accommodation and psychological support,” she explained. “We rely on the community, including churches, individuals, and small donations, to keep this work going. Today’s event helps people know that cancer affects every family, and that support must start from awareness.”
Part of the funds raised during the walk will go toward constructing a multi-purpose kitchen at Bethania Home Care to enhance the center’s sustainability.
“We have started what we call a multi-purpose kitchen,” Sister Helena added. “It has a bakery and a kitchen that we can use to feed patients and also generate income for future sustainability. I expect that most of the people here now know about Bethania Home Care and the work we do. Cancer is everywhere, and we all have to do something.”
As the walk came to a close, Ambassador Wiegman urged participants to carry the message forward, to stay aware, get screened, and support one another.
“My message to anyone who just got diagnosed is simple: get screened, learn how to do it yourself, and when you get the news, don’t sit in the corner and be scared. Go out there, fight for yourself, get treatment, ask many questions, and organise people around you who can support you,” she said.
Breast cancer remains a major public health concern in Rwanda. According to a report published by Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) in 2020, the country records an estimated 41 new cases per 100,000 women each year and about 19 deaths per 100,000, making breast cancer the most common cancer among women.
Approximately 1,200 new cases are reported annually, and the Ministry of Health estimates that around 650 patients are diagnosed each year, with nearly 600 deaths attributed to the disease. Late detection remains a critical challenge, with more than 70% of cases diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in a lower five-year survival rate compared to global averages.
The commitment was made on Thursday, October 9, in Brussels, Belgium, following bilateral talks between President Paul Kagame and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the Global Gateway Forum 2025.
President Kagame and von der Leyen were also joined by Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), and BioNTech CEO Uğur Şahin to unveil the new funding package, which will support the next phase of vaccine production and innovation.
The EU’s Global Gateway strategy aims to build sustainable partnerships through investments in digital, energy, transport, and health infrastructure.
The new funding builds on earlier EU support of over €93 million towards BioNTech’s Kigali facility, which was inaugurated in 2023 as the company’s first mRNA manufacturing site in Africa.
The project has been hailed as a major step towards ensuring equitable access to vaccines and strengthening Africa’s capacity to respond to future health emergencies.
With the additional €95 million support, Rwanda is poised to scale up vaccine manufacturing and accelerate progress towards its goal of becoming a regional centre for pharmaceutical research, production, and distribution.
{{Support for peace efforts in the Great Lakes region
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Meanwhile, following her meeting with President Kagame, von der Leyen took to X to welcome the Washington-brokered pact between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at easing tensions in the eastern region of the DRC.
She noted that the deal, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump, represents an important step towards lasting stability, adding that the EU stands ready to support the peace process “because it will pave the way for regional integration and investment.”
The surgery, called Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), allows patients to avoid more serious treatments like chemotherapy or a permanent colostomy (an opening in the belly for waste to leave the body).
The hospital shared this achievement on its official X account on Tuesday, October 7, calling it a “proud moment” for Rwanda’s healthcare.
This successful operation is seen as a big step forward in improving cancer care in the country, showing how much Rwanda’s medical field is advancing.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) is a modern, less-invasive technique used to remove tumors from the digestive system.
Doctors use a flexible tube with a camera and small tools to remove cancerous growths from the inner lining of the intestines or rectum.
This procedure is important for patients with early-stage rectal cancer because it means they don’t need heavy treatments like chemotherapy or surgery to create a permanent opening in the stomach.
This new procedure is a huge benefit to patients, offering a quicker recovery and a better quality of life. King Faisal Hospital’s successful surgery shows that Rwanda is making great progress in treating cancer.
Fabian Ndenzako, WHO representative to Botswana and the Southern African Development Community, made the remarks at the Fifth African Ministers of Health Session on Palliative Care, held as part of the eighth International African Palliative Care and Allied Services Conference from Tuesday to Friday in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.
Ndenzako emphasized that Africa continues to bear the highest burden of life-threatening diseases while facing significant legal and logistical barriers to accessing essential pain-relief medications.
He commended the progress made by many governments in the region. “Many governments have included palliative care in their universal health coverage documents, strategies, and guidelines,” he said, also noting advances in training health professionals and supporting community and home-based care models.
Lawrence Ookeditse, Botswana’s acting minister of health, acknowledged the country’s strides, such as the launching of its National Hospice and Palliative Care Policy. However, he cited ongoing challenges, including political prioritization, financing, coverage, and commodity availability.
Ookeditse reiterated the government’s commitment to bolstering both community home-based care and palliative care. “Together we will advocate for stronger support, a higher level of investment, and better policies that prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable populations,” he said.
Rwanda’s Health Minister, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, who coauthored the report, announced its release in a post on X.
“One year later, our @NEJM study (out today) reports how science-guided detection and rapid action stopped Rwanda’s first Marburg outbreak in weeks, achieving the lowest recorded fatality,” he wrote on September 11.
The outbreak, declared on September 27, 2024, began in two major hospitals in Kigali after a cluster of viral hemorrhagic fever cases was identified. Within a week, more than 20 health care workers had been infected.
A total of 6,340 suspected cases were tested, of which 66 were laboratory-confirmed, including 51 health workers. The outbreak’s case fatality rate was 23%, significantly lower than previous MVD outbreaks in Africa, which have ranged from 83% to 90%.
Epidemiological investigations traced the index patient to a 27-year-old miner exposed to Egyptian fruit bats, indicating a zoonotic origin. Subsequent transmission occurred primarily among health care workers and family members. Rigorous contact tracing, surveillance, and hospital protocols helped limit the spread.
Clinical management combined advanced supportive care with investigational therapies. Fifty-two patients received remdesivir, with only three fatalities, while ten patients received the monoclonal antibody MBP091. No immediate adverse effects from either treatment were reported.
Rwanda also deployed the ChAd3-MARV vaccine within 13 days of the outbreak declaration, prioritising frontline health workers and high-risk contacts. By the end of October, 1,710 individuals had been vaccinated under emergency use authorisation and a concurrent phase 2 clinical trial.
The study emphasises the role of early detection, aggressive clinical care, investigational treatments, and emergency vaccination in reducing mortality. It also highlights the importance of infection prevention in health care settings, particularly given that 77% of cases occurred through nosocomial transmission.
The authors note that Rwanda’s experience provides a model for responding to filovirus outbreaks in urban settings, showing that rapid, coordinated, science-driven interventions can save lives and prevent widespread transmission.
Rwanda, with its partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), declared the end of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak on December 20, 2024. The declaration followed 42 consecutive days without new cases.
