Rwanda News

Charlene Byukusenge fondly remembers the carefree days of her childhood. "Playing outside, dancing, sharing toys with friends – those were the days," she says with a nostalgic smile. But one hospital visit changed everything, revealing a harsh reality that would change her life forever. 

It has been over two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) sounded the alarm on COVID-19. In March 2020, the virus Rwanda had apprehensively watched from afar had emerged on its doorstep.

Few could have imagined how life would change. The handshakes once used with impunity became a deadly health risk. Cases rose rapidly and Rwanda’s leadership and frontline health workers toiled around the clock to contain the emergency. Despite the commendable work done by the government, health service delivery was gravely affected like in the rest of the World.

World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, which causes inflammation of the liver that leads to severe disease and liver cancer. In Rwanda, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined the government and other development partners in commemorating the day.

Kigali - Every year, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on June 14. This is an opportunity to raise public awareness on the essential contribution of voluntary blood donors to boost national blood transfusion services and save lives. This year's theme, “Giving Blood: An Act of Solidarity. Join the movement and save lives! was heard by Alphonse, a regular blood donor at the National Blood Transfusion Center in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Kigali - When the fourth COVID-19 wave hit the country in early 2022, Rwanda went through a surge in the number of new cases with a spike in the number of deaths. To avoid reliving the experience seen during the third wave with a very high number of deaths daily in July 2021, something had to be done, but what? Rwanda’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic had already been rapid, cross-cutting, structured, and well-coordinated.  

 
Kigali - Of its 13 million habitants, Rwanda has fully vaccinated 40% against COVID-19 as of 24 December 2021. This coverage milestone puts the country on track for meeting further vaccination global targets set by the World Health Organization.