Our latest publication below discusses COVID-19 and mental health services in SSA sciencedirect.com/science/ar…

🌍🌱 Restoring Our Earth, Embracing Our Future Today, @RwandaNGOForum joined local government leaders, community-led organizations, CSOs, activists, and community members in marking #WorldEnvironmentDay through a tree-planting activity in @NtaramaBugesera , @BugeseraDistr . The event highlighted the power of collective action in protecting our environment, strengthening community engagement, and advancing Rwanda’s vision of a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for all. Under this year’s theme, “A Global Call for Climate Action,” we are reminded that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a fundamental human right and a shared responsibility. Every tree planted, every ecosystem restored, and every sustainable choice made today contributes to a healthier planet for future generations. Let us all take action, protect our natural resources, restore degraded ecosystems, and champion climate-smart solutions to build a greener Rwanda and a sustainable world for all. 🌿💚 #WorldEnvironmentDay2026 #GreenRwanda 🇷🇼🌱#ClimateAction #RestoreOurEarth #SustainableFuture #TogetherForAHealthySociety

Warmest congratulations to Dr. Schifra Uwamungu! 🎓on the successful defense of her doctoral thesis, “Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infections in East Africa – Aspects on HIV, Genetics and Immunology” at @uniofgothenburg #Sweden. Her research makes a valuable contribution to public health, particularly in the East African context where HPV prevalence and cervical cancer mortality remain critically high. She pursued her doctoral studies under the @URSwedenProgram, a bilateral research cooperation between the Governments of 🇸🇪& 🇷🇼 through UR and funded by @Sida. Thrilled to welcome her to our growing family of passionate researchers!

#Rutsiro: nyuma y'inama y'ibyiciro binyurane ku buhinzi, abadepite Hon.Nyabyenda Damien, Hon. Tumukunde Aimee Marie Ange na Hon.Venuste Icyitegetse basuye uruganda rw'icyayi rwa Rutsiro bari kumwe na Meya @dative_kayitesi. Baganiye ku uruhare rwarwo mu iterambere ry'abaturage.

856 nurses sat their licensing exam this week through a platform we built with Rwanda's Ministry of Health & NCNM. From registration to real-time results; we're proud to help healthcare workers get to work faster. #HealthTech #Rwanda #NursesAndMidwives

World Menstrual Hygiene Day 28th May Today, as Rwanda joins the world in observing Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, we reaffirm a simple but powerful truth: menstrual hygiene is not a privilege, it is dignity, health, and a fundamental human right. Every girl and woman deserves access to accurate information, affordable menstrual products, clean water, safe sanitation facilities, and supportive environments that allow them to manage menstruation safely and confidently. Yet, stigma, silence, and limited access to menstrual hygiene services continue to affect the education, well-being, confidence, and opportunities of many girls and women across the world. This year’s #MHDay2026 is a call for collective action in our schools, homes, workplaces, and communities. We must continue strengthening menstrual hygiene management in schools through access to WASH facilities, safe spaces for girls (Icyumba cy’Umukobwa), menstrual products, and reproductive health education, while also creating supportive workplaces and homes where menstruation is discussed openly and respectfully. Together, let us break harmful myths, end period shame, and build a #PeriodFriendlyWorld where no girl misses school, no woman faces discrimination, and they can manage menstruation with safety, support, confidence, and dignity. #MenstrualHygieneDay2026Rw #PeriodFriendlyWorldRw

Today, @RwandaNGOForum hosted a productive monitoring meeting with @HDIRwanda under the Tubiteho ‘Let’s Take Care Of Them’ Project , supported by @expertisefrance . The meeting provided an important opportunity to review the progress of project implementation, reflect on key milestones achieved so far, and strengthen coordination towards the successful delivery of the project’s objectives. The discussions also focused on planning the implementation of the remaining activities, addressing emerging issues, and identifying strategic ways forward to ensure continued impact and sustainability. Such engagements remain essential in promoting collaboration, accountability and shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of communities across Rwanda. #LeaveNoOneBehind #RightToHealth #HarmReduction #JointAdvocacy #AdvancingHealthRights #HealthForAll @RBCRwanda @RwandaHealth @EF_LINITIATIVE @Sfrwanda1 @ImroRwanda @MdM_France @AfricaCDC @WHORwanda @Knooliet @iasociety @ambafrancerwa @KAflodis @BernardMuramira @mwanaimable

Stories for Health, Voices for Change Last week, in collaboration with @RwandaNGOForum , @RBCRwanda , @WAGRwanda , supported by @TheENDFund and @MerckFoundation , the Bilharzia Storytelling Initiative Rwanda (@BSIRwanda ) officially closed out Phase II of its transformative storytelling journey in @RweruBugesera of @BugeseraDistr . This vibrant celebration was held at EP Nzangwa. The event brought together local leaders, healthcare providers, teachers, families, and students to celebrate two years of impact, learning, and community-driven action against Bilharzia and other Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Through powerful storytelling, traditional dance, poetry, and drama performances by students from EP Nzangwa, EP Kivusha, EP Mugina, and EP Kakirenzi, the ceremony beautifully demonstrated how children have become passionate champions of hygiene, sanitation, and healthy living within their communities. Speaking during the event, @Loui_Ngabonzima , Director of Programmes at @RwandaNGOForum , highlighted the remarkable transformation achieved through the initiative, noting that “ @BSIRwanda has empowered children to become active health ambassadors within their households and communities”. By using storytelling as a tool for learning and advocacy, students are not only gaining knowledge, but are also helping to break risky behaviors and inspire positive sanitation and hygiene practices at home. He also underscored that “the project may be phasing out today, but the fight against Bilharzia continues until they are eliminated.” He encouraged students, teachers, and parents to actively engage in all established efforts, including student groups, community engagement, and the adoption of best practices. Uwiringiyimana Raissa, a student at Mugina Rweru Primary School, highlighted the remarkable transformation achieved through her health training, noting that “because Bilharzia’s early symptoms are often invisible, it is easy to overlook until chronic damage has already been done.” She also underscored that “the transmission cycle relies entirely on unsanitary conditions, specifically open defecation near water sources.” Ms. Ruth Kemirembe, Director of Health at @BugeseraDistr , further reaffirmed the district’s continued commitment to sustaining these efforts, emphasizing that empowering children to lead community change has sparked meaningful behavioral transformation and is helping build a healthier future for Bugesera. Bringing the perspective of educators to the forefront, Uwizeyimana Anathalie, a teacher at Mugina Rweru Primary School, highlighted the profound impact the training has had on classroom attendance, recalling that "in the past, a lack of critical health information meant many students frequently missed school due to preventable, hygiene-related illnesses". Equipped with new tools to fight the disease, educators took swift action to mobilize households and sensitize families on the vital importance of safe water practices. She underscored “that the community’s collective efforts have yielded undeniable results”, noting that “Bilharzia cases have dramatically decreased. If you look at our classrooms and our community today, the transformation is clear. Knowledge has truly changed our school.” The close-out ceremony was not only a reflection on the achievements of BSI Phase II, but also a celebration of partnership, resilience, and the powerful voices of children leading change against NTDs. Outstanding students were recognized for their dedication to peer-to-peer health education, while partners commended the project’s effectiveness and lasting community impact over the past two years. As the final stone was laid on the #BilharziaStorytellingLab Phase II Project in @RweruBugesera , one message remained clear: storytelling has proven to be a powerful force for inspiring action, shaping healthier behaviors, and building stronger, more informed communities. #BeatNTDs #EndNTDs #UniteActEliminate #HealthForAll

Stronger Together for Healthier Communities! 🌍✨ In partnership with local authorities, civil society organizations, and health partners, we proudly marked a meaningful milestone in @RuhangoDistrict , Kinazi Sector during the close-out ceremony of the Bilharzia Storytelling Initiative (BSI) Rwanda. The event brought together district leaders, healthcare providers, schools, and community members in a powerful celebration of collective action toward building healthier, disease-resilient communities. Through captivating traditional performances by Itorero E.P Kacyiru, impactful health awareness sketches by E.P Kakirenzi, and inspiring testimonies from G.S Rutabo B, the event demonstrated how community-led storytelling and creative arts can transform health education and inspire lasting behavior change. Kinazi Sector leadership commended the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining these community-driven health practices, recognizing that informed and empowered children and youth are key to building a healthier future. Key highlights from the event included: ⏩ Celebrating student leadership and ownership in promoting community health ⏩ Recognizing outstanding students championing peer-to-peer health education ⏩ Notable reduction in risky sanitation behaviors across the sector ⏩ Increased child-to-parent hygiene education within households ⏩ Strengthened community and district ownership of Bilharzia prevention efforts ⏩ Effective use of dance, drama, and storytelling for health communication ⏩ Building a lasting legacy of health, hope, and resilience for future generations Together, we continue to strengthen partnerships, collaboration, and coordinated action because empowered and informed communities save lives. #BeatNTDs

Introducing the nominees for the inaugural 7-1-7 awards, hosted by the 7-1-7 Alliance! The Alliance spans nearly 90 countries that are using or on the road to using 7-1-7 to stop outbreaks faster and save lives. These awards celebrate some of the individuals whose work to strengthen outbreak detection, notification and response is transforming health security worldwide. The Alliance will announce the winners at the Global Health Security Conference in Kuala Lumpur in June. Ahead of then, you can learn about their contributions to the global 7-1-7 community here: 717alliance.org/impact/award…

Muri iyi nama, hasobanuwe umushinga, intego zawo, uruhare rwa buri wese no kongera ubufatanye n’Akarere mugukumira ibyorezo 4/4

Iyi nama yahuje ibyiciro binyuranye bigira uruhare mu kuzamura imyumvire y'abaturage harimo abakozi b'Akarere mu ishami ry'ubuzima, abanyamabanga Nshingwabikorwa b'Imirenge, abakuru b'imidugudu, abahagarariye amadini, abayobozi b'ibigo nderabuzima, ... 3/4

Inama yayobowe n'Umuyobozi w'Akarere Madamu @dative_kayitesi ari kumwe na Bwana @SarambaEric na Bwana David Ndayishimiye, bakorera ihuriro ry'imiryango itari iya Leta (RNGO) igamije gukumira ubwandu bwa Virusi itera SIDA no guteza imbere ubuzima mu Rwanda. 2/4

🔴LIVE NOW! Don't miss CEO Prof @CondoJeanine at the #AHAS26 in Kigali. We are discussing the future of health systems and workforce transformation in #Africa. Tune in now via the @RwandaNGOForum livestream: 👇youtube.com/live/sdqJPjrSlrI… @ZenithGH #GlobalHealth #CIICHIN

Honored to host Uwase Emmilienne, the Executive Secretary @Rwanda_CCM (Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund) at Rwanda NGOs Forum today. The strategic engagement focused on: ⏩️ Strengthening partnerships and aligning efforts to accelerate the impact of Global Fund supported #HIV #TB & #Malaria programs ⏩️ Diseases integration ⏩️ Updates on validated and piloted integrated Community-Led Monitoring (iCLM) Model for HIV, TB & Malaria and its digital system as a national platform for real-time community data, accountability and evidence-informed decision-making were shared ⏩️ iCLM scale National wide ⏩️ Discussions also emphasized: ✳️ The critical role of CSOs and communities in shaping the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 (#GC8), including their meaningful engagement, ✳️ Representation within CCM structures ✳️ Ensuring community voices drive program priorities. The meeting concluded with strong commitments to: ✅ Deepen collaboration and partnership ✅ Enhance coordination ✅ Leverage community data system (iCLM System) for HIV, TB Malaria and expand it for more diseases and Pandemic Preparedness Prevention and Response (PPPR): ✅ Advance a community-centered, sustainable and results-driven health response. @JNdayizigiye @RwandaHealth @nsanzimanasabin @BrianChirombo @WHORwanda @CMuvunyi @RBCRwanda @AndrewGasoziNtw @UNAIDSRwanda @CDCRwanda @TuyishimeAlbert @DMbituyumuremyi @AimableDr @BasileIKUZO @Imbuto @eRemera @Isabelle_Kalisa @Sfrwanda1 @sfhRwanda @andrewmuhire @GlobalFund @rhodalewa @CsdiCommunity @CrescenceMUKAN1 @ImroRwanda @ASOFERWA2 @FXBRwanda @FaithVictoryRW @ABA_Rwanda @Knooliet @HindHassan_ @gatesfoundation @PATHtweets @WB_Rwanda @EUinRW @SwedeninRW @TheENDFund @EugeneRuberanz2 @uwaliraye

#Rutsiro: ku bufatanye na @RwandaNGOForum, @RBCRwanda, ku biro by'Akarere ka Rutsiro habereye inama ntangamurongo ku buryo bwo kumenyekanisha amakuru no kuzamura imyumvire y'abaturage ku byorezo bishobora gushyira ubuzima bwabo mu kaga. Yateguwe ku nkunga ya #UNICEF. 1/4

Today the Executive Director @Knooliet held a partnership meeting with @RichardAmenyah the @UNAIDS Representative and Multi-Country Director of #Kenya #Rwanda #SouthSudan. The discussion was centered around ✅ Integrating HIV Services, Social Contracting and Community Data for Sustainable Health Financing. To achieve this, the following key points need to be achieved: ⏩️ Positioning Civil Society and Government Roles in Health Funding ⏩️ Community Leadership, Trust and Sustaining the “Triple 95” ⏩️ Social Contracting as a Pathway for Sustainability ⏩️ Integrating Community Data into National Health Systems ⏩️ Data, Evidence, and Value Demonstration ⏩️ Program Scope, Focus and Coordination with Government ⏩️ Monitoring Service Access, Quality, and Stigma ⏩️ ”Intelligent Integration” of HIV Services into the Health System ⏩️ Defining and presenting Non-Negotiable HIV Service Package ⏩️ PMTCT Testing Strategy and Preventive Use of Long-Acting Agents ⏩️ Service Access for Key Populations Amid System Changes ⏩️ Data Systems, Continuity of Care, and Supply Planning @RwandaNGOForum call the @RwandaHealth @nsanzimanasabin, all partners to join efforts for a stronger partnership and collaboration to sustain gains that have been achieved in AIDS response; continue saving lives of the communities even in the period of financial crisis! ✅ #Communities are key to sustaining the gains and making health impact. ▶️▶️ Moving forward, this can only be achieved when they are actively engaged in shaping decisions and protecting HIV outcomes! We are stronger Together! #HealthForAll #CommunityCentered #LetCommunitiesLead #SavingLives @JNdayizigiye @YvanButera @CMuvunyi @GlobalFund @WHORwanda @BrianChirombo @AndrewGasoziNtw @UNAIDS_ESA @UNAIDS @TuyishimeAlbert @ikuzo_basile @Rwanda_CCM @DrAdelakin @unwomenrwanda @frontlineaids @rangira_lambert @ahfrwanda @Sfrwanda1 @ImroRwanda @ASOFERWA2 @FXBRwanda @dreamvillage6 @AbbottNews @CsdiCommunity @mukacresce1 @kigalihopeorg @leonrusanganwa @GFAN_Africa @WACIHealth @ITPCglobal @Imbuto @Kayiranga_E @Isabelle_Kalisa @rhodalewa

Today, @RwandaNGOForum , in collaboration with @RBCRwanda , with the support from @unicefrw , successfully conducted a District orientation meeting on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and Digital interventions in @Nyamasheke . The engagement brought together District Leadership, Healthcare Providers, Security Organs, Civil Society Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations and community representatives, reinforcing a shared commitment to building disease-outbreak-resilient communities. The orientation provided a platform to align stakeholders on RCCE approaches, strengthen district ownership and ensure coordinated implementation of community-centered interventions. Presentations shared updates on #Cholera #Ebola #Measles #Marburg #Mpox #Malaria and Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (#VHFs). A key highlight of the meeting was the participatory identification of high-risk villages across priority diseases, alongside the mapping and validation of Frontline Functionaries (FLFs) who are leading community-level engagement and response efforts. The outcomes of this process will directly: ✅ Inform targeted RCCE and prevention interventions ✅Strengthen coordination across National, District and community members ✅ Improve real-time response/feedback mechanisms ✅ Strengthen Community Engagement and Ownership ✅ Utilization of digital tools for RCCE monitoring and reporting ✅ Enhance linkage between communities and health systems ✅ Support to fight rapid spread of misinformation through social media and community networks ✅ Social inclusion of vulnerable groups with respect to Human Rights and Gender approach The presentations demonstrated why a resilient community is essential. Participants emphasized the importance of community ownership, timely information sharing, and sustained collaboration as pillars for effective outbreak preparedness, prevention and response. Reflecting on the interventions that were introduced, a village leader noted that “when communities are actively engaged to prepare, prevent and respond, the benefit is enormous.” Echoing that call from personal experience, the Director General of Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital recounted losing a classmate to Marburg virus and stressed, “It reminded me that prevention owned and led by communities is not just more effective—it is far cheaper than waiting for lives to be lost.” We extend our sincere appreciation to Nyamasheke District leadership, health sector actors, Security Organs, CSOs, and community leaders for their active engagement and commitment to advancing resilient and informed communities. #OutbreakPreventionAndResponse #CommunityLedPrevention #CommunityParticipation #CommunityEngagement #PreventionSavesLives #CommunityResilience #Partnership #Collaboration #HealthForAll #LeaveNoOneBehind @RwandaHealth @nsanzimanasabin @JNdayizigiye @RwandaLocalGov @BGakire @edrwagasore @eRemera @TuyishimeAlbert @BrianChirombo @IOMRwanda @UNmigration @Ash_Carl80 @Health_IOM @japaninrwanda @FCDOGovUK @UNRwanda @AurelieRG @ambafrancerwa @EUinRW @EU_Partnerships @UKinRwanda @GermanyinRwanda @bkateera @CHAI_health @DrAdelakin @UNFPARwanda @AndrewGasoziNtw @expertisefrance @EF_LINITIATIVE @PMudakikwa @semakulam @RwandaAgri @Knooliet @Imbuto @eannaso @GatesAfrica @AimableDr @DrDanielNgamije @PATHtweets

Frontline Readiness: Two-Day Capacity Building Equips Bugesera and Ruhango Health Staff for Sustained SCH/STH Interruption @RwandaNGOForum, in collaboration with @RBCRwanda and @Physicians_RW, successfully concluded two-day capacity-building parallel sessions this week (29th–30th April 2026). The training, supported by @TheENDFund, built the capacity of 139 healthcare providers on Schistosomiasis (SCH) and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) surveillance at three sites: @RuhangoPH and @Hospital_Gitwe in the @RuhangoDistrict and @NyamataHospital in @BugeseraDistr. The participants included OPD nurses, laboratory technicians, and medical doctors from district hospitals and health centers across the @BugeseraDistr and @RuhangoDistrict catchment areas. Sessions covered SCH and STH clinical case definitions and triage protocols, the Kato-Katz diagnostic technique as the recommended method in Interruption of Transmission (IoT) settings, @WHO-aligned case management using Praziquantel for SCH and Albendazole for STH, accurate case reporting through RHMIS/DHIS2 and coordinated public health response including SCH active case detection, focal mass drug administration (MDA), and social behavior change (SBC) interventions. Healthcare workers across both districts are now better equipped to detect, diagnose, treat, and report neglected tropical diseases (NTD) cases of SCH and STH, bringing Rwanda one step closer to the sustained Interruption of Transmission of SCH and STH. #BeatNTDs #EndNTDs #Act4NTDs #InvestInNTDs #SurveillanceTraining #UmuturageKuIsonga @RwandaHealth @RwandaLocalGov @RwandaEast @RwandaSouth @WHORwanda @waterforpeople @RwandaGender @WVRwanda @Rwanda_Child @Imbuto @EUinRW @GermanyinRwanda @japaninrwanda @JicainRwanda @WorldRelief @ughe_org @Uni_Rwanda @UCmhs @Sfrwanda1 @RwandaInfra @RURA_RWANDA @wasac_rwanda @nsanzimanasabin @BrianChirombo @unicefrw @RwandaAgri @EugeneRuberanz2 @DMbituyumuremyi @NLadislas @Knooliet @CMuvunyi @TuyishimeAlbert @LiekevandeWiel @dhabimana @iassumpta @DrDanielNgamije @semakulam @JNdayizigiye

Here’s a sneak peek of what life at GKK actually looks like when we are not drowning in codes!!🫠 #lifeatgkk #tech #rwandatech #digitaltransformation #teamwork

Yesterday in @BugeseraDistr, we joined community members alongside @RBCRwanda, with support from @TheENDFund, to mark the awarding ceremony of the WASH Sector-Based Competitions, which brought together all 15 sectors of the district. This initiative recognized outstanding commitment to improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), while advancing social and behavior change to address diseases linked to poor sanitation. @RuhuhaBugesera was recognized as the best-performing sector, reflecting strong leadership, active community engagement, and visible progress in sanitation, hygiene, and environmental cleanliness. Across all sectors, simple but life-saving practices such as proper latrine use, handwashing with soap, safe water handling, and maintaining a clean environment are proving critical in preventing Neglected Tropical Diseases, including Schistosomiasis (SCH) and Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH). Beyond recognition, the competitions strengthened behavior change through community platforms and peer learning. By showcasing the best-performing sectors as models, the initiative is inspiring sustained action and supporting Rwanda’s efforts to eliminate SCH and STH through scalable, community-led WASH initiatives. #BeatNTDs #EndNTDs2030 #WASHAgainstNTDs #CleanWaterFightsNTDs #Act4NTDs #InvestInNTDs #UmuturageKuIsonga #IsukuHose