Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the fastest-growing threats to global health, is pushing governments and health experts to rethink how medicines are used in both human and animal healthcare.
The problem emerges when bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms evolve and become resistant to medicines designed to eliminate them. As resistance grows, infections that were once easily treatable become increasingly difficult, and sometimes impossible, to cure.
Global estimates indicate that around five million deaths in 2021 were associated with antimicrobial resistance. Health experts warn that without decisive action, AMR could claim as many as 30 million lives worldwide between 2025 and 2050.
Rwanda is among the countries responding aggressively to the challenge. National data show that more than 17,000 deaths between 2019 and 2021 were linked to antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
To address the threat, the country has launched a four-year national action plan running through 2029. The strategy adopts a One Health approach, recognizing the close connection between human health, animal health, and environmental protection.
The initiative is backed by an estimated budget of $29.6 million, equivalent to more than RWF 43 billion. Funding will support surveillance systems, public awareness campaigns, laboratory expansion, infection prevention programs, research, and responsible medicine use.
The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) will receive the largest share of funding, while the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) will oversee major activities related to livestock health and veterinary medicine management.
A significant portion of the budget will be directed toward public education programs aimed at reducing the misuse of antibiotics. Health authorities believe inappropriate use of these medicines remains one of the primary drivers of antimicrobial resistance.
Training programs will target healthcare providers, pharmacists, veterinarians, and community members to improve prescription practices and medication adherence.
The plan also includes major investments in laboratory infrastructure. Rwanda has expanded its AMR testing network from six laboratories in 2024 to 18 laboratories today. Twelve focus on human health surveillance, while six support animal health monitoring.
These facilities help identify which antibiotics remain effective against specific infections, allowing clinicians to prescribe more targeted treatments and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Data from healthcare facilities show that resistance levels are already high for several commonly used antibiotics. Large percentages of disease-causing bacteria have developed resistance to medicines such as ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, amoxicillin, cefadroxil, and tetracycline.
The livestock sector presents another major challenge. Nearly 70% of antibiotic use occurs in animal production systems, creating conditions that can accelerate the emergence of resistant microorganisms.
Between 2019 and 2021, Rwanda imported substantial quantities of veterinary antibiotics, including tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and aminoglycosides. Experts stress that careful regulation and monitoring are essential to prevent resistance from spreading further.
Research has revealed encouraging signs as well. Most medical students understand the dangers associated with antibiotic misuse, although many still report obtaining or using antibiotics without prescriptions. Similar gaps remain among livestock keepers despite improvements in awareness and animal health management practices.
Rwanda’s nationwide healthcare network, including referral hospitals, provincial hospitals, district hospitals, health centers, and community health workers, will play a central role in implementing the strategy.
More than 58,500 community health workers are expected to support awareness campaigns, monitor trends, and promote responsible medicine use across all districts, sectors, cells, and villages.
As antimicrobial resistance continues to threaten health systems worldwide, Rwanda’s comprehensive investment in surveillance, prevention, laboratory capacity, public education, and research reflects a growing recognition that the fight against drug-resistant infections will require coordinated action across every level of society.
