Rwanda: Rwanda Rolls Out Five-Year Strategy to Fight NCDs

Rwanda has introduced a five-year strategy to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), aiming to interrupt the transmission of leprosy and onchocerciasis (river blindness) by 2030. Approximately 13 million people are at risk of at least one NTD, with the plan targeting rural and underserved communities. Rwanda aims to reduce diseases such as schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths to below one percent in selected areas, piloting efforts in Bugesera and Ruhango districts.

The five-year plan, costing Rwf13.79 billion, seeks to cover at least 70 percent of needs through domestic funding by 2030. Rwanda has made progress against certain NTDs, with intestinal worm prevalence dropping from 45 percent in 2014 to below 20 percent. The country plans to transition from mass drug administration to routine deworming and has confirmed ongoing river blindness transmission in specific districts, with a goal of 85 percent programme coverage and 100 percent geographical coverage by 2030.

Leprosy remains endemic in four districts, with new cases declining by 30 percent over the past decade. The government aims for zero new locally acquired leprosy cases among children under five for five consecutive years by 2030. Other conditions targeted for elimination include lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, rabies, and yaws, with vaccination and detection programs in place.

The plan also emphasizes integration of NTD services into primary healthcare, schools, and community-based services. Challenges include shortages of medicines and diagnostics, limited surveillance, and gaps in integration with the wider health system.