Rwanda launches second “One Health” AMR Action Plan for 2025-2029

RWANDA— Rwanda has taken a significant step in the fight against drug-resistant infections by officially launching its second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) for 2025–2029.

This move, effective from May 12, 2025, follows formal endorsement by the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment demonstrating Rwanda’s strengthened commitment to tackling the growing threat of AMR on both a national and global scale.

The new action plan provides a comprehensive, multisectoral strategy to address the misuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs in human health, animal health, and agriculture.

Building on the experiences and lessons learnt from the first national AMR plan (2020–2024), this five-year roadmap emphasizes a “One Health” approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

First introduced during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week in December 2024, the plan now moves into full-scale implementation.

It sets out clear objectives to reduce the risks associated with AMR and preserve the effectiveness of vital medicines for future generations.

Dr. Claude Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that a coordinated national effort will help deliver on the commitments outlined in the plan.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the drugs that once killed them, making infections harder to treat.

This phenomenon has become a major global health concern, threatening to undermine decades of medical progress, increase the risk of complications from routine procedures, and strain health systems worldwide.

Without urgent action, experts warn that even minor infections or routine surgeries could once again become life-threatening.

The new action plan aligns with Rwanda’s long-term Vision 2050, as well as international objectives such as Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.

Developed by the RBC in collaboration with national stakeholders and technical partners, the plan has received support from organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), ReAct Africa, Partners In Health (PIH), Jhpiego, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).

This plan focuses on six priority areas, namely raising awareness of AMR among the public, professionals, and policymakers; expanding surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance across sectors; and reducing infection rates through better sanitation, hygiene, and prevention measures.

To ensure effective implementation, Rwanda prioritized interventions using the Smart Choice Process, becoming the first country in Africa to adopt this evidence-based planning tool for AMR.

The plan is also fully costed using the WHO Costing and Budgeting Tool, with an estimated budget of 40.1 billion Rwandan francs (US$29.6 million).

Officials believe that this comprehensive, well-funded plan will help Rwanda reduce the health and economic burden of drug-resistant infections, protect public health, and contribute meaningfully to global efforts to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial medicines for all.

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