About – AMR Initiative Rwanda

About Us - AMR Initiative Rwanda

We are a youth-led, non-profit organization dedicated to combating antimicrobial resistance in Rwanda through a comprehensive One Health approach, empowering communities and preserving life-saving medicines for future generations.

50,000+ Youth Trained

40+ Outreach Events

5 Research Projects

Our Vision & Mission

Our Vision

We envision a Rwanda where antimicrobial drugs are used responsibly, ensuring access to and use of quality, safe, and effective antimicrobials in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in humans, animals, and the environment, with empowered youth at the forefront of this transformational change.

Our Mission

At AMR Initiative Rwanda, We are Implementing the One Health approach to prevent, mitigate, and control the spread of resistant microorganisms, while ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and high-quality antimicrobials, and promoting their prudent and rational use in Rwanda.

Our Story

AMR Initiative Rwanda was founded in April 2024 by Marcel Ishimwe, an aspiring pharmacist and passionate advocate for public health. The idea was born earlier that year when Marcel recognized the urgent need for youth-led action against the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Rwanda.

What began as a vision to raise awareness among students and communities quickly grew into a national initiative focused on combating antimicrobial resistance in Rwanda by promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials across human, animal, and environmental sectors, promoting research, and implementing appropriate infection prevention and control measures.

Since its founding, the Initiative has mobilized young leaders, built partnerships, and launched impactful activities aimed at preserving the effectiveness of life-saving medicines. Today, we stand as a testament to the power of youth-driven change in addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time.

Message from the Founder

"When I founded AMR Initiative Rwanda, it was born out of a deep concern for the silent crisis of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a real and growing threat to public health in our country and beyond. Research shows that if no action is taken, AMR could cause 10 million deaths every year by 2050. As an Aspiring Pharmacist and advocate for safer health practices, I felt it was our responsibility to act—not someday, but now.

This Initiative is more than an organization; it is a movement of young minds determined to fight against drug resistant infections and protect the efficacy of life-saving medicines. Together, we aim to inspire awareness, spark innovation, and drive change across communities. I am proud of what we have started, and I believe that with continued collaboration and action, we can preserve the power of antimicrobials for generations to come"

Marcel Ishimwe

Founder, President & CEO

AMR Initiative Rwanda

Leadership Team

Our diverse team of experts brings together professionals from healthcare, research, policy, and advocacy to drive meaningful change in combating antimicrobial resistance.

Board of Directors

Board Chair

Richard Bishumba

Director of Corporate Affairs at Bio Usawa. Registered pharmacist and public health professional with over a decade of experience in health communications and strategic partnerships.

Vice Chairperson

Lambert Ingabire

Clinical and Policy Advisor | Director-Level Pharmacist | Oncology and Infectious Disease Expert | Global Health Strategist in Pharmaceutical Access, Research and Innovation.

Board Secretary

Dr. Nadia Uwera

Medicines Registration Specialist at Rwanda FDA. Veterinary Doctor with over six years of experience in regulatory affairs and AMR containment.

Board Member

Dr. Richard Habimana

National Liaison Specialist at FAO Rwanda. A development professional with over 15 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and program coordination. His work focuses on advancing One Health approaches, sustainable development, and transboundary collaboration across the Greater Virunga Landscape.

Board Member

Marcel Ishimwe

An aspiring pharmacist driving efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance by promoting rational drug use, raising awareness, influencing policy, and fostering global collaboration for sustainable health solutions.

Board Member

Lambert Christophe Safari

Hospital and Clinical Pharmacist at CHUB. Faculty member at University of Rwanda with expertise in clinical pharmacy, AMR/AMS, and global health.

Board Member

Othniel Nimbabazi

Pharmacist and Global Health Specialist with over five years of experience in health systems strengthening and pharmaceutical supply chain across Africa.

Board Member

Dr. Laurien Ntamugabumwe

Head of Veterinary Research and Professional Development at Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors(RCVD). Experienced veterinary doctor with expertise in veterinary legislation, education, One Health, AMR, and youth engagement in public health.

Board Member

Denyse Niyoturamya

Operations Manager at National Pharmacy Council of Rwanda and One Health Fellow at Tufts University. Expert in public health policy and pharmacy regulation.

Board Member

Dr. Fils Daniel Kwizera

Project Officer at FAO Rwanda. Dedicated veterinarian with over eight years of experience in animal health, disease prevention, and One Health approach.

Founder & Co-Founder

Founder, President & CEO

Marcel Ishimwe

Aspiring Pharmacist and passionate advocate for public health. Has spoken at prominent global health forums including the 2024 World AMR Congress, focusing on advancing antibiotic research through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Co-Founder

Gedeon Mbonabucya

Pharmacist, former president of Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students' Association (RPSA) and current Health Operator at Zipline Inc. Chairperson of 14th IPSF African Pharmaceutical Symposium. Passionate advocate for antimicrobial stewardship.

Advisory Team

Medical Advisor

Dr. Mariska Kreuger

Medical Microbiologist and Tropical Medicine Specialist at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda. Expert in AMR, antimicrobial stewardship, and clinical microbiology.

Research Advisor

Pierre Gashema

Executive Director of Repolicy Research Centre, Rwanda. Specialist in infectious diseases and global health with focus on malaria treatment adherence and AMR.

Pharmacy Advisor

Jean Claude Niyibizi

Senior Pharmacy Program Manager at Partners in Health Rwanda. Senior Pharmacist with strong passion for AMR prevention and pharmaceutical system strengthening.

Research Advisor

Dr. Jean Damascene Harindintwali

Holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2021–2024), and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Jiangnan University (2018–2021). His professional focus lies in leveraging nature-based solutions to enhance environmental health and sustainability.

Policy Advisor

Aline Mukerabirori

Project Management, Procurement, and Public Health Expert with over 20 years of international experience enhancing access to healthcare and life-saving commodities.

Policy Advisor

Dr. Lilette Mika Kayiranga

Advisor at GIZ Rwanda. Registered pharmacist focused on pharmaceutical and biotech sector growth, health systems strengthening, and global health equity.

Regulatory Advisor

Patrick Gad Iradukunda

A researcher with interest in global health, public health, clinical trials and regulatory sciences focusing on strengthening health regulatory systems across the continent. He is currently serving Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority as Quality Compliance Specialist and is engaged in global forums on access to medicine such as Access to Oncology Medicine Coalition working group based at the Union for International Cancer Control and Community of Practice for Long Acting Therapeutics based at University of Liverpool.

Executive Team

Deputy Executive Director

Octave Iragena

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Olivier Niyonshima

General Secretary

Therese Mukantwari

Head of Animal Health

Donat Ngirarubanda

Director of Research

Olivier Sibomana

Vice Director of Research

Musana Habimana Arsène

Vice-Director of Operations

Darius Benimana

Director of Communications

Jackson Byiringiro

Director of Operations

Gerishomu Niyokwizerwa

Head Of Resource Mobilization

Eugene Rusanganira

Director Public Relations and Community Engagement

Elisa Uwihanganye

Director Public Relations and Community Engagement

Patrick Iradukunda

Director of Partnership and Development

Pacifique Ahishakiye

Director of Administration and Finance

Protais Hashimwumukiza

Director of Partnership and Development

Divine Cyizere

Program and Project Manager

Eric Iracyahari

Join Our Mission

Together, we can combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve life-saving medicines for future generations. Join us in making a difference in Rwanda and beyond.

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