Research & Surveillance
AMR Initiative Rwanda prioritizes evidence-based action by supporting surveillance systems, research projects, and data-driven insights that inform policy, stewardship, and One Health strategies.
Key Findings in Rwanda: High antimicrobial resistance identified in clinical settings. In a 2013–14 survey at Kigali University Teaching Hospital, 31.4% of E. coli and 58.7% of Klebsiella isolates were ESBL producers; 82% of S. aureus showed oxacillin resistance. Resistance to multiple drug classes was common.
Ongoing Surveillance Efforts
- Capacity strengthening for bacterial testing in rural hospitals such as Rwinkwavu, Kirehe, and Butaro.
- Poultry farm surveys in Northern Province reveal high resistance among E. coli isolates—especially to tetracycline (69.8%) and cotrimoxazole (39.5%).
- Collaborative efforts aim to standardize surveillance across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
National AMR Monitoring
Rwanda’s 2025–2029 National Action Plan on AMR strengthens integrated surveillance by enhancing lab capacity, digital data systems, and collaboration with FAO, WHO, and other regional bodies.
Regional & Global Context
- Africa-wide reviews report high resistance rates to third-generation cephalosporins and MRSA prevalence ranging between 2% and 82%.
- According to IHME (2019), Rwanda recorded an estimated 2,400 direct AMR deaths and 9,800 associated deaths.
How We Use Data
- Develop stewardship programs for hospitals, veterinary clinics, and farming communities.
- Enhance diagnostic capacity and laboratory quality.
- Support public health education and responsible antimicrobial use policies.
- Target underrepresented and rural areas with improved data collection.
Get Involved
Are you a researcher, student, organization, or policy expert interested in AMR surveillance? We welcome your partnership.
📧 Contact us: info@amrinitiativerwanda.org
