Rwanda Strengthens Public Health Preparedness with UN–Mastercard Foundation Support

By The Inspirer.

KIGALI – Rwanda has received more than 630 units of cold chain equipment from the United Nations and the Mastercard Foundation to boost its capacity to respond to health emergencies.

The handover took place yesterday at the Rwanda Biomedical Center’s vaccination warehouse in the Kigali Special Economic Zone.

The equipment includes ultra-low temperature freezers, medical-grade refrigerators, passive cold boxes, icepacks, and multipurpose tents.

Officials say it will support vaccine storage, biological sample preservation, and emergency outreach, particularly in remote areas.

Diana Mutoni, Deputy CEO of Rwanda Medical Supply (RMS), said the donation builds on Rwanda’s experience during the 2024 Marburg virus outbreak.

She noted that strengthening the supply chain reinforces the country’s commitment to protecting public health.

Andrea Bagnoli, WFP Country Director in Rwanda, called the handover timely and essential, saying the equipment will help Rwanda respond faster and reach further in times of crisis. UNICEF’s Officer in Charge, Bee Hong Ong, pledged logistical support to distribute the equipment to health facilities nationwide.

The contribution is part of a $50 million allocation from the Mastercard Foundation to strengthen global responses to disease outbreaks, with $35 million directed through UNICEF and $15 million through WFP.

John Nkengasong, Executive Director at the Foundation, said safeguarding vulnerable communities is vital for building resilient societies.

New cold chain equipment strengthens Rwanda’s vaccine storage and emergency response.

Under the same program, UNICEF has supported risk communication, infection prevention, mental health and nutrition services, and the training of over 55,000 community health workers, reaching 4.5 million people in 15 districts.

UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, Ozonnia Ojielo, praised the Ministry of Health for its leadership, saying the initiative reflects effective collaboration between international agencies and the government.

The cold chain reinforcement is expected to improve Rwanda’s resilience to future outbreaks and strengthen delivery of essential health services across the country.