Rwanda records 17,000 deaths linked to drug-resistant infections in two years

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda is facing a growing threat from antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a silent health crisis caused by germs that no longer respond to medicines designed to kill them. New data shows that more than 17,000 people in Rwanda died from drug-resistant infections between 2019 and 2021.

Figures shared by Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) indicate that 9,800 deaths were recorded in 2019, and 8,180 in 2021, all linked to infections no longer responding to available treatment.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, or other disease-causing microbes mutate and become resistant to drugs, making common diseases harder—and sometimes impossible—to treat.

Dr. Noel Gahamanyi, Head of Microbiology at RBC, said AMR is a real public health problem that is costing lives. He noted that misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and the environment is accelerating resistance. He explained that when antibiotics are misused, microbes become stronger, the disease becomes difficult to treat, and in some cases, the patient dies.

Rwanda expands testing laboratories to fight AMR

To strengthen surveillance, Rwanda has been rapidly increasing its laboratory capacity. The country has expanded diagnostic laboratories able to test antimicrobial resistance from only six last year to 18 today, with plans to reach 20 by the end of the year, according to Dr. Isabelle Mukagatare, Head of Health Services at RBC.

She said this shows Rwanda’s commitment to fighting AMR and that the country is building every capacity possible to address it. These laboratories will guide doctors to prescribe targeted medicine after testing which drugs are still effective against a specific infection.

Misuse of antibiotics remains a major driver

Experts warn that many Rwandans use antibiotics without a prescription, often buying them directly from pharmacies. This practice is one of the biggest contributors to AMR, according to health professionals.

Dr. Lisine Tuyisenge, President of the Rwanda Paediatric Association, cautioned against self-medication and warned that children often suffer the consequences. She said some children arrive at hospitals with severe complications because they were given antibiotics without proper medical guidance.

She called for strict enforcement of regulations to ensure pharmacies do not sell antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.

Global concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between three and five million people die globally every year due to misuse of medication, especially antibiotics. If urgent action is not taken, deaths could rise to 10 million per year by 2050.

Rwanda has adopted a five-year action plan focusing on proper drug use, hygiene promotion, public awareness, and training health workers and pharmacists. Health officials advise the public to take medicine only as prescribed, finish doses, and avoid pressuring pharmacists to sell antibiotics without medical consultation.