The University of Rwanda/EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines (EAC RCE-VIHSCM) was honored to facilitate the donation of two mobile vaccination clinics including 20 vaccine storage fridges to Rwanda, made possible through its collaboration with Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH,N). Valued at RWF 490 million (€327,000), the donation was formally received by Prof. Dr. Claude Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre on November 5th, 2024.
This donation, financed by the German government through the German Development Bank (KfW), is set to enhance Rwanda’s immunization program and ensure that vital vaccination services reach different parts of the country.
During the handover, Prof. Muvunyi expressed his deep gratitude to AKUH,N and the Federal Republic of Germany. He highlighted that this support would be critical in maintaining high vaccination coverage nationwide and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.
Shekar Iyer, the Chief Operations Officer of AKUH,N, remarked that the donation reflects the Aga Khan Development Network’s commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities where it operates. “We are excited to partner with the Government of Rwanda to increase access to immunization, a critical aspect of a healthy nation,” Iyer stated. He added that this partnership embodies the core values of the Aga Khan Development Network—creating a lasting impact and increasing access to quality care for all.
Philippe Taflinski, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Rwanda, noted that “even though the COVID-19 pandemic has faded from our minds, current developments, in particular the recent outbreak of MPOX and the Marburg Virus, underline that adequate medical infrastructure remains key to respond to any kind of quickly emerging public health challenges. This includes the capability to quickly deliver medical services and conduct vaccination campaigns even in remote areas. Germany reiterates its commitment to collaborating with Rwanda and the East African Community (EAC) in this regard, working closely with European partners through the Team Europe Initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies in Africa (MAV+)”
The EAC RCE’s role in facilitating such impactful partnerships is testament to Centre’s dedication to advancing public health in the region.
