EAC RCE VIHSCM

Africa CDC–EAC RCE to Partner on Emergency Supply Chains

Julian — 2026-06-18T16:30:00Z

Strengthening Africa's capacity to respond to public health emergencies hinges on investing in the people who keep essential supplies moving when they are needed most. This formed the main objective of the technical working mission conducted by a delegation from the Africa CDC Supply Chain Division to Kigali from 15–18 June 2026 with the University of Rwanda (UR) and the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM).

The mission team, led by Tesfaye Hailemichael, Head of the Africa CDC Supply Chain Division, engaged in discussions to align the Public Health Emergency Supply Chain (PHESC) Competency Framework and to strengthen health and humanitarian supply chain capacity.

“Our engagement with the EAC RCE‑VIHSCM began with earlier discussions on health supply chains, where we identified a need to strengthen capacity in humanitarian and public health emergency supply chains. We are pleased to build on this and work together to develop training programmes that will support emergency preparedness and response in Africa,” said Tesfaye.

Throughout the mission, the Africa CDC team met with key national stakeholders, including the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (RFDA), Rwanda Medical Supply (RMS), and the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) to discuss collaboration on curriculum development, implementation approaches, and capacity-building initiatives in emergency supply chain management.

The delegation wrapped up with a strategic session hosted by University of Rwanda Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura M. Didas, joined by Mrs. Françoise Kayitare Tengera, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration, and the EAC RCE‑VIHSCM team.

“The University of Rwanda values this opportunity to collaborate with Africa CDC in strengthening Public Health Emergency Supply Chain Workforce in Africa. We remain committed to supporting this shared agenda,” noted Prof. Kayihura.

The collaboration is advancing toward a Memorandum of Understanding and will support joint delivery of professional short courses in PHESC and humanitarian logistics, aligned with international standards.

Call for Applications (2026-2027)

Julian — 2026-06-18T10:00:00Z

The University of Rwanda informs prospective applicants that the online application system for Postgraduate Academic Programmes for the September 2026 intake is open from 8 June 2026 to 7 July 2026. Applicants are requested to take note of the following important information:

1. Minimum entry requirements (All UR programs)
Entry requirements for each advertised programme are published on the University of Rwanda website (https://ur.ac.rw/?Call-for-applications-for-postgraduate-academic-programmes-Academic-Year-2026-2856)

2. Application requirements for EAC RCE-VIHSCM programmes
Prospective applicants interested in the EAC RCE-VIHSCM programmes, namely the Master's in Health Supply Chain Management, MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance, MSc in Vaccinology, and MSc in Medical Products Regulatory Affairs, are advised to carefully review the admission requirements for their programme of interest as specified in section 5 (v) below.

3. Selection criteria
The selection will be done through the assessment of submitted documents. Only applicants who meet the entry requirements as indicated will be selected.

4. Funding
Information on any available scholarship opportunities and the selection criteria will be communicated to eligible for admission candidates during the admission process. Privately sponsored candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The tuition fee for all programmes is EUR 6,000 for the full duration of study. The programmes run over two years (four semesters) and follow a blended learning format, with each semester including a 3 to 4-week on-campus face-to-face learning period. The fee does not cover associated costs such as travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

Applications from self-sponsored candidates worldwide are highly encouraged and will be highly considered.

5. Application:
i. Visit the UR website at www.ur.ac.rw
ii. Navigate to the Admissions section, click on the Applicant Portal, and select New Application.
iii. Complete the Biographical Form and click "Save." You will receive your Student ID Reference Number. Keep this ID number safe, as it will be required for all transactions at UR.

Note:
• For field S.6 Index Number, input 0991048BCG963.
• In the ID section, enter 16 random digits.
• For your postal address, use P.O BOX 4285 Kigali, Rwanda, as the default. Ensure that all fields marked with a red asterisk are filled out, as they are mandatory.

iv. Create a 5-digit PIN using only numeric values (do not start with a 0). This PIN will serve as your password to access your student account. After creating your PIN, leave the page and click the link below.

Note: (Concerns previous applicants). If you applied in the UR system in the past, use the student application number you received at that time and proceed directly to the next step of documents submission. If you do not remember the student number used in your last application, follow the below to retrieve it.

- Visit this link https://ienabler.ur.ac.rw/pls/prodi41/w99pkg.mi_login
– Click to forget the student number.
– Please enter your identification ID or email address to search for your student registration ID using the email you previously used.
– Click search
– Check your email for the old student ID Number
– Move to the next step where candidates are requested to submit all required documents by using the provided links below.

v. Candidates are requested to submit all required documents by using the following links:

• Master's in Health Supply Chain Management - https://bit.ly/RCE-MHSCM9
• MSc. in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance - https://bit.ly/RCE-MPAQA4
• MSc. in Vaccinology - (https://bit.ly/RCE-MVAX2)
• MSc. in Medical Products Regulatory Affairs (https://bit.ly/RCE-MRA2)

NB: Submission of all documents is mandatory before proceeding to the next step. All required documents must be submitted in PDF format.

For additional information and clarification, please do not hesitate to contact:
The UR Postgraduate officer, Mukangoga Christine, e-mail: c.mukangoga@ur.ac.rw; Tel: +250 788 642 427 with copy to: the EAC RCE-VIHSCM Director, Email: director.rcevihscm@ur.ac.rw, Tel: +250788652910 with a copy to the EAC RCE-VIHSCM Training Coordinator, Email: j.b.nyandwi@ur.ac.rw, Tel: +250783027835.

Building Expertise in Vaccine Supply Planning

Julian — 2026-05-23T00:24:42Z

Ensuring vaccines are available when and where they are needed depends not only on supply, but on how accurately countries can predict demand and plan distribution. This challenge was the focus of a five-day Regional Training of Trainers (ToT) on Immunisation Forecasting & Supply Planning (iFSP) which concluded in Nairobi on 22 May, 2026.

The programme which was organised by the EAC RCE-VIHSCM in partnership with the UNICEF Supply Division, was attended by 20 health supply chain and immunization professionals from EAC National Immunization Programmes, Central Medical Stores, Faith-Based Organizations, as well as delegates from non-EAC countries such as Eritrea and Namibia. This enabled interactive sessions where participants shared country experiences in vaccines planning and distribution, enriching collective learning and regional collaboration. The exchange also introduced practical tools and strategies to enhance forecasting and supply planning, setting the stage for deeper exploration in the following sessions.

Leveraging Tools
Central to the training was the UNICEF's #FSP4All tool, a digital platform designed to make forecasting more precise and supply planning more reliable. Through hands-on sessions, participants explored how to anticipate demand, reduce wastage, and strengthen the end-to-end vaccine supply chain.

Strengthening the backbone of immunisation systems
Although vaccines are most visible at the point of delivery, effective forecasting and supply planning are what ensure consistent availability at clinics. The training thus reinforced demand estimation, procurement, and distribution coordination to reduce stockouts, overstocking, and wastage.

A growing regional pool of expertise
With the programme completed, the 20 participants join a growing network of certified trainers expected to cascade the knowledge to counterparts in their countries.

Participants were awarded Certificates of Completion by the EAC RCE VIHSCM trainers upon successful completion of the training.

Egypt EPI Team Completes Specialized Cold Chain Training

Julian — 2026-05-19T14:14:14Z

After 10 days of intensive learning, practical demonstrations, and field exposure, 9 officials from Egypt's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Ministry of Health, on May 14th 2026 concluded a specialized Cold Chain Equipment Management (CCEM) training hosted by the UR EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines.

The training, conducted from 3–15 May 2026 in collaboration with UNICEF Egypt, convened EPI staff and Cold Chain Managers to reinforce technical capacity in vaccine cold chain systems as part of broader Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) efforts.

Throughout the programme, participants explored key areas of cold chain equipment. Beyond classroom sessions, the training emphasized hands-on learning through practical exercises and field visits. A key highlight was the participants' visits to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) EPI Central Vaccines Warehouse at the Kigali Special Economic Zone, where they observed vaccine storage, logistics operations, and cold chain service delivery in practice.

What Trainees Had to Say.

One of the most valuable lessons from this training was understanding that cold chain equipment maintenance is a critical public health function not just a technical task as it directly affects vaccine safety and immunization performance. It also improved our practical skills in areas such as troubleshooting and management of modern WHO PQS equipment, use of solar-powered systems and green cold chain technologies. This training will strongly support our ongoing efforts to strengthen cold chain systems in Egypt and contribute to future capacity-building activities for other cold chain personnel, especially as the country continues to expand the use of modern environmentally sustainable cold chain technologies. I strongly believe that the success of one African country contributes to the success of the entire continent. In immunization and public health, we share one mission: ensuring that every child receives safe and effective vaccines, regardless of location.” — Eng. Nada Mohammed, Vaccine Cold Chain Director, Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt.

“As a technician working for several years in cold chain maintenance experience, I recognize that investing in cold chain equipment management capacity is key. Even the best vaccines lose effectiveness if equipment is not properly maintained, so countries need qualified technicians, preventive maintenance systems, and rapid response mechanisms. This training deepened my practical knowledge on modern WHO PQS equipment and preventive maintenance systems, introduced me to solar-powered refrigeration and green cold chain technologies, which are increasingly important for sustainable immunization programs. Also, sharing experiences with peers from different African countries highlighted common challenges and reinforced our collective responsibility to ensure vaccine potency and safe immunization for all children.” — Ramy Rasmy, Senior Cold Chain Technician- subnational level.

The Centre appreciates all participants for successfully completing the training and extends its gratitude to UNICEF Egypt, UNICEF ESARO, UNICEF Rwanda, and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre for their support in its delivery.

Workforce at the Heart of Health Supply Chains

Julian — 2026-05-07T10:00:00Z

Efforts to strengthen access to medicines and vaccines in East Africa are driving a renewed push to professionalise the health supply chain workforce within the EAC region.

From May 4–6, 2026, delegates from EAC Partner States, technical experts, and development partners convened in Kigali to review the draft Regional Health Supply Chain Management (HSCM) Professionalisation Strategy aimed at transforming supply chain management into a recognised and standardised profession in the region.

During the three-day technical meeting organised by the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management and the EAC Secretariat, participants worked to shape the regional framework.

In his remarks, Mr. Edward Sebina, Commissioner of Social Affairs at Uganda's Ministry of EAC Affairs and Chair of the meeting, commended the EAC RCE-VIHSCM and Secretariat for coordinating the process. He also recognized the efforts of Regional Professionalisation Taskforce and delegates for their progress in finalizing the strategy.

“This meeting is a critical to ensuring our health supply chain workforce is resilient. I encourage all participants to provide the technical inputs needed to make the strategy strong and ready for adoption,” he said.

The workshop builds on earlier engagements, including the first professionalisation meeting held in June 2023, which raised awareness and laid the groundwork for a regional framework that defines standards, curricula, and legal recognition of supply chain cadres as part of national human resource structures.

Once adopted, the strategy is expected to mark a turning point that will elevate health supply chain management as a profession and strengthen equitable access to medicines and vaccines.

📌 Did You Know?
• Up to 40% of health system costs are tied to supply chain operations.
• A professionalised workforce reduces stockouts of essential medicines and improves accountability.
• The EAC's initiative is among the first regional efforts in Africa to formally institutionalize supply chain management as a profession.

Mr. Jean Pierre Nizeyimana

Julian — 2026-03-24T14:00:00Z

Financial Management Specialist

- RCE-VIHSCM Staff

Postgraduate Programs Student Guide

Julian — 2026-03-23T13:12:07Z

https://hscm.ur.ac.rw/IMG/pdf/eac_vihscm_students_guide_booklet.pdf

- Admission Process / Admission Process

University of Rwanda Application Guidelines

Julian — 2026-03-23T13:11:41Z

https://ur.ac.rw/IMG/pdf/application_guide_2025-2026.pdf

- Admission Process

RCE PhD Candidate Supports Mpox Antibody Test Validation

Julian — 2026-03-16T13:39:00Z

We are delighted to recognise the contribution of Hervé Semukunzi, the first EAC RCE-VIHSCM-supported doctoral student to publish a peer-reviewed article, to the validation of a new mpox antibody test in Rwanda. The study provides a key tool for outbreak surveillance, population immunity monitoring, and vaccine strategy planning.

The research was conducted at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) in Kigali in August 2025 and included 150 adults with varying vaccination and exposure histories. Researchers tested a four-antigen IgG ELISA assay, which performed reliably under routine laboratory conditions. Strong correlation between serum and dried blood spot (DBS) samples confirmed that DBS testing is a feasible approach for community-level serosurveillance.

The MpoxCARE project was a collaborative effort between the University of Birmingham, Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and the University of Rwanda, with support from the EAC RCE-VIHSCM in its role as a project funder and regional partner, and additional assistance from the Africa Centre for Excellence in Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES), MedtechtoMarket Ltd, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and the West Midlands NIHR ACAT programme.

This study highlights the value of regional collaboration and capacity building, ensuring research is conducted in affected communities while strengthening local expertise in immunization and outbreak response. The findings have been published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Read the full paper: A combined ELISA for infection-induced and vaccine-induced mpox antibodies during the clade Ib outbreak in Rwanda: an observational, cross-sectional, clinical validation study - The Lancet Infectious Diseases