Rwanda Advances One Health Approach with New Antimicrobial Resistance Plan

In a significant stride toward safeguarding public health and food security, Rwanda has validated and published its updated National Action Plan (NAP) to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for the period 2025–2029. The plan was officially released online following months of technical and strategic support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), marking a key milestone in the country’s One Health approach.

Antimicrobial resistance — the growing inability of medicines to treat infections in humans, animals, and plants — represents a mounting global threat. It endangers the effectiveness of vital treatments, threatens food systems, and undermines sustainable development. For Rwanda, strengthening its national response is not just a health priority but a strategic investment in resilience and development.

The revised NAP, developed through a collaborative and evidence-based process, involved experts and policymakers from across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors. Backed by FAO tools and international funding, the plan outlines a coherent strategy to slow down and contain the spread of resistant microorganisms.

“This Action Plan is a significant step in building the national systems needed to protect health and livelihoods,” said Dr. Nomathemba Mhlanga, FAO Representative ad interim in Rwanda. “Decreasing AMR risks to human, animal and environmental health requires first a good understanding of where and why risks exist.”

The updated plan places a strong emphasis on the responsible and optimal use of antimicrobial drugs, while also reinforcing the importance of ensuring their continuous availability and safety. It sets forth goals to improve surveillance, promote infection prevention, and support capacity-building in laboratories and veterinary services.

FAO played a central role in this revision, deploying its Progressive Management Pathway for AMR (PMP-AMR) and the Assessment Tool for Laboratories and AMR Surveillance Systems (FAO-ATLASS) during a five-day evaluation of the previous plan’s implementation. These tools helped identify gaps and priorities for the next phase.

In addition, FAO provided a national consultant to assist with technical drafting, coordinated the post-editing and validation phases, and engaged national leaders to build high-level political support. The result is a plan that is not only scientifically sound but also nationally owned and accessible — now publicly available online for national and international stakeholders.

The 2025–2029 NAP strengthens Rwanda’s role in the global fight against AMR, aligning it with international frameworks and regional strategies. By addressing antimicrobial resistance through a One Health lens, the country is positioning itself to protect not only its people, but also its agriculture, economy, and ecosystems.

As Rwanda implements this ambitious plan, the world will be watching — and learning — from its experience.