Rwanda NCD Alliance

We are excited to share that the Rwanda NCD Alliance (RNCDA) Newsletter for Q1, 2026 is now available. One of the highlights we celebrate this quarter is reaching more than 10,000 students through school awareness campaigns on non‑communicable diseases (NCDs). These impactful activities were carried out in collaboration with SWISS TPH under the NICE Project (Nutrition in City Ecosystems), strengthening our collective efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and prevent NCDs among young people. This milestone reflects our commitment to advancing NCD advocacy and education, while building strong partnerships that amplify our reach and impact. Read more updates in Q1, 2026 Newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/dXg6WKiH

We are proud to share that our Chairperson, Professor Joseph Mucumbitsi, represented Rwanda NCD Alliance at the World Health Summit 2026 in Nairobi. During the panel on Integrated Planetary Health Solutions to Safeguard Health, hosted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Prof. Mucumbitsi highlighted Rwanda’s innovative Kigali Car Free Day model—showing how healthier, sustainable cities can be built through improved air quality, increased physical activity, and reduced NCD risk factors. His contribution reflects Rwanda’s commitment to advancing climate‑resilient and green health infrastructure, while inspiring global dialogue on sustainable urban health solutions. #WHS2026 #WHSNairobi2026

We are pleased to announce that Rwanda NCD Alliance will be represented by our Chairperson, Professor Joseph Mucumbitsi, at the World Health Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Today, 27 April, he will join a panel on ‘Climate‑resilient and green health infrastructure: innovation, financing models, air pollution, waste management and sustainable cities’. He will share Rwanda’s experience with the Kigali Car Free Day and its impact on building healthier, sustainable communities.

Today at the Rwanda NCD Alliance office, our Chairperson Professor Joseph Mucumbitsi received a courtesy visit from Newton Ngugi Macharia, Associate Programme Manager at the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), together with Gad Nshimiyimana from the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). The visit highlighted the progress and milestones of the WDF22‑1892 project implemented by the Rwanda NCD Alliance and the East Africa NCD Alliance, while also discussing future engagements for stronger NCD advocacy. Special thanks to the East Africa NCD Alliance for the support and guidance throughout the journey of implementing WDF22‑1892.

One of the key activities Rwanda NCD Alliance conducts during every Car Free Day is offering free NCD screening to all participants and community members interested in knowing their health status. This initiative was once again carried out yesterday during the Rusizi Car Free Day, ensuring that alongside promoting physical activity, people also had the opportunity to check and understand their NCD risk. By combining sports with preventive health services, we continue to strengthen awareness and empower communities to take proactive steps toward healthier lives.

Today, Rwanda NCD Alliance, in collaboration with various stakeholders, actively participated in the Rusizi Car Free Day, a bi‑monthly community sports initiative that promotes healthy lifestyles. The event highlighted the importance of regular physical activity in preventing and managing Non‑Communicable Diseases (NCDs), while also underscoring the critical role of routine screening for early detection and improved health outcomes. Rwanda NCD Alliance facilitated free NCD screening for all participants, reinforcing its commitment to advancing wellness and prevention across communities.

World Obesity Day 2026 8 Billion Reasons to Act: Addressing the Global Obesity Crisis ⚠️ Today, on World Obesity Day, we are confronted with a sobering reality: 1 in 8 people globally are currently living with obesity. If we do not change our current trajectory, this number is projected to reach 4 billion—nearly half the global population—by 2035. Obesity remains a primary driver of the most serious Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) affecting our community: ✅ Type 2 Diabetes ✅ Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases ✅ Various forms of Cancer We can change the story by prioritizing both individual action and systemic reform: ➡️ For Individuals: Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, pulses, and whole grains while ensuring 60 minutes of daily activity for children and 150 minutes per week for adults. ➡️ For Policymakers: We continue to advocate for the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages, the regulation of marketing unhealthy foods to children, and ensuring that healthy diets are affordable for all Rwandans. This year’s theme, "8 Billion Reasons to Act," reminds us that healthier lives begin with healthier surroundings. Let’s move beyond stigma and work together to build a future where the healthy choice is the easy choice for everyone. #WorldObesityDay #ActOnNCDs #WorldObesityDay2026

Today, Rwanda’s National Non-Communicable Diseases Technical Working Group (NCD TWG) convened under the leadership of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) as Chair, with co-chair support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and secretariat coordination by the Rwanda Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (RNCDA). The main purpose of the meeting was to review the achievements of the 2020–2025 National NCD Strategy, identify gaps, and chart the way forward by aligning the upcoming 2026–2030 Strategic Plan with Rwanda’s national frameworks (National Strategy for Transformation – NST2 and the Health Sector Strategic Plan 4 – HSSP4) while integrating commitments from the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs & Mental Health (2025). During the session, Prof. Joseph Mucumbitsi, Chairperson of the Rwanda Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance and Board Member of the global NCD Alliance, presented the Report of the 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum 2025 and shared insights on integrating the UN HLM4 Political Declaration commitments into Rwanda’s plans. This meeting marks a decisive step in strengthening Rwanda’s multisectoral response to non-communicable diseases, ensuring that national priorities are aligned with global commitments for a healthier, more resilient future. #BeatNCDs #HealthForAll #RwandaHealth #NCDs #GlobalHealth

On this #WorldCancerDay, we are reminded that every story, every voice, and every fight against cancer is unique—and yet, our strength lies in unity. Cancer touches lives in different ways, but together we can raise awareness, break stigma, and build hope. Rwanda NCD Alliance stands alongside patients, families, health professionals, and communities to honor every journey and amplify every voice. By uniting across differences, we create a stronger, healthier future for all. Let’s continue to support one another, advocate for prevention, and work towards equitable access to care. Because when we are United by Unique, we are unstoppable. 💪

We are pleased to announce that Jado Bagirihirwe has joined the Rwanda Non-Communicable Disease Alliance (RNCDA) as our new Accountant. Jean De Dieu brings strong financial expertise, a commitment to transparency, and a collaborative spirit that will reinforce our operational excellence. His skills will support RNCDA’s strategic growth and ensure sound financial stewardship as we continue advancing non-communicable disease advocacy in Rwanda. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to working together to deepen our impact. Join us in welcoming Jean De Dieu to the RNCDA team!