Kigali residents turned out in large numbers on Sunday for the Car-Free Day event, which marked the conclusion of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) Week under the theme “Educate. Advocate. Act Now.”
The event, organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and the Ministry of Health, highlighted the urgent need to address AMR, a growing global health threat. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites adapt, making medications like antibiotics and antivirals less effective, ultimately endangering lives.
Dr. Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative to Rwanda, emphasized the significance of the campaign, stating, “Educate. Advocate. Act Now.” He praised the impressive participation of Kigali residents and the health sector fraternity in raising awareness. “Together, we can beat AMR,” he added, commending the collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
Government officials, including Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, RBC Director General Prof. Claude Muvunyi, and Rwanda Medical Association President Dr. Nkuranga, joined the Car-Free Day activities, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to health promotion.
Medical students from MEDSAR and SCOPH played an active role by offering free health services, including non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings and body weight assessments. These efforts aimed to educate the public on the importance of preventive health measures while drawing attention to the dangers of AMR.
The Car-Free Day activities highlighted the effectiveness of community-based approaches to tackling AMR and NCDs. Minister Nsanzimana stressed the necessity of responsible medication use, noting that “misusing or overusing antibiotics accelerates resistance, threatening the progress made in modern medicine.”
The event emphasized the need for continued advocacy, stronger partnerships, and public education to address AMR. Rwanda’s health sector, along with residents, demonstrated a united front in promoting healthier lifestyles and tackling one of the most pressing challenges in global health today.
Meanwhile, the National Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) that just ended, convened at the Kigali Convention Center, bringing together over 500 stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and civil society leaders.
The conference with the theme ” Educate. Advocate. Act Now” tackled the urgent challenge of AMR and was part of the global World Antimicrobial Awareness Week from November 18 to 24.
