Rwanda is actively pursuing partnerships with international institutions to enhance its capabilities in genomic research, training programs, and technology in precision medicine, officials confirmed. This initiative was emphasized during a recent visit by Dr Claude Mambo Muvunyi, the Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), to prominent Chinese research and health institutions in Shenzhen and Hangzhou.
The visit, which concluded on October 25, included significant discussions with executives and researchers from BGI Genomics, BGI Research, and BGI College, all subsidiaries of the leading life sciences and genomics company, BGI Group. The primary focus of these discussions was on potential collaborations in genomics, joint research initiatives, capacity building, and technology transfer.
According to Muvunyi, these endeavors align with Rwanda”s vision of establishing a resilient and sustainable healthcare system supported by artificial intelligence and bioinformatics. “We are exploring how partnerships in genomics and precision medicine can strengthen our disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment capacity,” he stated in an interview. “Our goal is to localize advanced genomic research and training to position Rwanda as a regional hub for precision health.”
During his visit to BGI”s GigaLab and other key research facilities, Muvunyi noted the effective use of genomic data in improving clinical decision-making and public health strategies. He also delivered a keynote address at the 20th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-20), where he shared Rwanda”s genomic sequencing experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. “While there are gaps in pathogen genomics for surveillance across Africa, Rwanda developed sequencing capabilities during COVID-19,” he remarked. “This foundation enabled us to identify and trace the Marburg virus in bats, demonstrating that genomics is vital for enhancing public health resilience.”
In Hangzhou, Muvunyi engaged with the Zhejiang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) team to discuss collaborative efforts on disease surveillance systems, epidemic preparedness, and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Zhejiang CDC provided insights into its real-time reporting mechanisms and multisectoral coordination model, highlighting prevention strategies targeting conditions such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and obesity.
“The Zhejiang CDC model offers valuable lessons for Rwanda as we seek to enhance our surveillance and emergency response capabilities,” Muvunyi noted. “We aim to adopt adaptable systems that integrate genomics into public health management.”
The visit also included discussions with Pékin Teaching University of Shenzhen about potential collaborative programs focused on cervical cancer screening and research training for Rwandan scientists. León Mutesa, a professor at the University of Rwanda”s College of Medicine and Health Sciences, emphasized the transformative potential of genomics in early disease detection and prevention. “Certain diseases, such as breast, cervical, prostate, and colon cancers, can be hereditary due to genetic material passed from parents to children,” he explained. “Genomic techniques allow for early detection by identifying mutations that may lead to cancer later in life.”
Mutesa added that even non-hereditary cancers can be detected earlier through genomic screening, which analyzes DNA for early molecular changes before symptoms arise. “All cancers take time to develop,” he stated. “Early detection significantly improves the chances of effective management or prevention.”
Looking forward, Rwanda is set to launch a genomics-focused academic program next year, initially enrolling 25 students and two PhD candidates specializing in cancer genomics research. This initiative will complement ongoing national efforts to build comprehensive genomic infrastructure and nurture local expertise.
Strengthened collaborations between Rwanda and leading Chinese genomic institutions will not only enhance technical capabilities in AI-driven health research but also contribute to developing a roadmap for implementing genomics-based public health interventions. “This engagement marks a significant milestone in Rwanda”s journey toward innovation-driven healthcare,” Muvunyi asserted. “By investing in genomics, we are enhancing research capabilities and preparing for a future where healthcare is more predictive, personalized, and precise.”
