Poor-Quality Alcohol Claims 44 Lives in Rwanda in First Half of 2026, Health Minister Warns
Kigali, Rwanda – Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana has described the growing problem of substandard and illicit alcohol that continues to claim lives in Rwanda as a serious public health crisis, saying it has reached alarming levels.
According to the Minister, between January and June 2026, and in the first days of July, at least 44 people have died after consuming illegal and poor-quality alcoholic beverages, while many others have been hospitalized and continue to suffer from severe health complications.
Dr. Nsanzimana made the remarks during an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) on July 8, 2026, following reports that several people in Ngoma District died while others were hospitalized after consuming juice served during a social event.
“From January to June, and now at the beginning of July, we have already lost 44 people. All of them consumed illegal alcohol. They were healthy when they drank it, but later became seriously ill and were taken to hospitals. Some died, others lost their eyesight, and some continue to suffer long-term health complications,” the Minister said.
He stressed that the issue requires urgent attention from all Rwandans, warning that as more people consume illicit alcohol, many become addicted to it while exposing themselves to life-threatening consequences.
The Minister expressed particular concern about the dangerous substances used in the production of these drinks.
“They mix extremely harmful substances, including crushed bricks, chemicals known as “tineri”, and methanol products such as sanitizers that people used to disinfect their hands. These substances gradually damage the eyes, the brain, and other parts of the body. This is a serious problem that all of us must confront,” he said.
Dr. Nsanzimana also pointed to Rwanda’s high alcohol consumption rates as another worrying factor. According to the 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), one in every two men and one in every five women in Rwanda consumes alcohol.
He noted that these statistics underscore the urgency of increasing public awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the risks associated with unregulated alcoholic beverages.
“We encourage citizens to wake up to the seriousness of this issue. When leaders speak about it, it is because we have already understood the magnitude of the problem. We all have a responsibility because this challenge is growing and requires collective action. It should not be seen as the problem of one individual who happens to be an alcoholic,” he said.
The Minister urged Rwandans to prioritize their health by avoiding substandard and illicit alcoholic beverages and by exercising caution regarding everything they consume.
Health authorities have repeatedly warned that the consumption of illegal alcohol poses significant risks, including poisoning, blindness, organ failure, and death, and have called on communities to report the production and sale of unregulated drinks to the relevant authorities.
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