Rwanda and Switzerland Forge Powerful Health Partnership in Bern

In Bern, Rwanda and Switzerland were the focus of talks on Tuesday.

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, met Swiss Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider during a working visit.

Moreover, the meeting in the Swiss capital focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing digital health technologies.

Additionally, it highlighted training and capacity building for health workers, epidemic preparedness, research, and the development of life sciences.

Nsanzimana was accompanied by Rwanda Development Board Deputy Chief Executive Officer Juliana Muganza. Baume-Schneider oversees Switzerland’s federal health portfolio.

Officials said the talks reaffirmed the longstanding partnership and explored ways to expand collaboration across the health sector.

Digital health and workforce development feature among the priorities of Rwanda’s Health Sector Strategic Plan for 2024–2029. Additionally, Rwanda and Switzerland collaborate on a reform. It aims to quadruple the healthcare workforce through expanded medical education, improved training, career development, and better working conditions.

Rwanda launched a National Health Intelligence Centre in 2025 to integrate real-time data from hospitals, clinics, national programs, and community health workers. The platform supports planning, research, and policy decisions.

The country is also running a three-year program to strengthen outbreak prevention and response. The initiative concentrates on surveillance and early-warning systems, laboratory capacity, and preparedness of health personnel.

Switzerland has maintained a regional cooperation program covering Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2009. The program has supported work in health, economic development, and governance in the Great Lakes region.

The Bern meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to use technology and joint research to improve health services and scientific capacity in Rwanda.

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DUSABEMUNGU Ange de la Victoire

Award-winning journalist and communications professional, recognized with the APO Group’s inaugural Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Journalism Award for promoting African entrepreneurship. Content Manager at Top Africa News and contributor to various African media outlets. Experienced in content creation, digital media, communications, and digital marketing, with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism from the National University of Rwanda. Also specializes in website design, management, hosting, and content development.

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