Rwanda Biosafety and Biosecurity Organization (RBBO), in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, the International Federation of Biosafety Association (IFBA), and the Canadian High Commission in Rwanda, hosted its first-ever conference and exhibition aimed at advancing biosafety and biosecurity in Rwanda.
The event, held on January 17 at Hilltop & Country Club Hotel in Kigali, brought together professionals from diverse sectors, including human health, veterinary, agriculture, and environmental sciences, alongside academic institutions, policymakers, and researchers. Themed “Biosafety and Biosecurity Our Shield,” the conference served as a platform for knowledge sharing, panel discussions, and showcasing modern technologies to address biological threats.
RBBO: A Pillar for Biosafety and Biosecurity
RBBO, a non-governmental organization established in 2020 by Rwandan professionals in medical, agro-veterinary, and environmental domains, officially gained its operational certificate from the Rwanda Governance Board in 2023. Its vision is to provide expert biosafety and biosecurity management services while promoting knowledge and best practices among professionals and institutions across Rwanda.
Canada’s Commitment to Strengthening Biosafety in Rwanda
Julie Crowley, Canada’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, expressed Canada’s pride in supporting the conference and highlighted the importance of collaboration in preventing, detecting, and responding to biological threats. She emphasized Canada’s longstanding commitment to strengthening Africa’s biosafety and biosecurity measures, commending Rwanda as a model for health security.
Crowley praised Rwanda’s Ministry of Health for its effective response to the Marburg virus outbreak, officially declared over on December 18, 2024. The outbreak, which lasted 47 days, resulted in 15 deaths but achieved the lowest fatality rate in the history of Marburg virus outbreaks at 22.7%. She noted that Rwanda’s swift and coordinated response serves as a global benchmark.
RBBO’s Founding Vision
Pierre Mujyarugamba, Chairperson of RBBO, recalled how the organization was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Observing Rwanda’s response to the crisis, professionals began questioning how pandemics transcend borders and whether biosafety lapses contributed to their spread.
“We have prioritized strengthening biosafety and biosecurity measures in laboratories and across various sectors,” Mujyarugamba stated. “Harmful organisms can originate from labs, plants, animals, or the environment. Our mission is to reinforce institutional capacities, train professionals, and create a scientific network to address emerging health threats.”
He extended appreciation to the event sponsors Global Affairs Canada, IFBA, and the Canadian High Commission in Rwanda for their generous support. He also acknowledged the Rwandan government for aligning policies and regulations with international biosafety standards.
Experts Weigh In on Biosafety Challenges and Solutions
Dr. Anselme Shyaka, a researcher and Assistant Professor of One Health at the University of Global Health Equity, stressed the significance of addressing biosafety and biosecurity risks. “Many people are unaware of the threats posed by pandemics, making education crucial. Our research focuses on strengthening preparedness and response to pandemics linked to human, animal, and plant interactions,” he said.
Yvette Kwizera Mutuyimana, an independent veterinarian, emphasized the role of biosafety in preventing zoonotic diseases like anthrax and Rift Valley Fever.
“My role is to raise awareness from authorities to the community to ensure proper preventive measures,” she explained.
Jackson Ahongeze, an environmental specialist, called for heightened vigilance in pathogen control. “We monitor ecological threats daily and provide updates to relevant authorities. For instance, bats, which are known carriers of zoonotic diseases, should remain in their natural habitats, not in residential areas,” he noted.
Key Takeaways and Future Steps
The RBBO conference concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at bolstering Rwanda’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to biological threats.
Moving forward, RBBO and its partners will focus on capacity building, policy strengthening, and expanding collaboration with international stakeholders to enhance national and regional biosafety and biosecurity measures.
The success of this inaugural event signals Rwanda’s growing role as a leader in health security, paving the way for future advancements in biosafety and biosecurity in the region.
The conference was held in Kigali City at Hilltop & Country Club Hotel on January 17, 2025.
