Rubavu, Rwanda – August 21, 2025

The Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and key international organizations, convened a two-day technical meeting at Hill View Hotel Kivu Lake, Rubavu to develop Rwanda’s country workplan for the new Strengthening One Health-Based Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (SOH-PPR-GVL) Project.

Participants of the Planning Meeting to Develop the Rwanda Country Workplan for the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL) Pandemic Fund Project. Photo:© Juvenal Mukeshimana/GVTC

“Strengthening One Health Preparedness, Prevention and Response in the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL) is a regional project Funded by the World bank pandemic Fund  to be implemented in Rwanda, DRC and Uganda by the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Gorilla Doctors, International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Implementing Entities through which funds will be provided are FAO, WHO, and UNICEF.

The GVL Pandemic Fund Project aims to strengthen One Health-based Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPR) capacities in the three countries

This two days strategic meeting brought together representatives from Rwanda’s leading government institutions, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

The aim of the meeting was to introduce the project to the relevant technical team of the country and enable work plan harmonization.

The active participation of representatives from Rwanda underscored Rwanda’s commitment to enhancing health security and promoting a One Health approach in the Greater Virunga Landscape.

Representatives from Rwanda’s leading government institutions, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). Photo:© Juvenal Mukeshimana/GVTC

The meeting also welcomed representatives from the project’s implementing entities, notably the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and  World Health Organization (WHO). FAO was represented by Mrs. Grace Uwamwezi, Project Coordinator for the Greater Virunga Landscape Pandemic Fund, while WHO was represented by Mrs. Makayoto Lyndah, Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Team Lead.

The meeting was attended by all delivery partners, namely the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), Gorilla Doctors, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Implementing entities and Delivery partners during the Planning Meeting to Develop the Rwanda Country Workplan for the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL) Pandemic Fund Project: Photo:© Juvenal Mukeshimana/GVTC

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Dr. Edison Rwagasore, Division Manager for Public Health Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness and Response, expressed appreciation for the initiative. He emphasized that the project would help address critical gaps in Rwanda’s pandemic preparedness and response systems.

Dr. Andrew Ggunga Seguya, GVTC Executive Secretary, extended his gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly the Government of Rwanda, for their valuable contributions to transboundary collaboration among Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He highlighted the importance of promoting a One Health approach in this ecologically sensitive region and acknowledged the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund for its generous support.

Dr. Andrew Ggunga Seguya, GVTC Executive Secretary during the meeting. Photo:© Juvenal Mukeshimana/GVTC

Mr. Eugene Mutangana, Interim Managing Director of the Rwanda Nature Foundation and Member of the GVTC Board, officially opened the meeting. In his remarks, he underscored the critical importance of advancing the One Health approach within this fragile ecosystem shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He further emphasized that sustained collaboration among diverse stakeholders is essential to achieving the tangible results anticipated.

Mr. Eugene Mutangana, Interim Managing Director of the Rwanda Nature Foundation and Member of the GVTC Board, attended the meeting. Photo:© Juvenal Mukeshimana/GVTC

It is expected that the meeting will be concluded with a validated Rwanda country workplan, outlining priority activities, institutional roles, and coordination mechanisms as it marks a significant step forward in regional efforts to strengthen health systems and safeguard biodiversity in the Greater Virunga Landscape.

Report by:

Juvenal Mukeshimana

GVTC Program Assistant