Forging South-South Health Partnerships: Rwanda and Nigeria Synergize in Malaria Elimination Efforts

In an inspiring example of South-South Cooperation, Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI) hosted a delegation from Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) for a weeklong knowledge-sharing visit in early December 2024. The visit sought to exchange insights and good practices in malaria control, showcasing Rwanda’s innovative strategies in combating this global health challenge.

Showcasing Rwanda’s Cutting-Edge Solutions

The Nigerian delegation, led by Dr. Ntadom Godwin Nwakanma, National Coordinator of Nigeria’s NMEP, explored Rwanda’s innovative initiatives, including:

   1. Drones for Larval Source Management: A cutting-edge approach using technology to identify and target malaria breeding sites efficiently.
   2. Community-Based Vector Surveillance: Empowering local communities to monitor and respond to malaria risks.
   3. Strategies Against Insecticide Resistance: Robust policies and research to combat resistance and maintain the effectiveness of interventions.

Delegates also delved into Rwanda’s comprehensive community health worker programs, entomological research, and stakeholder-driven malaria prevention strategies, which have significantly contributed to reducing malaria cases in Rwanda.

Strengthening South-South Collaboration

The Nigerian delegation included representatives from key institutions, including the World Bank, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). Their visit reflected a strong commitment to fostering partnerships that transcend borders.

Aude Ntawebasa, a senior manager at RCI, welcomed the delegation with a talk emphasizing Rwanda’s transformation journey post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She highlighted the role of visionary leadership, community ownership, and home-grown solutions in revolutionizing the country’s health outcomes, including its malaria control efforts.

Dr. Ntadom commended Rwanda’s achievements, stating:

“Rwanda’s success in malaria elimination is a testament to the power of leadership, innovation, and community-driven initiatives. We are inspired to adapt and implement these lessons in Nigeria’s fight against malaria.”

Field Visits: Observing Success in Action

The delegation’s itinerary included visits to institutions such as:

   1. Ministry of Health (MoH) and Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC): To understand the policy frameworks driving malaria elimination.
   2. Charis UAS: To witness the drone technology revolutionizing larval source management.
   3. Health Facilities (Kabuye and Kabuga Health Centers): To observe community health worker programs in action.
   4. Entomological Laboratories: To explore cutting-edge research and strategies combating malaria vectors.

These hands-on experiences provided the Nigerian delegation with actionable insights into Rwanda’s holistic approach to malaria control.

A Vision for Future Collaboration

As it is the custom at Rwanda Cooperation, the visit concluded with a reflective session led by Jean Freddy Makuza, Chief Finance Officer at RCI. Delegates evaluated their study objectives and identified potential areas for continued collaboration, including technology adoption, policy development, and community engagement.

Dr. Ntadom expressed optimism for the partnership, stating:

“The lessons learned here will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to eliminate malaria. This collaboration marks the beginning of a promising partnership that we hope will yield transformative results for both nations.”

Driving Health Progress for the Global South

This visit underscores Rwanda Cooperation’s pivotal role in fostering tangible cooperation initiatives across the Global South. By sharing Rwanda’s innovative health solutions, the partnership with Nigeria exemplifies how South-South Cooperation can tackle shared challenges and accelerate progress toward global health goals.

As Rwanda and Nigeria continue to strengthen their cooperation, their joint efforts serve as a model for leveraging collective expertise to build healthier, more resilient communities across the Global South.