Strengthening Our Public Health Preparedness with Cold Chain Equipment Support.
Kigali, August 14, 2025 –We joined the Ministry of Health, the United Nations, the Mastercard Foundation, and other partners for the official handover of more than 630 units of cold chain equipment aimed at boosting Rwanda’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies.
The ceremony, held at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s vaccination warehouse in Masoro Economic Zone, was attended by our leadership alongside government officials and partners from Africa CDC, UNICEF, WHO, WFP, and the Mastercard Foundation. The donation, made possible through the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation and the World Food Programme (WFP), includes ultra-low temperature freezers, medical-grade refrigerators, passive cold boxes, thousands of icepacks, and more.
Andrea Bagnoli, WFP Rwanda Country Director, emphasized the timeliness and necessity of the initiative:
“This equipment will help Rwanda respond faster, store safer, and reach further in times of public health emergencies.”
“This equipment will help Rwanda respond faster, store safer, and reach further in times of public health emergencies.”
This equipment will strengthen the ability to store and transport vaccines, preserve biological samples, and conduct emergency outreach operations, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. It builds on Rwanda’s exemplary record of public health preparedness, including our swift and coordinated response to the Marburg virus outbreak in 2024.
Speaking on behalf of RMS, our Deputy CEO noted:
“This initiative not only strengthens our medical supply chain but also builds on our proven leadership and coordination capabilities, as seen during the Marburg virus disease outbreak, reinforcing our dedication to protecting the health and wellbeing of all Rwandan.”
“This initiative not only strengthens our medical supply chain but also builds on our proven leadership and coordination capabilities, as seen during the Marburg virus disease outbreak, reinforcing our dedication to protecting the health and wellbeing of all Rwandan.”
Diana Mutoni RMS Deputy CEO
Through this initiative, our partners have contributed critical resources and expertise. The Mastercard Foundation has invested USD 50 million globally in epidemic preparedness, with WFP and UNICEF providing vital support, including the training of over 55,000 community health workers who reached 4.5 million people with essential health and nutrition services.
Delivering closing remarks on behalf of the UN, Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator, commended Rwanda’s leadership:
“This partnership is a model of effective collaboration between international agencies and the Government of Rwanda. We commend the Ministry of Health for its swift action and leadership, and we look forward to building on this success through the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.”
“This partnership is a model of effective collaboration between international agencies and the Government of Rwanda. We commend the Ministry of Health for its swift action and leadership, and we look forward to building on this success through the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.”
Mr Ozonnia Ojielo UN Resident Coordinator
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Health, the Mastercard Foundation, WFP, UNICEF, WHO, Africa CDC, and all partners whose collaboration continues to build a stronger and more responsive health system for our people.
