To the people of DRC, especially to the people of Ituri
Jambo kwenu wakahaji wa Ituri
Mbote na bino, bato ya Ituri
My name is Tedros, and I am the Director-General of the World Health Organization (@WHO). But today, I am not writing to you as an official. I am writing to you as someone who knows your region, who has walked your streets, and who cares deeply about what happens to you and your families.
I am writing because I want to be with you in these moments. And I want you to know that you are not alone.
#Ebola is not new to me personally. From 2018 to 2020, I came fourteen times to North Kivu, the epicentre of the outbreak at that time. Fourteen visits to Beni, Butembo, Katwa, Goma, and many other communities. During that outbreak, Ebola spread across North Kivu, South Kivu, and reached parts of Ituri as well. I was alongside families who had lost their loved ones. I met health workers risking their lives every day. I met community leaders, traditional healers, religious leaders and business leaders who refused to abandon their people. I saw men and women show extraordinary courage in the most difficult of circumstances. The people there, who saw me coming back again and again, wanted to give me a name that belonged to their community. They asked me whether I was the first, second, or third child of my parents. When I told them I was the firstborn, they gave me the name Dr. Paluku. I carry that name with pride. It is not just a name. It is a bond. It is a reminder that this work is not about titles or institutions. It is about people. It is about you.
That outbreak was one of the most complex in history. It did not unfold in a stable, peaceful environment. It happened in the middle of armed conflict, with communities displaced, supply routes disrupted, and health workers operating under constant threat. People were fleeing violence while also trying to protect themselves and their families from a deadly disease. I remember being in Beni on more than one occasion while fighting was taking place on the outskirts of the city. We could hear it. And yet the health workers around me did not stop. They kept working. That kind of courage is something I will never forget. The challenges of that time are not so different from what you are facing today in Ituri. I understand that. I have seen it with my own eyes.
Mistrust ran deep, and the security situation cost us precious time. Our health workers were attacked. Clinics were targeted. People who were only trying to save lives found themselves caught in the middle of a conflict they did not start. Lives were lost that we might have saved, and that weighs on me still. But I also witnessed something remarkable. When we listened, when communities felt respected and heard, things began to change. Trust grew slowly, then more quickly. People came forward. And together, we managed to contain the outbreak. We did it. The people of DRC did it. I will never forget that.
Ebola is now back. This time, the outbreak is hitting Ituri province the hardest. More than 90% of all cases have been reported in Ituri province, with a small number of cases also reported in North Kivu and South Kivu. I know how frightening that is, and I know that the people of Ituri are bearing a burden that is not easy to carry.
I know that many of you are exhausted. You are already carrying so much: malaria, hunger, insecurity, and the daily struggle to keep your families safe. And now Ebola. It is not fair, and I will not pretend otherwise.
But I also want to say something else about Ituri, because this province deserves to be seen for more than its hardships. Ituri is a place of remarkable energy. It is a province of vibrant commerce, of entrepreneurial spirit, of communities that have refused to be defined by the conflicts around them. The markets of Bunia buzz with life. Traders, farmers, teachers, and young people building their futures against all odds. That spirit, that refusal to give up, is exactly what we need now. It is the foundation on which we will build our response. We do not come to Ituri with only medicine and expertise. We come to join a community that already knows how to fight for its survival.
I want to say a special word to the young people of Ituri. You are growing up in circumstances that no young person should have to face. And yet what I see, again and again, is not despair but determination. You are the future of this province and this country. In this outbreak, you have a vital role to play. Talk to your friends and your families. Share what you know about Ebola. Help break the fear and the silence that allow this virus to spread. Your voice carries further than you know, and we need it now more than ever.
And to the health workers of Ituri, I want to say this: you are seen, and you are not alone. Every day you go to work knowing the risks, and you go anyway. You do it for your patients, for your communities, for your families. You are the backbone of this response. Without you, none of this is possible. I know the conditions are hard. I know the resources are often not enough. I know that fear and exhaustion are real. Please know that WHO stands with you, that we are working to get you the support you need, and that your courage and dedication are known and deeply valued far beyond the borders of this province.
I also know that the security situation in parts of this region remains very difficult. Conflict and displacement make everything harder, including reaching people who need care and keeping health workers safe. I want to be honest: this is one of our greatest challenges. We cannot do this work if those who are trying to help are prevented from doing so or put in danger. We are working closely with all relevant partners to ensure that the response can reach every community that needs it, and that no one is left behind because of where they live or what is happening around them.
That is why today I am making a direct appeal to all warring parties in this region: please, declare a ceasefire. Even briefly. Even just enough to let health workers through. People are dying from Ebola who do not have to die. Children are sick. Families are suffering. No cause, no conflict, no grievance is worth condemning innocent people to death from a preventable disease. A ceasefire, even a temporary one, would save lives. I urge you, I implore you: give us the space to help the people who need it most.
I also know that there is anger and mistrust in some communities, and I understand why. Trust must be earned, it cannot be assumed. We have not always done things correctly. But I promise you, we are here to learn as much as we are here to help.
I need to be honest with you about something important. Most previous Ebola outbreaks in DRC were caused by a virus called Ebola Zaire, for which we have vaccines and treatments. This outbreak is caused by a different virus called Ebola Bundibugyo. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for it. This is serious, and you deserve to hear that plainly. But I also want you to know this: while there are no specific treatments for Bundibugyo, there is much we can do together to prevent the spread of this virus and save lives. Early supportive care in our treatment centers can make a real difference. If you or someone you know falls ill, please do not wait. Coming forward early can make the difference between life and death. And everything we do, we will do with you. We will listen to you, we will share information with you, and we are here to help. And for those we cannot save, we will mourn with you. We will help you grieve your lost loved ones with safe and dignified burials.
We are working under the leadership of the Government of DRC, together with all relevant partners, united around one goal: to stop this outbreak and protect your communities. No one is working alone. No one is working at cross purposes. We are coordinated, we are committed, and we are here.
That is why I am coming to Bunia. I will be there in person, alongside my colleagues, meeting your leaders, listening to your concerns, and doing everything in my power to help you. I will not be managing this from a comfortable office far away.
This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in DRC. Together, you have overcome every single one before. That is not a small thing. That is a testament to the strength and resilience of your communities. I have seen that strength with my own eyes.
My brothers and sisters of Ituri, I want you to know that the world is watching your courage. You are not forgotten. Together, we will overcome this outbreak, as you have overcome every challenge before. Your resilience is the light that guides us all.
We will get through this one too. Not because of anyone, but because of you.
Our teams are already on the ground, and they will stay for as long as necessary. And when this outbreak is over, we will not quietly disappear. We will not forget you. We will stay, and we will keep working with you to build health systems that protect every person in every community.
I look forward to seeing you in Bunia soon. Until then, please know that you are in my thoughts.
With respect and solidarity,
Paluku
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General, World Health Organization
Holtec International and the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (@RAEB_Rwanda ) have signed a Development Agreement to advance the deployment of Holtec’s SMR-300 reactors in Rwanda, marking a major milestone in the country’s vision to become a leader in advanced nuclear energy in Africa. Signed during the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA), the agreement supports Rwanda’s strategy to deliver reliable, carbon-free baseload power and drive long-term economic growth.
The collaboration could support up to approximately 5 GW of clean energy capacity using Holtec’s SMR-300 technology — a proven, “walk-away safe” advanced reactor designed for reliability, resiliency, and flexible deployment. The initiative also highlights growing U.S.–Rwanda cooperation in civil nuclear energy and reinforces Holtec’s commitment to expanding advanced nuclear solutions globally.
Read more: https://t.co/BUR7gpN5q6
#HoltecInternational #SMR #NuclearEnergy #AdvancedNuclear #EnergyInnovation #Rwanda #EnergySecurity
Rwanda is closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
There is currently no case of Ebola in Rwanda.
Preventive measures and heightened surveillance remain in place to protect the safety of People of Rwanda.
After having consulted the #DRC and #Uganda where the #Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus is known to be currently occurring, I determine that the epidemic constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of IHR.
My full statement: https://t.co/EjzdjrMXHO
Rwanda Turns Public Spending Into a Startup Engine
Govt has launched bold new procurement rules that let agencies buy ideas—not just products—opening doors for startups to solve public challenges. It will boost local tech, jobs and economic resilience.
https://t.co/e7cQH2YkNT
📚 Rwanda research published: Study across 7 hospitals shows how to optimize oxygen therapy for children. Infrastructure + clinical training = better outcomes.
Read the full study: https://t.co/9f8WNirbJG
#WorldOxygenDay2025#HealthResearch
VISIT RWANDA becomes the official sponsor of the @LAClippers & @RamsNFL — the first African tourism brand in both the @NBA & @NFL
$650M tourism revenue in 2024
Goal: $1B by 2029
#VisitRwanda | #NBA | #NFL
I was pleased to meet with Hon. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health of Rwanda, here in New York. Rwanda has one of the highest vaccine coverage rates among @Gavi countries (99% DTP1, 98% DPT3, and 97% measles vaccine coverage). We look forward to co-hosting the #GaviLeap rollout in Kigali in 2026. This will be a great opportunity for Rwanda to showcase its immunisation leadership and progress as a model for country-led health reform. @nsanzimanasabin
At #CGI2025 today, President @BillClinton announced a landmark price agreement for lenacapavir: a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection will be available in low- and middle-income countries for US$40 per year.
Learn more: https://t.co/BtDv1rdAr1
“For too long, women have suffered from health conditions that are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored. We want this investment to spark a new era of women-centered innovation.” – @AnitaZaidi, Gates Foundation President of Gender Equality
Learn more about our latest commitment in @statnews: https://t.co/yd7yhlK12T
#GileadNews: The FDA has approved our injectable HIV-1 prevention medication, making it the first and only twice-yearly #HIV prevention option in the U.S. This approval is helping to usher in the future of prevention as we work to help end the epidemic. https://t.co/wGacaduPRn
Today, We hosted a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia for a benchmarking visit focused on strengthening medical oxygen systems.
The visit featured discussions on Rwanda’s health supply chain, plant maintenance, financing, and a guided tour of the RMS facility.
The delegation included senior officials from Ethiopia’s MOH, regional health bureaus, EPSA, and key oxygen program leaders.
We were joined by colleagues from RBC, CHAI, and the Ministry of Health of Rwanda.
While still digesting the #EICV7 findings, at NISR, we don't rest!
We are now embarking on a new journey: #RDHS7 (#Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey).
This vital survey covers stunting, fertility, contraception use, and other health-related issues.
Our enumerators are already in the field for the RDHS7 Pretest.
Stay with us on this journey; your information helps shape better policies.
#RwandaStatistics
@ivanmurenzi@AFD_France
📢 Call for Applications: Young Professionals Program in Finance!
Are you a qualified Rwandan accountant looking for international experience?
Rwanda Finance Limited, in partnership with Jersey Finance, is offering a unique opportunity to work with leading financial services firms in Jersey for a period of 2–3 years.
Who can apply?
✔️Rwandan professionals with ACCA, CPA, or other internationally recognized qualifications.
What’s in it for you?
🔹International work experience
🔹Free training and professional certifications
🔹Career growth and networking opportunities
📅 Application Deadline: 9th May 2025
📧 To apply or request more information, please contact us at: [email protected]
Had a fruitful meeting with @bkateera, the Rwanda Country Director of @CHAI_health and the Program Manager @mushucinthe
The initiative has been key in improving the health and livelihoods of local communities through its Programs on infectious diseases, women and children's health among others.
We also expressed our commitment to building synergy and partnerships to strengthen the health systems in Rwanda
During the panel discussion on the role of multisectoral collaboration in driving Mission 2027's success, Dr. François Uwinkindi, Non-Communicable Diseases (#NCDs) Division Manager at Rwanda Biomedical Centre reiterated the need for collaboration and partnerships as the driving force for the #mission2027
#Cancer #cervicalcancerawarenessmonth
The National Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination 2024-2027 (Mission 2027) lays out a clear roadmap for achieving @WHO 90-70-90 targets and eliminating cervical cancer in Rwanda ahead of the 2030 global deadline.
Key targets:
✅ Vaccinate 90% of teenage girls against high-risk HPV strains by age 15
✅ Screen 70% of women aged 30-49 using high-precision HPV DNA testing
✅ Ensure 90% of women diagnosed with precancerous lesions or invasive cancer receive timely treatment.
#Mission2027 #CervicalCancer #HSSPV
=======
Gahunda y’Igihugu yo kurandura Kanseri y'Inkondo y'umura (2024-2027) igaragaza imirongo migari izafasha u Rwanda kugera ku ntego ya 90-70-90 mbere y'umwaka wa 2030 washyizweho na @WHO.
Intego z’ingenzi:
✅ Gukingira 90% by’abangavu virusi ya HPV itera kanseri y’inkondo y’umura.
✅ Gusuzuma 70% by’abagore bari hagati y’imyaka 30-49 hakoreshejwe uburyo bwizewe bwa HPV DNA
✅ Guharanira ko 90% by’abagore basanzwemo kanseri babonera ku gihe ubuvuzi bukwiye.
#Mission2027 #CervicalCancer #HSSPV
Medical oxygen is critical for everything from newborn care to emergency medicine.
🕵Discover how Rwanda’s new National Oxygen Strategy, supported by CHAI, is transforming patient outcomes nationwide: https://t.co/m3seXodNMf
#InvestInOxygen#HealthcareForAll#OxygenAccess