Construction is expected to be completed within 24 months, at a cost of over $24 million (over 34 billion Rwandan Francs).
The state-of-the-art facility is expected to address a critical gap in the country's health security architecture by providing rapid, accurate diagnosis of zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases, the types of pathogens with the highest potential to trigger future outbreaks.
With modern molecular testing capacity and advanced biosafety systems, the NVRLL will enable quicker confirmation of diseases such as Mpox, Marburg, avian influenza, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease, improving national readiness and response.
The laboratory will also help safeguard Rwanda's economy by reducing livestock losses, improving disease surveillance, and supporting safe animal movement and trade.
Besides, faster diagnostics will strengthen veterinary services, protect household livelihoods, and advance the country's compliance with regional and international animal health standards.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, highlighted the importance of the new facility.
'Pandemics often begin in animals before spilling over to humans. This laboratory gives Rwanda the scientific capability to detect threats early, protecting our people, our livestock, and our economy,' he said.
Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund also expressed delight at the groundbreaking initiative.
'Through projects like this, the Fund helps countries put the One Health approach into action, strengthening collective health across the human, animal, and environmental sectors.
'By enhancing disease detection and response, Rwanda is setting a new benchmark for health security in the region. We are proud to stand with Rwanda in building resilient systems that protect communities and livelihoods,' he noted.
The NVRLL is a flagship activity under the Strengthening Pandemic Prevention and Response Through One Health Approach in Rwanda (SPPROHRW) project, supported by the Pandemic Fund and implemented by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal resources through the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), RAB, and several development partners.
The One Health concept recognizes that the health of humans and animals are linked because they share the same environment.
The Government of Rwanda has embraced the One Health approach and continues to demonstrate strong political will to institutionalize it across relevant sectors.
IGIHE
