Rwanda Collaborates with Chinese Genomics Experts

Rwanda is seeking collaborations with international organizations to boost its genomic research, training initiatives, and technological capabilities in precision medicine, according to officials. ALSO READ: Scientists will gather in Kigali for a genomics symposium This was emphasized during a week-long trip by Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), to top Chinese research and health institutions in Shenzhen and Hangzhou. The visit concluded on October 25, during which Muvunyi engaged in strategic talks with executives and researchers from BGI Genomics, BGI Research, and BGI College (subsidiaries of the global life sciences and genomics company BGI Group). These discussions centered on potential cooperation in genomics, joint research, capacity development, and technology sharing. These interactions, he mentioned, are part of Rwanda’s goal to create a robust and sustainable healthcare system driven by AI and bioinformatics. “We are looking into how partnerships in genomics and precision medicine can enhance our disease monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment abilities,” Muvunyi told The New Times. “Our aim is to localize advanced genomic research and training to make Rwanda a regional center for precision health.” ALSO READ: Genomics may assist Rwanda in combating cancer and NCDs, experts say While visiting BGI’s GigaLab, central clinical laboratory, and other research facilities, Muvunyi observed how genomic data is being used to improve clinical decision-making and public health planning. He also gave a keynote speech at the 20th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-20), where he shared Rwanda’s experience in genomic sequencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Although there are gaps in pathogen genomics for surveillance across Africa, Rwanda developed sequencing capability during the pandemic,” he said. “This foundation helped us identify and track the Marburg virus in bats. Genomics contribute to strengthening public health resilience.” In Hangzhou, Muvunyi met with the Zhejiang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) team to explore collaboration on disease surveillance systems, epidemic preparedness, and non-communicable disease (NCD) control. The Zhejiang CDC shared insights into its real-time reporting mechanisms, multisectoral coordination model, and prevention strategies targeting what they refer to as the “three highs”: hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure), and hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid in the blood); and now a “fourth high,” obesity. ALSO READ: Rwanda confirms Marburg outbreak, increases preventive actions “The Zhejiang CDC model offered valuable lessons for Rwanda as we strengthen our surveillance and emergency response capacities,” Muvunyi noted. “We aim to adopt adaptable systems that integrate genomics into public health management.” The visit also involved discussions with Pékin Teaching University of Shenzhen to explore collaborative programs in cervical cancer screening and research training for Rwandan scientists. According to Léon Mutesa, a professor in the Department of Clinical Biology at the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the increasing focus on genomics will have a transformative impact on early disease detection and prevention. “Certain diseases, such as breast, cervical, prostate, and colon cancers, can be hereditary because genetic material is passed from parents to children,” he explained. “Genomic techniques allow for early detection by identifying mutations that may lead to cancer later in life.” ALSO READ: Top 10 most common cancers in Rwanda He added that even non-hereditary cancers can be detected earlier through genomic screening, which analyzes a person’s DNA to identify early molecular changes before symptoms appear. “All cancers take time to develop,” Mutesa said. “Early detection gives doctors a much better chance to manage or even prevent them.” Looking forward, Mutesa said that Rwanda plans to introduce a genomics-focused academic program next year, starting with 25 students and two PhD candidates specializing in cancer genomics research. The program will support ongoing national efforts to establish comprehensive genomic infrastructure and cultivate local expertise. Strengthened partnerships between Rwanda and leading Chinese genomic institutions will enhance technical capacity in AI-driven health research and the development of a roadmap for implementing genomics-based public health interventions. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s new five-year health strategy “This engagement marks another milestone in Rwanda’s journey toward innovation-driven healthcare,” Muvunyi emphasized. “By investing in genomics, we are not only improving research; we are preparing for a future where healthcare is more predictive, personalized, and precise.”