Rwanda is strengthening global partnerships to advance genomic research, build skilled workforces, and accelerate precision medicine, according to health officials.
This was emphasized during a week-long visit by Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), to leading biomedical and genomics institutions in China’s cities of Shenzhen and Hangzhou. The visit concluded on October 25.
Muvunyi held high-level discussions with executives and researchers from BGI Genomics, BGI Research, and BGI College — subsidiaries of BGI Group, one of the world’s largest life-science and genomics institutions. Talks focused on collaboration in genomic research, capacity building, and technology transfer.
“We are exploring how partnerships in genomics and precision medicine can strengthen our disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment capacity,” Muvunyi said. “Our goal is to localize advanced genomic research and training to make Rwanda a regional hub for precision health.”
During tours of BGI’s GigaLab and other facilities, he observed how genomic data is helping guide clinical decisions and shape public health policy.
Muvunyi also delivered a keynote address at the 20th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-20), presenting Rwanda’s progress in genomic sequencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Although gaps remain in pathogen genomics across Africa, Rwanda built sequencing capacity during COVID-19,” he said. “That foundation helped us detect and trace the Marburg virus in bats, showing how genomics can boost public health resilience.”
In Hangzhou, Muvunyi visited the Zhejiang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to explore cooperation in epidemic preparedness, disease surveillance, and non-communicable disease prevention. The Zhejiang CDC shared its model of real-time reporting and strategies for tackling lifestyle-related illness — including the “three highs”: high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high uric acid, and a growing “fourth high,” obesity.
“The Zhejiang CDC model provided valuable lessons for Rwanda,” Muvunyi said. “We aim to adopt adaptable systems that integrate genomics into routine public health management.”
The visit also included discussions with Pékin Teaching University of Shenzhen on cervical cancer screening collaborations and research training for Rwandan scientists.
Prof. Léon Mutesa, a genomics expert at the University of Rwanda, said increased investment in genomics will significantly advance early detection and prevention of diseases including hereditary cancers.
“Genomic techniques enable early detection by identifying mutations that may lead to breast, cervical, prostate, or colon cancers,” he explained. “Even non-hereditary cancers can be caught earlier through DNA-based screening before symptoms develop.”
Mutesa noted that Rwanda plans to introduce a genomics specialty academic programme next year, starting with 25 students and two PhD candidates focused on cancer genomics.
According to RBC, this initiative aligns with national efforts to develop a comprehensive genomic infrastructure, expand AI-driven medical research, and build local expertise.
“This engagement represents another milestone in Rwanda’s journey toward innovation-driven healthcare,” Muvunyi said. “By investing in genomics, we are preparing for a future where healthcare is more predictive, personalized, and precise.”
