Across the globe, data has the power to save lives. Collecting quality health data is a critical first step—but real change happens when that data is transformed into policies that benefit communities. In Rwanda, that transformation is underway through the Data Impact (DI) Program, a partnership between the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and the CDC Foundation, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Data for Health Initiative.
 

Scientific Communications Training

While Rwanda has made significant strides in public health research, scientific findings have often remained underutilized. The Scientific Communications (SC) training is helping to change that by empowering public health professionals to translate complex data findings into accessible publications, conference abstracts or presentations.

The SC training equips government staff with skills in manuscript and abstract writing, literature review and visual and oral communication to produce clear and effective materials for public health action. In 2023, and 2024, 47 staff from RBC, Rwanda Ministry of Health and University of Rwanda (the largest multi-campus public university) participated in SC training which led to 13 published manuscripts—with more underway—and two abstracts presented in in conferences. These papers have appeared in journals such as the Rwanda Public Health Bulletin (RPHB), Rwanda Medical Journal (RMJ), Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, BMC Malaria Journal, Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (JIEPH) and MDPI Applied Biosciences.

Communicating for Real-World Impact

The SC team also provides a Risk and Crisis Communication (RCC) workshop that trains participants to address public health emergencies and develop communication plans to strengthen future response efforts. A May 2024 RCC workshop played a pivotal role in Rwanda's response to the mpox and Marburg outbreaks which took place later that year. The workshop offered essential tools and strategies for communicating accurately, transparently and promptly—crucial for managing public anxiety, guiding preventive actions and coordinating an effective response.  As the mpox and Marburg outbreaks emerged, effective communication became vital for relaying the severity of the outbreaks, the risks involved and the necessary measures for self-protection.

The RCC workshops train health and media professionals in key communication strategies, including audience segmentation, crafting empathetic messages and addressing misinformation. Most participants (85 percent) reported that the RCC increased their risk and crisis communication confidence and 78 percent said the training improved their ability to manage misinformation during outbreaks.
 

Rwanda Public Health Bulletin

Launched in 2019, the Rwanda Public Health Bulletin is a quarterly indexed publication that reaches policymakers, researchers and health practitioners. This open-access platform delivers timely and credible public health information—from emerging diseases and outbreaks to surveillance data—that helps shape policy and improve health across the region. Since 2021, RBC has managed the bulletin, ensuring local ownership and sustainability.

RBC also hosts classes to help participants prepare articles for publication in the bulletin. Two “Writing for Public Health Bulletins” workshops supported manuscript drafting, and a “Reviewer Roundtable” in October 2023 helped participants prepare their work for peer review.

Data to Policy (D2P) Program

Data becomes truly powerful when it reaches decision-makers. Through the Data to Policy (D2P) program, government staff receive training on how to turn data into concise, impactful policy briefs. Guided by mentors and interactive training sessions, D2P participants have developed briefs addressing urgent issues like malaria in children, measles and rubella vaccinations, and antimicrobial resistance.

In Rwanda, two D2P cohorts have completed the training, producing six policy briefs, five published in the RPHB (four from 2023 cohort) and one of which has been submitted to the Health Policy Open Journal.

The final phase of the D2P training is a policy forum that brings together decision-makers from multiple ministries, governmental departments and partner organizations. In November 2023, D2P policy teams presented their work to 52 stakeholders. The forum highlighted the real-world relevance and potential of data-informed recommendations.

Examples of policy impact:

Malaria: A brief proposed enhancing the early detection system, which was incorporated into RBC’s integrated malaria surveillance strategy.  Enhancements included integrating the health management information system (HMIS) and aggregated health center reports from community health workers (SISCOM) systems, training of professionals and data managers and a rapid response protocol for malaria.

Immunization: A policy brief recommended the integration and interoperability of the data systems vital for vaccinations. The current immunization tracker system —alerting parents to vaccination schedules—is now integrated into HMIS and the civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems, supporting more seamless coordination.

Hypertension: A brief emphasized community-based approaches, including using peer educators ("NCD ambassadors") to raise awareness, share experiences and help peers adhere to treatment and follow-up. This effort strengthened hypertension management and may have contributed to expanded screening efforts. Today, nurses screen adults over 35 not only in health centers, but also in churches, markets and other community settings. The goal is to detect hypertension early, manage it proactively and prevent complications before they escalate.
 

A Sustainable Culture of Data Use

Rwanda is committed to creating a sustainable culture of data use and communication.  Science and Innovation Platform (SIP) forums, hosted by RBC, have fostered dialogue between researchers and policymakers, bridging the gap between evidence and action. These forums convened stakeholders from RBC, the ministry of health and other government ministries, NGOs and universities. Events such as a 2025 workshop on mortality data reporting also reflect Rwanda’s growing leadership in data-driven governance.

RBC has taken full ownership of many DI activities, including co-funding the D2P program and managing the Rwanda Public Health Bulletin. In 2024, D2P activities were focused on “training of trainers” (ToT) to ensure Rwanda has an in-country team of trainers and mentors. The country is also implementing a five-year DI strategic plan, which includes plans to build local capacity by training skilled professionals to continue the data impact activities.

Rwanda offers a compelling model for how low- and middle-income countries can harness data not just to inform, but to inspire policy and improve lives. With a strong and sustained commitment to data use, Rwanda is ensuring that health policies are driven by evidence—leading to better outcomes for all Rwandans.
 

Key Takeaways

• Scientific Communications (SC) training is bridging the gap between data and action. Public health professionals are being trained to write clearly and publish their findings. This led to seven published manuscripts in 2023, making scientific data more accessible and actionable.
• The Rwanda Public Health Bulletin is strengthening data transparency. This quarterly, indexed publication, now managed by RBC, is a platform for sharing timely public health articles—supporting local ownership and sustainable information sharing.
• Data to Policy (D2P) training is transforming how government staff use data. Two cohorts have produced 10 policy briefs. The program helps government staff turn complex data into targeted, gender-informed and actionable policy recommendations.
• Rwanda’s policy forums are driving multisectoral dialogue. Events like the 2023 policy forum brought together 52 stakeholders from different ministries and organizations.
• Rwanda is investing in long-term local capacity. Through co-funding of programs, training of trainers (ToT) and a five-year strategic plan, Rwanda is ensuring that data expertise and mentorship are deeply rooted within its health system.

Photos: Juan Arredondo