Epidemiology of selected communicable
diseases in Rwanda: a comprehensive analysis
of the prevalence of major infectious diseases
in Rwanda

Epidemiology of selected communicable
diseases in Rwanda: a comprehensive analysis
of the prevalence of major infectious diseases
in Rwanda

Epidemiology, Infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, Rwanda, Healthcare

Abstract
Background Communicable diseases remain a major public health challenge in Rwanda, contributing significantly
to morbidity and mortality. Despite notable progress in reducing the burden of infectious diseases such as malaria,
HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, recent threats, including Marburg virus infections and other emerging outbreaks,
underscore the need for renewed vigilance and strengthened disease control strategies. Transmission occurs through
direct or indirect contact and is influenced by socioeconomic, environmental, and demographic factors. This study
provides a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence of selected communicable diseases (Malaria, Tuberculosis, HIV/
AIDS, Diarrheal Illnesses, and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Rwanda, highlights past successes, and proposes
evidence-based recommendations for future control efforts.
Methods A comprehensive search was conducted using multiple sources, including PubMed/Medline, the World
Health Organization (WHO) database, demographic surveys, scientific journals, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) databases, and Rwanda’s Health Management Information System (HMIS). Studies were included
if they were published between 2010 and 2024, focused on Africa, particularly Rwanda, and were available as free
full-text. The most reported diseases across these studies were HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrhoeal illnesses,
reflecting their dominance in Rwanda’s epidemiological profile. Findings relevant to the review objectives were
summarised and organized thematically as a narrative literature review.
Results The incidence of malaria has dramatically decreased from 5.9 million in 2017 to 857,000 in 2022, highlighting
the effectiveness of public health efforts in addressing this issue. However, HIV/AIDS continues to be a serious public
health concern, with an adult prevalence rate of 3.0%. Although the distribution of highly active antiretroviral therapy
(HAART) has been extremely successful, the programmes dependence on external funding threatens long-term
sustainability. Inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices have resulted in high rates of diarrhoeal infections among
children under five, most of which are caused by microorganisms in contaminated water.

Olivier Uwishema1*, Lydia Daniel Bisetegn1,2, Pascaline Munezero3

, Courage Chandipwisa1,4, Gerard Nkurunziza5
,

Chinyere Vivian Patrick Onyeaka6

and Jean Nepo Utumatwishima7

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-01093-x

2025

Peri Irawan

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