In partnership with the European Union, Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), has launched the TRIBE-HUB Project, the TRIBE-HUB (Transforming Rwanda’s Biomedical Centre into Excellence Hub for National and Regional Public Health.
The Project will contribute to the development of public health services in Rwanda and across the African continent by strengthening national public health functions in disease surveillance, epidemic preparedness, and outbreak response. The project will promote peer-to-peer technical assistance, training, and knowledge exchange.
In January 31st 2025, RBC was officially designated by Africa CDC as a Regional Centre of Excellence, under the Africa CDC Regional NPHIs capacity strengthening. In this context, RBC is also expected to contribute to technical assistance, mentorship, and training to its peers across the region.
This project is a critical investment to operationalize that mandate, equipping RBC with the tools, systems, and expertise it needs to deliver on this continental responsibility.
Dr. Eric Remera, the Division manager, Research, Innovation and Data science at RBC, stated that the project is expected to significantly contribute to advancing research efforts and the practical application of data in scientific studies.
“This is a project that will support the institution in strengthening its research capacity across all areas related to public health.” He explained.
He further noted that special attention will be given to both communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as epidemic outbreaks.
“One of the key features of this project is its practical orientation. Unlike many research initiatives that remain at the academic or institutional level, this project will lead to the development of tailored programs derived directly from research findings. These programs will not only remain within scientific or policy circles but will also be implemented at the grassroots level to benefit local communities.” Dr. Remera emphasized.
Maria Christiansen, Seconded National Expert Programme Officer-Health at the EU Delegation to Rwanda, said the initiative will position RBC as a national and regional hub for public health excellence and a model for innovation, resilience, and data-driven policy.
“TRIBE-HUB is part of the Team Europe initiative on National Public Health Institutes dedicated to strengthen health systems, pandemic preparedness and digital transformation. It complements other key Team Europe initiatives on One Health and digital health”, she said.
She explained that Rwanda was picked based on the fact that it is prepared, visionary, committed and the country’s health system has demonstrated the power of evidence-based multisectoral coordination, whether in its rapid and effective COVID-19 response, MPOX containment strategy or its low mortality rates during the recent Marbourg outbreak.
Transforming the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) into a national and regional public health excellence hub aims to bolster Rwanda’s capacity for research, diagnostics, and workforce development in public health, ultimately improving health outcomes for Rwanda and neighboring countries.
This Three years TRIBE HUB Project aims to Enhance Public Health Expertise at RBC and Partner Institutions, contextualize gender-sensitive data to guide health strategies, strengthen digital Infrastructure for real-time disease monitoring, translate evidence into policy, Transform Rwanda into a hub for public health innovation in Africa.
Apart from Rwanda, other countries that will be benefitting from this project include Burundi, Tchad, DRC, Malawi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Guinea Bisau, and Guinea Conakry.
