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>> Although CDC officially opened an office in Rwanda
in 2002, the CDC's story
in Rwanda actually begins much earlier in 2000
at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta.
In 2000, the LIFE Initiative, an early HIV response in Africa,
pioneered by CDC, expands
to become the Global AIDS Program or GAP.
Leaders around the world also acknowledged
that HIV/AIDS is a global threat that needs
to be addressed together.
The U.S. and the UN Security Council declare HIV/AIDS a
security threat.
U.S. Congress enacts the Global Aids
and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000.
In 2000, HIV is a death sentence for many people in Africa.
HIV/AIDS is having a devastating toll on the Rwandan people.
Many are dying from AIDS due to lack of access to treatment.
An estimated 900 people out of thousands living with HIV
in Rwanda can access antiretroviral treatment.
CDC, GAP, identifies Rwanda as one of its 25 countries
of focus and opens an office.
The CDC GAP Rwanda Country Program focuses
on supporting the government and ending the HIV/AIDS
and Tuberculosis epidemics.
CDC Rwanda's commitment and dedication
to improving HIV disease surveillance, the cornerstone
of its mission, begins to have a positive impact
on HIV/AIDS care and treatment.
The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS relief
or PEPFAR Partnership with CDC Rwanda begins in 2004,
leading to many significant accomplishments.
This partnership results in the number of people living with HIV
on antiretroviral treatment increasing
from approximately 900 people in 2002
to more than 32,000 people in 2006.
From 2005 to 2010,
many innovative strategies are developed
and implemented by CDC and PEPFAR:
TRACnet, a cell phone based eHealth platform,
Healthy Schools Initiative
to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence among high school youth,
rapid HIV tests, infrastructure and equipment improvements,
mass media broadcasting,
and electronic medical records systems.
These innovative approaches result in real gains
in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Rwanda.
Other major events from 2006 to 2016 include:
CDC Rwanda hiring Dr. Eugenie Kayingwa,
the first locally employed technical staff,
launching the Avian Influenza Program,
and introducing the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative.
In 2007, U.S. Secretary
of Health Michael Leavitt visits Rwanda.
In 2008, the Field Epidemiology
and Laboratory Training Program begins with courses
in applied epidemiology.
Then U.S. President George W. Bush visits Rwanda
and is entertained by the Anti-Aids Club
at Lycee de Kigali High School.
President Bush and President Kagami officially open the new
U.S. Embassy building in Kigali and CDC Rwanda moves
to the new U.S. Embassy building.
In 2013, CDC Rwanda is awarded CDC's Center
for Global Health Honor Award
for Exceptional Public Health Service.
In 2016, the National Centers
for Blood Transfusion is recognized
as a Regional Center of Excellence.
From 2002 to 2016, CDC and its implementing partners publish
more than 30 scientific articles
which drive health program improvements
in Rwanda and other countries.
Today, CDC Rwanda is recognized
as a premier public health partner,
providing technical expertise
across many public health initiatives to ensure
that all Rwandans are able to live safer, healthier lives.
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