In Rwanda, improper medicine use is contributing to treatment failures, adverse effects, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a persistent concern for public health. The World Health Organization estimates that AMR was linked to nearly five million deaths worldwide in 2019. Antimicrobial resistance is the ability of microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites – to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs. This can make infections harder to treat and increases the risk of complications, such as prolonged illness, higher healthcare costs, and even death In an interview with The New Times, Lazare Ntirenganya, the Division Manager for Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials at Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA), explains what rational medicine use entails, the challenges people face, and the steps needed to safeguard public health. The excerpts: What does rational use of medicines mean, and why is it essential in healthcare? According to the World Health Organization, rational use of medicines means that patients receive medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in the right doses, for an adequate duration, and at the lowest possible cost to them and their community. This is central to delivering effective healthcare. It promotes patient safety, prevents adverse drug reactions, and reduces the financial burden on both patients and health systems. When medicines are used irrationally, such as taking antibiotics without prescriptions, it can lead to serious public health issues like antimicrobial resistance, treatment failure, and avoidable deaths. How does Rwanda FDA support rational use of medicines among the public? Rwanda FDA works to ensure proper use and storage of medicines, which is key to preserving their quality and preventing risks. We provide guidance such as keeping medicines in a cool, dry place, checking expiry dates, never sharing prescription drugs, and always following a pharmacist’s instructions. We also emphasize the importance of safe disposal of expired medicines and keeping all medications out of children’s reach. These simple practices help ensure medicines remain effective, are used correctly, and reduce the risk of misuse or harm. What are the main challenges people face in using medicines correctly? People often struggle due to limited knowledge, low health literacy, financial constraints, and not following instructions from healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists. Dore uko wakoresha imiti neza. ————————— This is how you can manage and use medicines safely and rationally to protect your health and those around you.#RwandaFDA#MedicineSafety pic.twitter.com/z1GjVDY80v — Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (@RwandaFDA) June 11, 2025 These factors lead to misuse, treatment failure, and rising cases of antimicrobial resistance. ALSO READ: Rwanda rolls out five-year plan to combat drug resistance According to WHO, antimicrobial resistance contributed to 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and played a role in 4.95 million deaths. This shows the urgent need to improve awareness, prescribing behaviour, and enforcement of regulations around medicine use. What are the risks associated with improper disposal of expired or unused medicines? And how can these challenges be effectively addressed? The main issue is how expired or unused medicines are managed at home. If not handled properly, they can be misused or accidentally consumed, especially by children, and pose risks to the environment if thrown away carelessly. ALSO READ: RBC warns against drug misuse amid rising antimicrobial resistance There is a need to establish a mechanism for collecting unused or expired medicines from households for safe disposal. This would protect both public health and the environment. How can people contribute to safer medicine use and help prevent misuse at home? Patients should always consult healthcare facilities for proper diagnosis before taking any medication. Once a prescription is given, they must follow the pharmacist’s instructions regarding dosage, timing, duration, and storage. It’s also important not to share medicines with others. People should read the information leaflets, ask questions, and follow guidance on safe disposal. These actions may seem small, but they are highly effective in promoting medicine safety at the household level. In what ways does improved medicine management and rational use help combat antimicrobial resistance and protect public health? Improved medicine management and rational use are essential in addressing global health challenges like drug resistance. When medicines are used when necessary, at the correct dose, and for the right duration, they are safer and more effective. According to the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR, rational medicine use prevents drug resistance, treatment failure, and side effects. For example, never sharing prescription drugs ensures they are only taken when truly needed and under medical supervision. A well-regulated system that promotes responsible medicine use requires active collaboration between regulatory authorities, healthcare providers, and the public to ensure medicines contribute positively to health outcomes.
