Rwanda Noncommunicable Disease Alliance (RNCDA) has backed the government’s crackdown on illicit alcoholic beverages, saying the enforcement measures are an important step towards protecting public health. In a statement on Tuesday, August 18, the alliance commended the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) for stepping up inspections, closing non-compliant manufacturing facilities and recalling alcoholic products suspected of being unsafe. ALSO READ: Over 130 companies closed as crackdown on illicit alcohol widens Authorities have in recent weeks intensified inspections and enforcement measures against manufacturers, distributors and retailers suspected of producing or selling non-compliant alcoholic products. More than 140 companies have been closed and hundreds of alcohol brands recalled since August 2. The crackdown follows growing concern over the health consequences associated with consuming illicit alcoholic beverages. ALSO READ: Illicit alcohol linked to over 40 deaths in six months, health minister says Health authorities have said more than 50 people have died since the beginning of 2026, while more than 100 others have lost their sight after consuming illicit alcoholic beverages. More than 500 people have also sought medical treatment. ALSO READ: Police record 46% decline in assault cases after recall of illicit alcohols The NCD alliance said health risks associated with alcohol consumption go beyond illicit or substandard products, noting that alcohol consumption itself is linked to a wide range of health conditions. The alliance cited World Health Organisation (WHO) data showing that alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive and dependence-producing substance linked to more than 200 health conditions. Globally, alcohol consumption is linked to nearly opthree million deaths annually and is a major behavioural risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, liver cirrhosis, metabolic disorders and at least seven types of cancer. RNCDA also said informally and illegally produced alcohol accounts for an estimated 25 per cent of total alcohol consumption per capita globally, making it particularly difficult to regulate. The alliance said Rwanda’s ongoing campaign aligns with the WHO Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022–2030, which recommends cost-effective measures to reduce alcohol-related harm. The measures include increasing taxes on alcoholic beverages, restricting exposure to alcohol advertising across different media and limiting the physical availability of alcohol, particularly to young people. Sustainably protecting citizens from hazardous products and harmful risk factors is critical to advancing national healthcare priorities and reducing preventable mortality, the alliance said in statement. It commended the Ministry of Health and Rwanda FDA for their regulatory action and reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote evidence-based alcohol-control policies. The alliance said such efforts would contribute to building a safer and healthier country and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
