The MOPDD Laboratory’s New Equipment Boosts Rwanda’s Entomological Capacity

We all know strengthening in-country capacity goes hand-in-hand with ending malaria. For our first Monday Motivation, we’re highlighting the PMI VectorLink, now Evolve, Rwanda team for transferring necessary laboratory equipment, including a real-time PCR (RT-PCR) machine, to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division (MOPDD).

On March 16, 2023, PMI VectorLink Rwanda handed over the procured equipment to MOPDD for them to continue the vital molecular entomology work at the Kicukiro Entomology Laboratory. The handoff was celebrated by an event attended by Acting Health Office Director at USAID Rwanda, Libby Brennan, the CDC PMI resident advisor, Dr. Naomi Lucchi, the Division Manager of the MOPDD, Dr. Aimable Mbituyumuremyi, Director of the Vector Control Unit, Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana, USAID/PMI Infectious Diseases Specialist, Dr. Beata Mukarugwiro, and senior staff from the MOPDD and PMI VectorLink Rwanda.

Dr. Emmanuel first welcomed the guests and briefly explained the background of the laboratory and the main activities that would be carried out. He also guided the visitors through the different activities performed at the laboratory. Mr. Elias Niyituma, coordinator of the laboratory, explained how each piece of equipment works, ultimately producing the data required for decision-making in malaria vector surveillance and in determining the quality of vector control interventions.

The Acting Health Office Director at USAID Rwanda reiterated PMI’s support of the entomology laboratory, noting that the recently procured equipment, especially the RT-PCR machine and automated DNA extractor will greatly support malaria-focused molecular activities. She shared that malaria surveillance activities will be important, and a well-equipped and functioning laboratory will greatly strengthen this surveillance.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Aimable thanked PMI for their support, especially for the entomology laboratory. He noted that MOPDD’s strengthened capabilities through this collaboration will provide credible data for research and decision-making regarding malaria control and impact in Rwanda.

Great to see these capacity strengthening efforts PMI Evolve Rwanda! We look forward to seeing what’s in store over the next couple of years!