26 May 2023 - Rwandan surgeons at the King Faisal Hospital (KFH) together with a visiting team of American surgeons have successfully performed three living donor kidney transplantations, marking an important milestone in the Government’s efforts to reduce costly medical referrals abroad. 

The launch of the kidney transplant service is in line with the Government's efforts to reduce costly medical referrals abroad. Over the past seven years, 67 Rwandan patients have been transferred abroad for kidney transplants, costing approximately 900 million RWF. 

Legal framework 

In March this year, the Parliament of Rwanda passed the law N° 012/2023 of 13/03/2023 regulating the use of the human body, organs, tissues, cells and products of the human body for therapeutic, educational or scientific purposes. The law was published in the official journal, paving the way for the performance of lifesaving medical procedures for many patients affected by terminal organ failure, within the country.

Article 9 of the same law authorises the harvesting and transplantation that are “performed while ensuring the health safety for the donor and the recipient, with prior performance of screening tests”. Prior to harvesting or transplantation, article 10 stipulates that "the donor or recipient gives his or her prior written consent after being given information on and having a clear understanding of how the procedure for donating or receiving will take place, and the potential risks and benefits associated with donating or receiving an organ, tissue, cell or products of the human body”. Learn more

How will the service work? 

The kidney transplant program will run on a monthly basis, with the visiting surgical team working alongside the KFH team for the next two years, when this complex care will be independently managed by local specialists. Subspecialty fellowship programs have also been activated through the University of Rwanda's School of Medicine and Pharmacy, including in nephrology and renal transplant surgery to increase health professionals in highly specialized areas. 

Way forward

The Governement of Rwanda through the Ministry of Health continues to upgrade KFH's infrastructure and equipment in order to enhance its capacity to perform kidney transplant procedures and other highly specialized medical services. These efforts on improving service delivery are not only limited to King Faisal Hospital but to other teaching hospitals and health facilities across the country. 

The introduction of kidney transplant procedures in Rwanda comes as the first of many organ transplants in various specialized medical services to be carried out within Rwanda in the near future. The Ministry of Health is also keen on strengthening research activities in the country which this law on the use of human body, organs, tissues, cells and products fosters.

The Government of Rwanda aspires to be a regional medical hub and to attract healthcare investors who may support in developing other specialized healthcare services in the country.