{"id":120720,"date":"2026-02-26T16:41:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T16:41:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/new-distribution-trucks-improve-rwandas-medical-supply-chain"},"modified":"2026-02-26T16:57:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T16:57:46","slug":"new-distribution-trucks-improve-rwandas-medical-supply-chain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/new-distribution-trucks-improve-rwandas-medical-supply-chain","title":{"rendered":"New Distribution Trucks Improve Rwanda’s Medical Supply Chain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Rwanda Medical Supply (RMS) Ltd received 11 distribution trucks, including two refrigerated and nine room temperature, in a boost to the country\u2019s medical distribution chain aimed at strengthening nationwide healthcare access.<\/p>\n

The new fleet handed over on February 23, 2026 in Kigali, is expected to improve the transportation of essential medicines, and other health commodities, ensuring they reach service delivery points safely and on time, according to RMS.<\/p>\n

Dr Loko Abraham, CEO of RMS, speaks during the handover of 11 distribution trucks, including two refrigerated trucks and nine for room-temperature supplies, in Kigali on February 23. Photos by Keza Kelly.<\/p>\n

Stakeholders say that the investment is expected to improve last-mile distribution, particularly in remote and underserved districts, especially Gisagara, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, and Karongi, while reducing stock-outs and safeguarding temperature-sensitive products through a reinforced cold-chain system.<\/p>\n

This initiative is funded by the European Union through the Project, titled \u2018Logistics Medical Supply (LOMESU) for Access to Quality Health Products in Rwanda,\u201d with a total budget of EUR 5 million over four years. It is meant to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of Rwanda\u2019s national health supply chain.<\/p>\n

The handed-over trucks will improve the transportation of essential medicines and other health commodities, ensuring they reach service delivery points safely and on time.<\/p>\n

It also supports the broader Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technology Products in Africa (MAV+) Programme and the Global Gateway \u2013 Health Package launched at the 2022 EU\u2013AU Summit, under the EU\u2019s International Partnerships (INTPA) and the Regional Team Europe Initiative (TEI).<\/p>\n

Acknowledging with appreciation the support of the EU, RMS Ltd stated that the additional 11 new distribution trucks will enhance medical product availability, improve access, safeguard the integrity and quality of the products throughout distribution and ultimately boost overall customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis particular project is unique because we designed it together with the EU and is rightly a response to the demand that we have,\u201d said Dr Loko Abraham, Chief Executive Officer of RMS.<\/p>\n

\u201cProducts are also unique because they address systems within the supply chain. Vehicles are beyond transportations. They create efficiency, access, and will collectively work on the information system because it\u2019s a broadline for the health supply chain. If information is not there, you cannot make the right decision and can\u2019t deliver commodities,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is an international investment in the supply chain information system which uplift all pillars of the health supply chain,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Globally, between 25 and 30 per cent of cold chain commodities are wasted because of cold-chain failures, with the risk being higher in Africa.<\/p>\n

The ecosystem enablers noted that the programme also aligns with the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP V) 2024 to 2029.<\/p>\n

It will focus on creating an ecosystem for manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines, and health technologies, ensuring that quality health products are available, affordable, and accessible for all.<\/p>\n

Additionally, it aligns with Rwanda\u2019s broader Vision 2050 goals by attracting investors in pharmaceutical industries both in distribution and manufacturing which will contribute to lowering the cost of drugs in the country and further exporting to other countries particular in building local manufacturing capacity, streamline regulatory processes, and enhance workforce development are expected to yield significant benefits.<\/p>\n

The Ambassador of EU in Rwanda Bele\u0301n Calvo Uyarra said that the partnership with the government of Rwanda is as win-win as supporting NST2 goals and the country’s ambition to become regional medical tourism.<\/p>\n

\u201cEU has been working alongside Rwanda in access to vaccines, medicines manufacturing, and after Covid-19, the country proved high-level of ambitions to attract investment that was necessary to manufacture medicines for Rwanda and for the continent. We\u2019re very proudly stepping in to support that ecosystem,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that the system is able to deliver health commodities to every health facility in the rural areas, it is important as investors that would like to come and engage here in Rwanda to continue manufacturing medicines and vaccines. We\u2019re proud to be working in that ecosystem since Rwanda has high-level ambitions and it\u2019s obviously delivering for every Rwandans,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\r\n