Rwanda opens first-ever syringe factory to help Africa’s vaccination plans
Rwanda has opened a new factory that will make syringes for vaccines, helping to boost health efforts across Africa.
The factory, launched on April 1 in Rwamagana District, can make up to one million syringes every day. These are special syringes that can only be used once, making them safer and helping to stop the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
The plant is run by TKMD Rwanda, a branch of a Chinese company called Anhui Tiankang Medical Technology.
It was built with support from the Gates Foundation and has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). This makes it the first of its kind in Rwanda.
Most of the syringes will be sent to UNICEF for use in vaccination programs across the continent. Until now, many African countries have relied on syringe imports from Asia, which can take months to arrive.
The Ministry of Health said the new plant will also help Rwanda by creating jobs. More than 100 people are already working there, and 80% of them are women.
Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s health minister, said during the launch that the factory brings Rwanda one step closer to being self-reliant in healthcare.
“This is not just about syringes — it’s about saving lives and building local strength,” he added.
