The Rwanda Public Health Association (RPHA) is pleased to announce the celebration of Global Public Health Week 2026 (GPHW) under the theme “Sustainable Peace, Healthy Nation.”

Global Public Health Week is an international initiative coordinated by the World Federation of Public Health Associations to promote awareness, advocacy, and collective action on global public health challenges.

For the first time in Rwanda, RPHA will join the global public health community in celebrating this important week dedicated to strengthening dialogue, collaboration, and action to improve population health and resilient health systems.

1. Background

Global Public Health Week (GPHW) is an annual international initiative coordinated by the World Federation of Public Health Associations to promote awareness, advocacy, and collective action on priority public health challenges affecting populations worldwide. The initiative was first launched in 2022 and has since been celebrated annually by national public health associations, academic institutions, governments, civil society organizations, and international partners across the world. The 2026 celebration marks the 5th Global Public Health Weekworldwide, providing a global platform to highlight the role of public health in advancing sustainable development, health equity, and resilient health systems. In 2026, the Rwanda Public Health Association (RPHA) will organize this event for the first time in Rwanda, bringing together stakeholders from government institutions, UN agencies, academia, civil society, and the health sector to promote dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration under thetheme _“__Peace for Health, Healthy for Peace.”_In Rwanda, the Global Public Health Week activities will be conducted from 1st to 6th April 2026, in alignment with the global celebration while adapting to the national context.

2. Rationale

The organization of this event is particularly important in the current global context where health security, social stability, and sustainable peace are closely interconnected. Conflicts, disasters, and social inequalities continue to weaken health systems and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including women, children, youth, and marginalized communities. Global Public Health Week provides a strategic platform to promote prevention, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for policies that support equitable and sustainable health outcomes. In Rwanda, the scheduling of the event from 1st to 6th April 2026 has been carefully considered in order to respect the national period of remembrance, as 7th April marks the beginning of the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Since this period is dedicated to national reflection, unity, and honoring the victims, the Association has planned to conduct Global Public Health Week activities before the commemoration begins, allowing full participation while maintaining respect for the country’s official program.

3. About Rwanda Public Health Association (RPHA)

The Rwanda Public Health Association (RPHA) is a professional non-profit organization established under Ministerial Order N°04/08.11 of 09/01/2012 and governed by the Law n° 20/2000 of 26/07/2000 relating to non-profit making organizations. The Association brings together public health professionals, researchers, academics, students, and
practitioners committed to improving the health and well-being of the population in Rwanda. RPHA serves as a national platform for capacity building, research promotion, policy advocacy, and professional development in public health. The Association collaborates with government institutions, universities, civil society organizations, and international partners to strengthen the health system, promote evidence-based practice, and support sustainable community development through public health initiatives.

4. Objectives

4.1.1. General Objective

To promote sustainable peace as a foundation for a healthy nation through advocacy, dialogue, and community-based public health Interventions.

4.1.2. Specific Objectives

1. To raise national awareness on the relationship between peace and public health.
2. To examine the public health implications of conflict on children, adolescents,
   and women.
3. To discuss prevention strategies and rehabilitation pathways for reintegration
   into society.
4. To mobilize communities and institutions in promoting peace and health.
5. To provide adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) services to vulnerable
   Displaced populations in refugee settings.

5. Planned Activities (1st – 6th April 2026)

Day 1: Walk for Peace and Health

A public awareness walk from UR -Remera Campus to the Parliament to mobilize communities and advocate for peace as a public health priority.

Day 2: X (Twitter) Space Discussion

A digital public engagement session discussing:

• Public health implications of conflict on women’s health
• Prevention strategies and rehabilitation pathways

Day 3: Webinar Sessions

Online discussions via Zoom/Google Meet focusing on:

• Public health implications of conflict on children and adolescents
• Prevention strategies and rehabilitation pathways for reintegration

Day 4: Official Launch of Social Media and Radio Talk Show

Theme focus: Sustainable Peace as the Foundation of a Healthy Nation.

The week will be officially launched through a national radio talk show to raise public awareness and stimulate dialogue.

Day 5: Community Outreach at Nyabiheke Refugee Camp

An ASRH awareness campaign and service provision including:

• Family Planning services
• HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT)
• Distribution of hygiene and sanitation materials

6. Target Beneficiaries

• Public health professionals and students.
• Policy makers and government officials.
• Women and adolescents.
• Refugees and displaced adolescents.
• General public (through media and digital platforms).

7. Expected Outcomes

• Increased awareness of the peace-health nexus
• Strengthened multi-sector collaboration in promoting public health
• Enhanced dialogue on conflict-sensitive health programming
• Improved access to ASRH services for vulnerable adolescents
• Greater public engagement in peace-centered public health advocacy

8. Conclusion

Global Public Health Week 2026 presents an opportunity for Rwanda Public Health Association (RPHA), in collaboration with national and international partners, to advocate forsustainable peace as a cornerstone of a healthy nation. Through dialogue, community
mobilization, and direct service provision, this initiative will contribute to strengthening resilience, equity, and public health leadership in Rwanda.