Prof. Pastor Egide Kayitare Elected President of Rwandan Association of Pharmacists

Kigali, Rwanda - Prof. Pastor Egide Kayitare, a pharmaceutical sciences lecturer at the University of Rwanda for 26 years, has been elected President of the Rwandan Association of Pharmacists (RAP). The announcement was made during the association’s 13th annual general meeting on November 14, 2025, attended by over 700 members.

Prof. Kayitare pledged to work collaboratively with members to address challenges such as drug-resistant pathogens and to safeguard the integrity and prestige of the pharmaceutical profession.

During the meeting, a five-year study aligned with Rwanda’s National Vision 2050 was presented, outlining strategies to accelerate development across sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry. The study emphasized professionalism, adherence to laws, and delivering quality healthcare services.

Outgoing President DCG (Rtd) Stanley Nsabimana highlighted the importance of continuous professional development. “Today we meet not to fulfill legal obligations, but to celebrate our achievements, reaffirm our values, and continue our commitment to protecting public health through a profession of medicine carried out with integrity and solid competence,” he said.

Dr. Ntihumbya Jean Baptiste, Director of Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Health, commended the role of pharmacists in improving healthcare and combating antimicrobial resistance. He urged members to prioritize patient safety, noting that antibiotics should not be prescribed without a doctor’s approval. Dr. Ntihumbya reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting pharmacists through training, financial assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.

The government has implemented an integrated health program known as ‘One Health’, covering human, animal, and environmental health, to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Launched in 2024, the initiative involves collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Other newly elected leaders include Ntirenganya Remy Pacifique as Vice President, Uwase Marie Ange as Secretary, and Byomuhangi Evariste as Treasurer, all serving three-year terms.

The Rwandan Association of Pharmacists remains responsible for upholding professional ethics, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and fostering excellence within the pharmaceutical sector.