On the frontlines of road safety: HPR 2025 highlights

Throughout 2025, Healthy People Rwanda (HPR) remained at the forefront of advancing road safety and public health across the country and beyond. From community-based awareness campaigns and life-saving first aid training to policy advocacy and global engagement, HPR’s work this year has focused on one clear goal: protecting lives and promoting safer, healthier mobility for all. Below are some of the key initiatives and milestones that defined our impact in 2025.

Promoting helmet safety through the Kasike Ikwiye campaign

In collaboration with key partners, HPR successfully implemented the first phase of the Tuwurinde Project through the Kasike Ikwiye campaign. The campaign reached four districts (Rubavu, Nyagatare, Musanze, and Huye), across Rwanda’s four provinces. By bringing together motorcyclists and community members, the campaign promoted the consistent use of helmets that meet approved safety standards. The initiative aimed to reduce head injuries and foster a strong culture of road safety. Beyond community engagement, Tuwurinde continues to advocate for strengthened government involvement and stakeholder collaboration to improve utilization of Rwanda’s helmet testing laboratory and increase public recognition of certified helmet standards.

Closing the First Aid Initiative Rwanda (FAIR): A milestone in life-saving education

Launched in June 2023 by Healthy People Rwanda in partnership with the International Medical Cooperation Committee (IMCC), the First Aid Initiative Rwanda (FAIR) was designed to reduce morbidity and mortality from road traffic injuries through education and advocacy. Two years later, FAIR concluded with remarkable success. The project trained over 20,428 students, doubling the original target of 10,000. Participants gained critical knowledge in road safety and first aid, equipping them with practical, life-saving skills to respond effectively to emergencies, on the road and within their communities.

Strengthening enforcement: Training RICA staff on helmet standards and testing

Under the Tuwurinde Initiative, HPR partnered with the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) and the Rwanda Standards Board to deliver specialized training on protective helmet standards and testing. The training strengthened RICA staff’s capacity to enforce Rwanda’s national helmet standards. While motorcycle helmets are widely used in Rwanda, head injuries from crashes remain a major concern due to substandard helmet quality. This initiative helped inspectors better understand helmet safety requirements, contributing to reduced preventable injuries and improved consumer protection.

Championing safer streets during the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week

During the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, HPR organized a series of impactful activities to promote safer road behaviors and advocate for improved pedestrian infrastructure. Activities included a community walk and a friendly match to raise awareness, alongside hands-on road safety education sessions for students. These sessions emphasized safe pedestrian behavior and responsible road use. In parallel, HPR submitted evidence-based recommendations to the City of Kigali, calling for additional zebra crossings, traffic lights, and pedestrian islands to reduce crossing distances and enhance pedestrian safety.

Influencing global dialogue: Participation in the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety

HPR played an active role on the global stage by participating in the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety and the 3rd World Youth Assembly, held in February, in Marrakech - Morocco. HPR President, Dr. Innocent Nzeyimana, contributed to panel discussions and strategic networking sessions, highlighting youth leadership and advocating for safer, more sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.

Global Recognition: UNRSF features HPR’s motorcycle safety work

HPR’s life-saving efforts in motorcycle safety were recognized internationally when our work was featured in the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) August Newsletter. The feature highlighted the urgent need for improved motorcycle safety and showcased how HPR is driving impactful solutions in Rwanda. Check it out

Advancing helmet safety across Africa: SAHI Summit participation

In July, HPR participated in the Safe African Helmet Initiative (SAHI) Summit held in Kenya. The summit convened policymakers, road safety advocates, and technical experts committed to improving motorcycle helmet safety across the continent. HPR’s participation strengthened regional collaboration and knowledge exchange on helmet standards and enforcement.