Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has urged Rwandans to stop giving alcohol excessive importance in society and instead focus on activities that promote healthy minds, personal development and national progress.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during the “Youth Meet the President” event at which approximately 10,000 young people met President Paul Kagame to discuss issues affecting them and explore solutions to their challenges.
Minister Says Alcohol Has Been Given Undeserved Status
Dr. Nsanzimana expressed concern that some young people regard drinking alcohol as a source of pride, despite its harmful effects on their health and future prospects. He called on Rwandans to change this mindset and give greater importance to activities that contribute positively to their lives.
he said: “Alcohol has been given an undeserved status in our culture and within Rwandan society; we must strip away this importance and instead place value on things that truly deserve it.” The Minister urged young people to reconsider attitudes that portray alcohol consumption as something admirable or beneficial.
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Alcohol Can Affect Health and Behaviour
Dr. Nsanzimana warned that alcohol can damage health, undermine personal ambitions and affect the country’s development. He explained that alcohol reaches different parts of the body quickly and affects the brain, interfering with communication and potentially changing a person’s judgement and behaviour.
he said: “Decisions one would make while sober are altered; someone who is usually quiet might start shouting, someone who is non-violent might begin attacking others even their own parents or a wife might strike her husband. Let us strip alcohol of its perceived value. Whether in a rural area or a city, let us take away the status often accorded to alcohol.” He emphasised that people should recognise the risks associated with drinking rather than treating alcohol consumption as a sign of pride or social status.
Youth Urged to Turn Dreams Into Plans
The Minister encouraged young people to have dreams and turn them into achievable goals supported by practical plans. He said that without clear goals and plans, young people could struggle to achieve their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society.
Dr. Nsanzimana stressed that protecting one’s health is essential to pursuing personal ambitions and building a better future.
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Minister Links Personal Health to National Development
Dr. Nsanzimana said that contributing to Rwanda’s development begins with maintaining a healthy body and a clear thinking mind. He noted that national development is a shared responsibility and does not depend solely on political leaders.
he said: “When your mind and body are in good condition, you can progress. Furthermore, the nation belongs to all of us it is not defined solely by its leaders. Maintaining a healthy body is a way to contribute to the country, while damaging it is, in effect, damaging the nation itself.” He urged young people to make choices that protect their well-being and enable them to fulfil their responsibilities to their families and the country.
Government Takes Action Against Unsafe Alcohol
In August 2026, the Government of Rwanda announced a ban on industrially produced alcoholic drinks commonly known as inzoga z’ibyuma and ordered the closure of more than 250 production facilities that failed to meet required quality and safety standards. Authorities said some of the facilities were using toxic substances in their production processes, posing serious risks to consumers.
At the time, the Ministry of Health reported that the unsafe alcoholic beverages had been linked to 50 deaths and blindness in more than 100 people, while over 11,000 people had reportedly developed addiction to the drinks. The government’s action formed part of broader efforts to protect public health and address the dangers associated with unsafe alcoholic beverages.
