Rwanda has marked a historic milestone in medical care with its first-ever epilepsy surgery, carried out at Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK) as part of a newly launched training camp for brain surgeons and anesthesiologists.
The initiative, launched on Monday, February 9, 2026, began with the successful surgery of a 39-year-old woman who has lived with epilepsy for 15 years, relying on medication that failed to fully control her condition. Experts estimate her recovery at around 85%.
The epilepsy surgery training camp, the first of its kind in Rwanda and the Great Lakes region, brings together international neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists to train local medical teams in advanced surgical techniques.
Eight more patients with drug-resistant epilepsy are scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming weeks, offering hope to those who previously had to travel abroad for treatment.
Dr. Inyange Musoni Sylvie, a neurosurgeon at CHUK, said the program will relieve the long-term burden on patients who had limited options with conventional medication.
“This initiative not only treats patients but also builds Rwanda’s local capacity to manage complex epilepsy cases,” Dr. Musoni said, highlighting the importance of specialized medical care in the country.
This breakthrough underscores Rwanda’s commitment to advancing specialized healthcare services, reducing the need for costly overseas referrals, and training the next generation of medical professionals in life-saving procedures.
