His remarks come after the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) suspended the operations of eight alcohol manufacturers following an inspection aimed at assessing compliance with regulations governing the production of fermented beverages. 

The suspension, announced on August 2, 2026, specifically targeted manufacturers producing locally made spirits. Their products were immediately withdrawn from the market.  

In a statement, Rwanda FDA said the decision was taken to protect public health and strengthen oversight of product quality on the market. 

Speaking to RBA, Dr. Nsanzimana described the growing impact of substandard alcohol as a public health epidemic, citing the sharp rise in alcohol-related illnesses recorded across the country.

"We consider this a public health emergency based on the data we have. Since the beginning of this year, our hospitals have treated slightly more than 500 people who became ill after consuming these alcoholic drinks. 

“In Ngoma alone, more than 100 people were hospitalized at once. We have also recorded cases in Nyagatare and the Southern Province. These are only the people who reached health facilities and were treated although some died. Others died before making  it to hospital. So far, we have documented about 50 deaths," he said.

The Health Minister added that the health consequences extend far beyond fatalities.

According to him, around 100 people have suffered permanent blindness, while others have developed long-term brain damage, liver disease and other serious medical conditions linked to the consumption of unsafe alcohol.

"The problem has been growing gradually. We used to know traditional drinks such as banana beer and sorghum beer. Then came alcoholic beverages with alcohol concentrations of 40 to 50 percent, far stronger than what many people had ever consumed. Now there are also those being produced through unsafe methods," he said.

Dr. Nsanzimana warned that Rwanda must treat the issue as a public health emergency.

 "This is an epidemic, and we must fight it as one. If we fail to act now, we will pay a much heavier price in the future."

He further explained that while some investors establish legitimate factories to produce quality beverages, others secretly mix hazardous chemicals into alcoholic drinks before packaging and distributing them to consumers, exposing the public to severe illness and death.