Dr. Nsanzimana made the remarks during a virtual discussion with TikTok users on efforts to prevent the consumption of substandard alcohol, particularly among young people.

He said alcohol consumption had reached a level that was affecting the wellbeing of the population and the country’s development.

Dr. Nsanzimana said national institutions had been assessing issues that could hinder Rwanda’s progress and found that alcohol had become a major concern.

“Alcohol came to the forefront among the things that threaten the security of our future. In terms of health, we were already in a difficult situation because alcohol is a slow killer; it kills gradually,” he said.

The minister was asked why Rwanda had focused on curbing substandard alcohol while tobacco is also known to have serious effects on health.

He said the decision was based on available figures showing that tobacco use had declined following measures introduced earlier.

“Figures show that Rwandans who smoke have declined from 13 percent to 7 percent because of measures that were introduced earlier,” he said.

Alcohol consumption, however, remains widespread, according to the minister.

“One in two men drinks alcohol, and one in five women drinks alcohol. It is increasing, and now there are alcoholic drinks with 40 percent alcohol and above,” he said.

Dr. Nsanzimana said the government therefore started with the issue that was currently causing greater harm, while tobacco remains on the agenda.

“Tobacco will also be addressed, and it will not take long. We started by addressing the major problem that is killing people, but tobacco is also on our agenda, even though its use has been declining significantly,” he said.