The Veterinary Initiative for Endangered Wildlife (VIEW), in collaboration with the University of Rwanda’s School of Veterinary Medicine, is proud to announce scholarship awards to two deserving young veterinary students: Mr. Emmanuel Nyandwi and Mr. Emmanuel Tuyishime. Made possible by a grant from Conservation Nation’s People & Pachyderms Collective, these scholarships will support the recipients’ innovative research projects on the prevalence and distribution of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria among elephants and rhinoceroses. Both recipients have demonstrated outstanding dedication to wildlife conservation.
About the Project: Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance in Pachyderms
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms evolve to withstand the medications designed to kill them, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread. AMR is a growing global concern, affecting human, animal, and environmental health. According to the World Health Organization, AMR is one of the top global public health and development threats which is estimated to be directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. In wildlife particularly, AMR poses complex threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Through these scholarships, VIEW supports research aimed at:
Investigating AMR Prevalence and Distribution: Identifying and mapping the prevalence of AMR in wildlife by analyzing bacterial samples from savanna elephants, forest elephants, and rhinoceroses to detect and characterize resistant bacteria.
Assessing Ecosystem Variations: Compare data between Akagera and Volcanoes National Parks to understand how different environments influence AMR patterns.
Contributing to One Health Goals: Explore the interconnectedness of wildlife, environmental factors, and human health in the context of AMR.
This research will provide valuable insights into the dynamics of AMR in wildlife, informing conservation strategies, public health policies, and management practices for endangered species. The project’s outcomes are expected to contribute not only to Rwanda’s conservation efforts but also to global initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and addressing the challenges of AMR.
Meet the Scholars
Emmanuel Tuyishime
A final-year veterinary medicine student, Tuyishime has built a robust foundation in animal health, holding an Advanced Diploma in Veterinary Technology and leadership roles such as President of the International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) - Rwanda. He also serves as Coordinator of the University of Rwanda’s Wildlife Health Club. Emmanuel’s academic portfolio includes co-authoring research on microbial susceptibility and leading projects that bridge veterinary science with conservation. His scholarship will bolster his expertise in wildlife disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through his work on elephants and rhinoceroses in Akagera National Park, Emmanuel aims to inform national and global strategies for managing AMR in wildlife populations.
Emmanuel Nyandwi
Growing up near Nyungwe National Park, Nyandwi witnessed firsthand the challenges of wildlife poaching. These formative experiences inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine at the University of Rwanda, driven by a deep passion for protecting endangered species. As President of the University of Rwanda Wildlife Health Club, Emmanuel has participated in various conservation efforts, including wildlife immobilization training and disease surveillance initiatives. He also contributed to VIEW’s Wildlife Health Manual for Akagera National Park. His research will focus on understanding AMR patterns in elephants across Akagera and Volcanoes National Parks, shedding light on how different ecosystems influence the spread of resistant bacteria.
Training the Next Generation of Conservationists
VIEW remains committed to supporting emerging professionals in wildlife health and conservation through funding, mentorship, and collaborative research opportunities. By equipping young vet students like Emmanuel Nyandwi and Emmanuel Tuyishime with the resources they need, VIEW helps drive progress in global conservation efforts and ensure the protection of endangered wildlife for generations to come.
A key partner in this mission is the University of Rwanda (UR), a leading public research institution established in 2013 and dedicated to advancing knowledge and national development. Recently, UR’s School of Veterinary Medicine was elevated to the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (CVAS), a milestone that demonstrates a commitment to strengthening teaching and research capacity in veterinary and animal sciences. As the only institution in Rwanda with a School of Veterinary Medicine, CVAS is uniquely positioned to pioneer advancements in veterinary education and research.
Looking ahead, CVAS aims to broaden its focus on wildlife health and management, aligning with Rwanda’s national priorities in biodiversity conservation and the One Health approach. A strong emphasis on One Health principles equips students to tackle critical challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and sustainable animal production. In 2024, UR ranked 6th among Sub-Saharan African universities.
Congratulations to both Emmanuel Nyandwi and Emmanuel Tuyishime on their well-deserved scholarships!
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