Lessons from implementing a human rights and gender-based harm reduction project for people who use drugs in Rwanda

Elvis Benimana is a Rwandan public health professional specializing in harm reduction and community health. With a Master’s in Global Health Delivery from the University of Global Health Equity, he has led and supported programs advancing the health and rights of vulnerable groups, particularly People Who Use Drugs (PWUD). Elvis leads the TUBITEHO project, where he coordinates advocacy, policy engagement, and service delivery for PWUD in Rwanda. His work spans grassroots mobilization, national policy development, and capacity building for frontline workers, underpinned by a strong commitment to equity, human rights, and evidence-informed programming. He also serves as a national consultant with Médecins du Monde, supporting the development of national guidelines and frameworks with the Rwanda Biomedical Center and the Kigali Mental Health Referral Center, aimed at establishing stigma-sensitive and gender-responsive harm reduction services.