Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41834749›Full record

ArticleGlobal health action2026

Advancing forensic psychiatry in Rwanda: lessons learned and challenges.

Isabella D'Orta, Ariel Eytan, Alfred Ngirababyeyi, Charles Nkubili, Paul Nkubamugisha Mahoro, Panteleimon Giannakopoulos, Yasser Khazaal

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Article in Global health action, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Isabella D'OrtaDivision of Institutional Measures, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0002-3604-9928
Ariel EytanDivision of Institutional Measures, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Alfred NgirababyeyiDivision of Institutional Measures, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Charles NkubiliNeuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Caraes Ndera, Kigali, Rwanda.
Paul Nkubamugisha MahoroCentre de Liaison et de Thérapies Intégratives, Aigle, Switzerland.
Panteleimon GiannakopoulosDepartment of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Yasser KhazaalAddiction Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0002-8549-6599

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundFollowing the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda showed remarkable resilience in rebuilding its institutions, particularly within the health sector. The genocide against Tutsi left lasting emotional and psychological trauma, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize mental health in national recovery efforts.

objectiveThe aim of this article is to present the curricula, outcomes and lessons learned from a forensic psychiatry training in Rwanda.

methodsSince 1997, a partnership between the University of Kigali and Geneva University Hospitals has supported this goal by co-developing training programs and professional capacity building. A focus of this collaboration has been forensic psychiatry, a field that bridges mental health and the justice system.

resultsDuring this training major aspects of forensic psychiatry have been addressed: expert evaluations and risk assessments, court-ordered treatments and ethical and legal considerations. Trauma sensitivity has been central as well. The importance of forensic psychiatry extends beyond legal cases, contributing to the management of gender-based violence, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorders. These issues remain significant given Rwanda's history of genocide against Tutsi and its long-lasting psychological effects.

conclusionContinuing the training is essential to strengthen the skills of local professionals in managing complex legal and medical cases, ensuring they are confident in their interactions with the justice system and supporting its effective and ethical functioning. It is essential to strengthen these competencies and the collaboration between local authorities and academic institutions.

Indexed as

Forensic PsychiatryGenocideCapacity BuildingCurriculumHumansRwandaethicsforensic psychiatrymedical educationmental health servicespsychiatric trainingRwanda

Identifiers

PMID41834749
PMCPMC12997363

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