The University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, has initiated a project that aims to significantly enhance the quality and sustainability of its no-fee open access journal, the Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The Rwanda Journal of Medicines and Health sciences is published three times a year. It covers topics relevant to various health-related fields, including medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, public health, nutrition, health management and policy, and other health sciences. It is peer reviewed, and is indexed in SCOPUS, African Index Medicus, DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) and AJOL (African Journals Online).

Over the past three years, the journal has been taking important steps to improve quality and sustainability, for example, by expanding the editorial team and the pool of reviewers. However, to meet the continued demand for high-quality, timely publication and rigorous peer review, further expansion of the reviewer pool and the adoption of more efficient, modern editorial and review processes are needed. There is also a need to develop guidelines for the responsible use of emerging technologies like Generative AI, and to increase visibility and engagement through social media.

The project, which seeks to address these issues, is one of 17 that have received grant support through a three-year project to strengthen no-fee open access publishing in Africa implemented by EIFL, AJOL (African Journals Online) and WACREN (the West and Central African Research and Education Network), with funding from Wellcome.

Timeline

October 2024 - September 2025

Activities

• Expand the pool of reviewers and the editorial team through intensified personal engagement, the introduction of a certification programme and regular training;
• Build capacity of reviewers and editors through training and mentorship;
• Developing guidelines for responsible use of Generative AI (in line with the new Rwanda AI policy); 
• Activate the journal’s social media presence, mainly through engaging student interns.

More about the Rwanda Journal of Medicines and Health Sciences.