Dr. Joseph Rukelibuga, a 66-year-old Rwandan veterinarian, has been living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension since 2007 and has been a stroke survivor since June 2016. Following his hospital discharge, he attended regular physiotherapy sessions. Meeting other stroke survivors gave him emotional strength. Over time, he progressed—he eventually stood up from his wheelchair and returned to work. He worked at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 11 years before retiring. He founded Stroke Action Rwanda, a stroke support organisation affiliated with the Rwanda NCD Alliance (RNCDA) and initiated World Stroke Day celebrations in Rwanda.

Joseph worked with RNCDA to develop and launch the Rwanda National Advocacy Agenda of People Living with NCDs in 2021, which led to the creation of one-stop centres for NCD care at community health centres and the inclusion of NCD prevention and care services in community-based health insurance packages. However, inequities in accessing care remain. He continues to advocate for improving access to quality, affordable treatment and care in Rwanda, using storytelling as a tool to bring these challenges to light.

He is experienced in delivering interventions at webinars, conferences, and symposia, advocating for meaningful involvement and policy change commitment. He is currently a Global Stroke Coalition Ambassador and a member of the Our Views, Our Voices Global Advisory Committee. In May 2025, Joseph participated in the UN Multistakeholder Hearing in New York ahead of the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, mental health, and well-being, demonstrating his experience in engaging stakeholders around high-level global forums while deepening his understanding of political and negotiation processes that shape strong international declarations.

Joseph communicates fluently both in English and French.