Kigali Car Free Day: An Innovative Model in the Fight against Non-Communicable Disease Pandemics

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide and the burden is worsening especially in resource limited countries. Evidence has shown that physical exercise plays an integral role in preventing NCDs. In 2016, the government of Rwanda established a mass sport program in the capital city of Kigali entitled “Kigali Car Free Day” which offers an opportunity for Kigali residents to participate in physical exercise around the city on roads free of vehicles. The program also provides free screening of NCDs for residents. In this paper, we will describe the “Kigali Car Free Day” program and provide scientific insight on how the Car Free Day program in Rwanda can be potentially improved to benefit more people across the globe.