This policy brief discusses Rwanda's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes the progression of the pandemic through multiple phases, from initial imported cases to periods of increased transmission and mortality. A total of 11,032 cases and 142 deaths were reported between March 2020 and January 2021. The brief examines the public health interventions implemented to curb transmission and mitigate the socioeconomic impact. It concludes by recommending that Rwanda further strengthen its capacity to detect and respond to pandemics. Social protection programs must also support poorer households most at risk from pandemic-related economic shocks.