Rwanda: Construction underway on new clinic in Nyarubuye

“Rwanda has prioritized a decentralized health care system. This accounts for Rwanda’s success in combatting the pandemic.” – Agnes Binagwaho, Former Minister of Health, now at Harvard Medical School

Community clinics in Rwanda are playing a critical role in protecting the health of local communities, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic. PICO Rwanda leaders have begun construction of their third health clinic that will serve 20,000 families in Nyarubuye. Many of the more than 1,000 people who committed to provide labor are already hard at work. The clinic is being built on land that was secured in negotiations with local political leaders. In advance of construction, community and government leaders are conducting a health education campaign focused on the Coronavirus. The Mumeya and Rusumo clinics, constructed by PICO Rwanda leaders and serving rural communities, are providing the public health infrastructure that is the key to success in combatting the pandemic. Because of this community-based approach Rwandans have the world’s highest level of trust in their health care system.  With only 2,152 cases and 7 deaths, Rwanda also ranks among the world’s leaders in containing the spread of COVID 19.  PICO Rwanda leaders are using their networks of relationships to check in on vulnerable families and provide food and needed support. See more.

In related news, the Nyange Women’s Cooperative is working with Rwanda Engineers without Borders to bring water to their roadside market and restrooms. Leaders in Mumeya and Cihya completed three new classrooms at the elementary school. PICO Rwanda and Faith in Action are exploring expansion opportunities in other parts of Africa.  The two organizations jointly sponsored virtual meetings this past month where faith leaders in Ghana and South Africa discussed the need for faith-rooted organizing in their countries.