The Power of Primary Healthcare in Rwanda

Описание: Why does investing in primary healthcare matter? Because the success of a nation is built upon the health and well being of its citizens.

In Rwanda in 1994 there were only 96 doctors to serve a population of 63 million, but when the country emerged from conflict the government prioritize rebuilding its healthcare system. An ambitious community health program was put into place and between 1995 and 2005, the number of community health workers increased from 12,000 to 45,000, 3 dedicated healthcare workers in every village.

The results of this focus have been impressive with under 5 mortality rates of 195 per 1,000 births in 2000 decreasing to 39 in 2016, 98% of children are receiving their basic vaccinations, and everyone has access to local healthcare that meets most of their medical needs.

When people have access to healthcare they are healthier, they can go to school and work, and the economy can grow.

Rwanda is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley where the African Great Lakes region and East Africa converge. One of the smallest countries on the African mainland, its capital city is Kigali. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is highly elevated with its geography dominated by mountains in the west and savanna to the east, with numerous lakes throughout the country. Rwanda has a population of over 12.6 million and is the most densely populated mainland African country.


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