The Ministries of Defence and Health yesterday inaugurated five health posts in different parts of the country, expected to play a significant role in slashing maternal and child death rates.

The health posts were commissioned in Kicukiro, Kirehe, Burera, Rusizi, and Nyaruguru districts.

The posts are part of a nationwide project to construct 500 new health posts at the grassroots.

The project, initiated in June last year, is principally run by the Rwanda Defence Forces in partnership with the ministries of Health, and Local Government and Social Affairs, and backed by the local populations.

Up to 44 health posts are expected to be constructed in the first phase, due to close later this month.

Officials say this will significantly boost the country’s goal of having at least one health post in every cell by 2017 – which requires at least 1,584 new health posts.

Speaking at the event to unveil the Kigarama sector health post in Kicukiro, the Minister for Defence, James Kabarebe, said that security alone cannot deliver good health and wellbeing of citizens.

"The days of military battles are behind us, it’s now time to actively invest in welfare of citizens,” he said.

Health minister Dr Agnes Binagwaho expressed optimism that the new and planned health posts will play a central role in curbing maternal and child deaths, since pregnant women will easily access antenatal care.

"Our aim is to not only provide preventive but also curative and rehabilitative care,” she noted.Apohia Irabizi, a resident of Kigarama Sector, said the new health post in the area will make a big difference.

The about 45,000 residents around here will no longer have to depend on health centres in distant areas like Nyamirambo and Gikondo, she said.

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