Staff members of Partners in Health (PIH), Kayonza residents and local leaders gathered on Thursday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the organisation’s activities in Kayonza District.

The event was held at PIH offices in Rwinkwavu Sector in the country.

PIH has been working to strengthen public health system in rural communities, serving thousands of people through empowering hospitals and health centres.

Antoinette Habinshuti, the deputy country director for PIH, said she was pleased with the general improvement of people’s livelihood and lifestyle.

"PIH has been involved with the local community for the last ten years and we are honoured to preserve that legacy by providing quality healthcare. ‘‘Our commitment to serve the people, particularly the needy, remains. We applaud all stakeholders who helped us realise what we did in the last ten years,” she said.

John Mugabo, the Mayor of Kayonza, commended PIH activities in communities, adding that they helped improve people’s livelihood.

"PIH has been active in providing basic needs for widows and other vulnerable members of the community by constructing houses and paying for them health insurance premiums,” he said.

Clarisse Mukoshijana, a widow with three children, said that even when treatment for HIV/AIDS was free, certain barriers prevented people from accessing necessary health care.

"PIH helped people living with HIV/AIDS like me to live meaningful and healthy life.

‘‘They helped us access antiretroviral drugs and provided us with other social services,” she said.

The celebrations saw 15 elderly employees of PIH given Friesian cows.