A 12-Member delegation from Central Africa Republic (CAR), yesterday, visited Isange One Stop Centre at Kacyiru Police Hospital to learn how Rwanda’s model of fighting gender-based violence (GBV) works. 

The delegation, which comprises lawmakers, security personnel and welfare experts, is in the country for a five-day visit aimed at getting acquainted with Rwanda’s success story as far as GBV prevention is concerned.

At Kacyiru Police Hospital, the delegation was received by Charles Rwego, the head of psychiatry unit, who explained to them how the centre operates and different services offered to GBV victims.

Addressing the media shortly after a tour of the hospital, the head of the delegation, Etienne Koyague, commended the significant strides made by the Government of Rwanda in addressing GBV.

"Rwanda is renowned for its tremendous efforts in addressing GBV, that is why we chose to come to here,” Koyague said.

"The experience we have acquired will be communicated to leaders in our country and, if replicated, I am confident this will help reduce GBV back home,” he said.

Isange One Stop Centre was established in 2009 with the support of the First Lady and One UN.

Isange model has provisions for emergency contraception, HIV prophylaxis, sexual transmission infections prevention and other medications.

The centre provides free referral and specialised services such as medico-legal, gynaecology and obstetrics, mental health, legal and investigation, psychosocial, safe room and social integration services to victims of GBV and child abuse.

The package beneficiaries of the centre receive include feeding, clothing and shelter.

Since its inception, the Isange One Stop Centre, which has since become a regional centre of excellence, has received over 10,000 cases, many of them related to sexual and gender-based violence.

The centre currently operates in 23 district hospitals as Rwanda National Police continues to work with its partners to extend the service to the rest of the country.

Apart from Isange One Stop Centre, the visiting delegation also toured other institutions such as the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, National Women Council, Rwanda Women Network, Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, among others.

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