A new maternal health centre, expected to serve 7,000 people, has been inaugurated in Munyaga Sector, Rwamagana District.

Its construction was funded by the government of Korea, through a Korean international organisation, known as Better World-Rwanda.

The cost of the construction and equipment for the facility, which also has a health post, is estimated to be over Rwf60 million.

The health facility will continue to be developed into a fully fledged health centre by 2017, Better World officials said.

The Korean Ambassador to Rwanda, Park Yong-min, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to partnering with Rwanda in a number of development programmes.

"Korea and Rwanda are set to enhance their relationship…we are slowly but steadily expanding horizons. We recently pledged to work closely with this country in several development areas. We are thus pleased that Better World Rwanda has started promoting this relationship,” he said.

Yong-min commended Rwanda’s efforts towards achieving sustainable development.

He observed that improving maternal health care facilities and services was one of the cornerstones of development.

"We expect the facility to benefit the community. We must think big and forget talk like; we are a small country.

There is no small or big country…size is never an issue, but the thinking,” he said.

"Not long ago, Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world, only known for many mountains and no natural resources. But, today, it’s different, which is a testimony that Rwanda can too develop further. We hope Rwanda can learn from our successes and failures. We shall continue to share mutual aspirations…strong local ownership is the key to success.”

The inaugration ceremony, that attracted hundreds of residents, local leaders and government officials, was characterised by traditional dances and display of taekwondo skills by both Rwandans and Koreans.Rwamagana has fourteen health centres and six health posts.

Karim Uwizeyimana, the Mayor of Rwamagana District, commended the support from the Korean government.

"The expertise our local medical staff gained from Korean doctors too cannot be under estimated. I urge residents to guard the facilities jealously and pay their health insurance premium, to fully enjoy its services,” he said.

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