Rwanda, a nation once synonymous with tragedy and widely considered a failed state, managed to bounce back against all odds. Healthcare is one of the biggest testaments to the country’s unlikely transformation journey after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In just under three decades, life expectancy has nearly tripled and Rwanda tops the region, the maternal mortality ratio decreased from 1,007 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 259 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, and over 90% of the country’s population is covered by the community-based health insurance scheme, known locally as Mutuelle de Santé.
The country also implemented an innovative community health workers (CHWs) programme, deploying trained volunteers to provide primary healthcare services at the grassroots level.
Available data indicates that about 60,000 CHWs serve communities nationwide, playing a critical role in disease prevention, health promotion, and primary care delivery.
Last year’s approval of the 4x4 Reform, a strategy aimed at quadrupling the number of healthcare workers within the country over the next four years, underscores Rwanda's commitment to the health and well-being of its citizens. The initiative signifies a monumental leap forward, one that promises to reshape its future for generations to come.
In the aftermath of Rwanda’s darkest chapter a generation ago, the country faced immense challenges, including a fractured healthcare system and a severe shortage of medical professionals.
The 4x4 Reform represents the next chapter in Rwanda's healthcare journey.
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By targeting to quadruple the number of healthcare workers within four years, Rwanda is not only addressing existing challenges but also laying the foundation for a sustainable and resilient healthcare system that can meet the evolving needs of its population.
At the heart of the strategy is a recognition of the crucial role that healthcare professionals play in safeguarding the health and well-being of communities. By bolstering the workforce, Rwanda seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, ensuring that every citizen has access to the care they need, when they need it.
The reform also aligns with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendation of at least four healthcare professionals per 1,000 population density. If it is achieved, Rwanda would be setting a gold standard for other nations on the continent to emulate. Only Libya, Botswana and South Africa have met this quota.
As Rwanda marches towards its ambitious goal of achieving the life expectancy of 80 years by 2035, the 4x4 Reform stands as a testament to the country’s relentless pursuit of progress.
The author is a pharmacist by training and a senior editor with The New Times.