Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, IRCAD Africa, and the King Faisal Hospital Rwanda Foundation on Friday, October 11, to establish a partnership aimed at increasing the country’s healthcare workforce.

This collaboration aligns with the 4x4 Reform, a transformative initiative approved in 2023 that seeks to quadruple the number of healthcare workers in Rwanda over the next four years.

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Regis Rugemanshuro, the CEO of RSSB, praised the leadership behind the 4x4 Reform and noted the importance of partnerships in driving Rwanda’s healthcare success.

"Oftentimes, we wonder how things work so well in Rwanda. It’s not by accident. It takes a smart group of people working together, each playing a different but critical role. That’s how RSSB found itself playing a part in this 4x4 initiative,” he said.

He emphasised that the programme fits perfectly with RSSB’s mandate, noting, "It’s a high-tech, efficient programme aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare, and ultimately, the quality of life for our members. When there’s a programme that can improve the lives of Rwandans, we have to be part of it.”

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RSSB has committed Rwf150 million to support IRCAD Africa, specifically for training Rwandan surgeons in minimally invasive surgery. Additionally, the institution pledged Rwf3.7 billion to the broader 4x4 programme.

Rugemanshuro underscored the impact of these investments, saying, "It’s not just about the financial commitment but about the larger impact on the country’s health and productivity. A healthier population leads to a faster-growing, more productive nation.”

Addressing students participating in the 4x4 initiative, Rugemanshuro urged them to take full advantage of the opportunities provided. "Your country has given you everything you need to succeed. Now it’s on you to study hard and become the best doctors, nurses, and midwives you can be. When citizens come to you for care, they should receive the highest quality service,” he said.

The State Minister of Health, Yvan Butera, explained that the partnership addresses two major challenges; increasing the number of healthcare professionals and advancing healthcare technology.

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"We’re addressing the shortage of healthcare staff, particularly in maternal health. In the last 20 years, Rwanda has reduced maternal deaths by 75 per cent, but we have struggled with the remaining 25 per cent due to a lack of staff. Previously, we trained 100 midwives per year, but through this collaboration, we will train over 600 midwives annually, aiming for 1,400 per year,” he explained.

Butera also emphasised the importance of academic excellence and professional integrity for the students in the programme.

"The country has given you this opportunity. We ask only three things; academic excellence, professional integrity, and discipline. These values will shape your careers and ensure no mother dies while giving birth in Rwanda,” he said.

King Kayondo, President of IRCAD Africa, emphasised the transformative potential of this collaboration, saying, "The fund provided for the training of doctors at IRCAD Africa is a major contribution, not only to Rwanda but to the entire region. It’s transforming how healthcare is delivered.”

He elaborated on the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, indicating that patients undergoing this type of surgery experience shorter hospital stays, reduced infection risks, and cost savings, thereby enhancing both patient outcomes and hospital efficiency.

Kayondo also discussed IRCAD Africa’s commitment to research and development, especially in healthcare technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

He added: "We are developing algorithms capable of diagnosing whether a pregnancy is normal or pathological. This technology will democratise access to advanced diagnostic tools, enabling even moderately trained technicians in remote areas to make early, accurate diagnoses.”

Looking forward, IRCAD Africa plans to broaden these innovations to include early diagnoses of tumours and other health conditions. Kayondo also said that within just one year, IRCAD Africa has successfully trained 350 surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and nurses.

Kayondo added that the contribution will raise healthcare standards, reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad, and strengthen the healthcare system.