Rwanda records 1,800 births on Christmas, New Year’s Day
Friday, January 03, 2025
Violette Ahiboneye, 26, gave birth to a baby boy at Kibagabaga hospital on Wednesday, December 25. At least 1,800 babies were born on Christmas and New Year's Day in Rwanda, according to the Ministry of Health. Photo by Emmanuel Dushimimana

Rwanda healthcare facilities reported 1,800 births on Christmas and New Year's Day, with at least 913 babies born on January 1, according to the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry said 887 babies had been on Christmas Day across the country.

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Dr. Muhammed Semakula, the Head of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Health Financing in the ministry, said the figure was collected from 584 health facilities.

"Of the 913 babies born on the first day of the year, 473 were girls, while 440 were boys,” Semakula said.

He noted that Eastern Province recorded the highest number of births, with 261 babies born on the first day of 2025. Southern Province recorded 183 births.

Health facilities in Western Province reported 180 births, while Northern Province reported 153. The City of Kigali recorded 136 birth.

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Semakula added that the top five hospitals that recorded the highest number of births on New Year’s Day are Muhima District Hospital in Nyarugenge District, which recorded 26, followed by Nyamata District Hospital with 24.

Kirehe District Hospital and Ruhengeri Referral Hospital reported 17 births each, while Gisenyi District Hospital recorded 16.

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Rwanda's population stood at just over 13.2 million in 2022, according to the latest census data. The fertility rate stood at 3.6 children per woman.

The Ministry of Health reported at least 308,000 new births between January and November 2024. More than 334,000 births had been reported in 2023.