KIGALI - Visiting First Ladies, Chantal Yayi of Benin and Monique Bozize of Central African Republic, yesterday, visited Kacyiru Police Hospital to witness among others, measures taken by the country to fight Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The First Ladies, who were accompanied by their Rwandan counterpart, Jeannette Kagame, were welcomed at the hospital by the Commissioner General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana.

The two arrived in the country on Saturday, with their spouses and among the high profile guests that came to attend today’s swearing-in ceremony of President Paul Kagame.

Gasana thanked them for visiting the hospital, explaining to them its role in improving the health standards of the Rwandan people.

Led by hospital Director, ACP Dr. Daniel Nyamwasa, the First Ladies toured several hospital departments in the Women Pavilion, including the maternity ward, Labor VIP the laboratory and "Isange One Stop Centre”.

Isange, a Kinyarwanda word meaning "feel welcome”, was started by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with Imbuto Foundation and the United Nations (UN) to provide medical, legal and psycho-social services such as counseling to victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Nyamwasa said that the hospital was built with the support of Mrs Kagame.

"Isange has been operational for about 14 months now and the First Lady played a major role in setting it up,”  Nyamwasa said. "That’s why people from other countries come to learn from her because this it’s a big step in helping the needy.”

He went on to say that  95% of GBV victims admitted at the hospital are female. The centre also gives antiviral drugs to those who were sexually harassed by people who are HIV positive.

The hospital which was inaugurated by the First Lady, currently receives about 1500 patients monthly, 240 of them in the maternity ward and 100 in Isange One Stop Centre.

Prior to the tour, Mrs Kagame hosted her counterparts to tea at Urugwiro where she shared with them her work, specifically Imbuto Foundation projects. They were also shown an exhibition showcasing Rwandan jewelery, baskets and other traditional items.

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