Thirteen babies – eight boys and five girls were born at Kigali’s three main hospitals on Christmas Day: the University teaching hospital of Kigali (CHUK), Muhima and Kibagabaga hospitals.

Erine Mukeshimana, Head Nurse of the maternity ward at CHUK, told the The Sunday Times that the hospital recorded only a single birth on Christmas Day and that both the baby boy and mother are in good condition.

"I think it’s very special to have a baby born on Christmas. But I’m not sure how many parents want it to happen. Celebrating a birthday on Christmas can be a challenge but its worth it. This is my first born, I’ve named him Noel,” Delphine Uwimbabazi, a mother of a bouncing baby boy said bubbling with joy

At Kibagabaga hospital,  six boys and three girls were delivered at the centre. All the babies and their mothers, according to the hospital, are in good condition.

At Muhima hospital, the coordinator in charge of the maternity ward, Janet Uwase, said the number of children delivered on December 25 was less than previous years, only three births were recorded, one girl and two boys.
 According to Uwase, married couples are embracing family planning practices and that that partly accounts for the reduction in the number of Christmas Day babies lately.

”Health personnel will continue to sensitize the women in their fertility age to produce  children they can adequately cater for, "she added.

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