KIGALI - The Ministry of Health, under the mother and child health programme, has given child care kits to over 450 mothers attached to Bisate and Shingiro health centers in Musanze district.

The kit, comprising African traditional fabric- Igitenge - a baby sheet and Chlorine for purifying drinking water was given to the mothers for maintaining basic health standards aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality.

Under the programme, mothers are rewarded for; visiting health centers for pre-natal care in the first quarter of pregnancy, delivering at the health centers and going for check-ups along with new born babies ten days after giving birth.

While handing over the kit to the mothers, the district community health supervisor, JMV Hafashimana, urged expectant mothers to collaborate with the community health workers and avoid home deliveries.

According to available statistics only 66% of women in Musanze deliver from health centers and 32% seek family planning services.

Dr John Karach, the Director of Ruhenegri hospital, said that the programme of rewarding mothers will motivate women to seek health services, which will reduce the mother and child mortality rates.

"Home deliveries have been a major source of infant mortality, so, when women realize that the general community is against the habit, there will be change” Karach said.

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