As part of celebrations to mark the International Women’s Day, Health Development Initiative (HDI) in partnership with UNFPA and Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) organised three key events in recognition of the achievements made by women and to raise awareness on critical issues affecting women's rights, particularly in the maternal health area.

Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

While maternal health is essential in minimising the risks related to pregnancy and childbirth, access to quality maternal healthcare is still challenging in most developing countries due to limited access to skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, or safe and clean delivery environments.

Mass Sport for Pregnant Women

In line with the international women's rights day celebrations, the organisations came together to organise a ‘sports walk for pregnant women’ on March 4 to raise awareness around the necessity of staying active during and throughout pregnancy.

The short walk, which stretched from Hotel Chez Lando to Gasabo District Offices was among others, attended by pregnant women, gynaecologists, and district officials among others.

Speaking at the event, senior gynaecologist and proprietor of La Croix Du Sud Hospital, Dr. Jean Chrysostome Nyirinkwaya said that at least thirty minutes of daily physical activity is recommended for both the pregnant woman and her unborn baby.

"Whether you are pregnant or not, simple sports aid your blood circulation. A pregnant woman can walk for 30 minutes daily and do simple abdominal exercises to build strength and fitness that will enable her to push the baby without many physical challenges. For many women, exercise is not easy in the first three. However, in the last three, it is important to start moving your body every day,” he said.

Physical activity during pregnancy has been associated with decreased risks of adverse health outcomes for both the mother and baby.

Anita Batamuriza, who is expecting, said that her sport of choice is usually swimming. However, incorporating lighter exercises like walking has made a difference in how she feels overall.

"After my sports session, I can tell the difference in how both I and the baby feel. While I feel more energetic, the baby on the other hand feels excited if I can go by how much moving and kicking is happening. Today, I learnt that doing sports while pregnant sharpens a baby’s brain and I liked that,” she said.

Besides the walk, the participants were also provided information on nutrition for pregnant women, family planning and postpartum family planning counselling services for women as well as Non-Communicable disease screening.

Handover Ceremony

On March 7, Health Development Initiative (HDI) in partnership with UNFPA and Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) handed over Infection Prevention Control (IPC) materials including bed sheets and medical scrubs to Karongi District authorities.

The handover was officiated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Kwabena Asante-Ntiamoah and the Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs, Valentine Mukase.

The IPC materials will be distributed among the district’s health to protect healthcare workers and patients in the maternity wards from the spread of infectious diseases.

Speaking at the handover, the Director of Research at HDI, Louange Gutabarwa Twahirwa said that IPC materials support health facilities to fight healthcare-associated infections that compromise patient and healthcare provider safety.

Healthcare-associated infections are those that patients or health providers acquire while giving or receiving medical care, and they can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.

"Lack of IPC materials in health facilities leaves healthcare workers exposed to infectious agents, leading to illness and absenteeism. Additionally, patients may acquire infections that can prolong their hospital stay, increase healthcare costs, and even lead to mortality. These infectious diseases are likely to spread to the wider community and increase the burden on public health systems,” she said.

A total of 780 bedsheets and 390 medical scrubs will be provided to all health centers and hospitals in the districts of Karongi, Nyamasheke and Rusizi.

Women’s Day

On March 7, Health Development Initiative (HDI) in partnership with UNFPA and Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) joined the people of Ruganda Sector in Karongi district to celebrate the International Women’s Day.

The celebrations were preceded by the district authorities’ handover of the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) materials to Biguhu Health Center, one of the beneficiary facilities.

Speaking at the ceremony to observe the day, the Mayor of Karongi District Vestine Mukarutesi thanked the partners that chose her district as the target of their activities and reminded that such partnerships have played a significant role in transforming many lives.

"Our district has excellent partners, and we are pleased that they joined us today to celebrate women. I would like to remind you all that our partners' contributions can only benefit us if our communities see the value of working together to capitalise on this support,” she said.

The government has made significant progress in improving maternal health as a result, the maternal mortality rate currently stands at 203/1000.

However, reducing these numbers requires an all-round approach that includes improving access to healthcare services, promoting women's education and empowerment, and addressing social and economic inequalities that affect women's health outcomes.