Compassion International-Rwanda chapter, a charity organization, officially launched a programme aimed at supporting vulnerable pregnant mothers have safe births.

The project dubbed ‘Child Survival Program (CSP)’, supports  mothers from the time of pregnancy until a baby is three years old. The programme currently benefits 350 mothers countrywide.

During the launch, one of the beneficiaries told The New Times that CSP has brought change in her health and that of her baby.

"My husband is now 70 years old and unemployed, so we could not afford meeting the medical expenses before and after birth,” said Athanasie Muhawenimana.

The mother of three explained that the NGO encourages them to adopt family planning methods and helps them to provide a balanced diet to their babies.

"We are taken for HIV tests when pregnant to detect and prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission,” she said.  

The NGO’s country director, Rev. Dr. Samuel Rugambage, said that the programme does not only help vulnerable families, but empowers them to support themselves.

"We are now training these mothers in various skills, including hairdressing, weaving and tailoring, so that they can be able to start their own income-generating activities,” Rugambaga said.

He added that, through CSP, 200 pregnant mothers will be supported before the end of the year.

A representative of the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Damien Ngabonziza, welcomed the NGO’s move saying it is in line with government development programmes.

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