The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) yesterday donated six ambulances and Reproductive Health Medical equipments worth US$387,000 to the Ministry of Health (MoH).

The equipment included an oxygen concentrator, anesthesia machine, surgical aspirator, surgical table, resuscitator, ultrasound scanner, gynecological tables, infant incubators and sterilisers among others.

Speaking to reporters after handing over the donation, Victoria Akyeampong, the UNFPA Resident Representative said that under their sixth country program of cooperation with Rwanda, her organisation is committed to support the country in improving reproductive health.

"We hope this will help to strengthen the referral system and improve access to emergency obstetric and neonatal services at the health facility level,” she said.

Akyeampong stated that Rwandans can count on UNFPA and the UN family in Rwanda to continue supporting their efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in the country.

"We have so far given out 15 ambulances to the government of Rwanda in three years. We chose this month to handover this donation because it coincides with the celebration of the World Population Day by UNFPA,” she noted.

She added that strong commitment has been made between UNFPA and the Government of Rwanda to assist MOH in strengthening the health system in general and the sexual and reproductive health program in particular.

The ambulances were distributed to Kilinda, Gakoma, Kabgayi, Shyira, Murunda hospitals and Kibeho health centre.

The Minister of Health, Dr Agnes Binagwaho, hailed UNFPA for their continued support towards improving reproductive health in Rwanda.

"This donation will boost our country’s efforts in reducing maternal and infant mortality and as well as morbidity,” she said.

Binagwaho explained that the medical equipment shall be used by women during antenatal checkups and delivery and as well as infants for the first month when they are born.

"We want to reach the target of five ambulances per district. We also want to make sure all the district hospitals have enough infant incubators,” she emphasised.

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