At least 887 babies were born across Rwanda on Christmas Day, according to the Ministry of Health. Information from the ministry indicates that “Out of the 887 babies born [on December 25], 467 were female and 420 were male.” ALSO READ: Mothers’ bundles of joy, gratitude, on Christmas Day The data was collected from 572 out of 584 health facilities expected to report, (approximately 98 percent), according to the ministry. The babies were born between midnight on December 25 and 11:59 p.m. the same day, an official told The New Times, highlighting the precise window in which the births were recorded. When it comes to regional distribution, Eastern Province reported the highest number of Christmas births, with 241 newborns. It was followed by Southern Province with 196 babies, Western Province with 186, and Northern Province with 143. The City of Kigali recorded 121 Christmas births. ALSO READ: Charity takes centre stage as Rwandans celebrate holidays The top five hospitals with the most babies born on Christmas Day were Muhima Hospital in Kigali, which welcomed 29 babies, Kabgayi Hospital with 22, Kirehe Hospital with 21, Byumba Hospital with 18, and Gisenyi Hospital, where 17 babies were delivered. Looking at the year as a whole, as of November, the ministry of health “registered 308,739 new births since the start of 2024. Statistics show that the month of May recorded the highest number of births, with 30,618 babies born. in 2023, a total of 334,818 babies were born across the country. One of the mothers who gave birth on Christmas day, Jacqueline Uwayezu, 40, a resident of Nduba Sector, Gasabo District, in Kigali, welcomed her fifth child, a boy, at around 3 a.m. She was beaming with happiness at the thought of giving birth on Christmas Day when The New Times interviewed her in Kibagabaga Hospital. For her, it was not just any ordinary day as Christmas holds a special place in her heart. She said: I am overjoyed to have given birth on Christmas once again, just as I did last year. However, last year was filled with sorrow as the baby I delivered was stillborn. This time, it’s a completely different experience, filled with nothing but joy and gratitude. I decided to name my newborn Noel Irimaso, as he was born on Christmas Day! I am overwhelmed with happiness that my baby shares a birthday with Jesus Christ, in whom I place all my trust and faith.
