Clergy, UNICEF partner to promote maternal health

The Rwanda Interfaith Network against HIV and Aids (RCLS) has entered into partnership with UNICEF to promote maternal and child health. The partnership was preceded by a one-day orientation workshop and cemented by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU). The Executive Secretary of the National Aids Control Commission (CNLS), Dr Anita Asiimwe - who opened the workshop - highlighted the role of religious leaders in promoting healthy societies. “Faith based communities play a crucial role in increasing access to maternal and newborn health,” Dr Asiimwe said. “… in addition, they operate 40% of the health facilities countrywide, meaning that there is very crucial.” Dr Asiimwe added that the results of the partnership will help Rwanda achieve MDGs, specifically those related to maternal and child health, Malaria, HIV, Tuberculosis and other diseases. The Country Director of UNICEF, Dr Joseph Foumbi reiterated the role played by religious leaders in communities. “With your moral authority, you as religious leaders can change mindsets and set priorities for your communities,” he said. Foumbi challenged the religious leaders to build a society where children and their mothers do not fall sick or die because of lack of the right information to protect themselves. He said that UNICEF and the UN family in Rwanda remain committed to working with religious leaders in as far as advancing the country’s goals. Ends