Partners In Health committed to working with Rwanda to strengthen healthcare

Editor,I write on behalf of Partners In Health (PIH) and our Rwanda-based sister organization, Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB). It has come to our attention that Dr. Vincent DeGennaro, who volunteered with PIH/IMB in Rwanda, has published a blog post that includes some unfortunate, erroneous, and illinformed comments. Dr. DeGennaro was asked to resign his volunteer role and leave Rwanda in September 2012, after repeated incidents of unprofessional behavior and disrespect to his hospital colleagues.His experience and opinion are his own, of course, but differ sharply from our experience at Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, which has been of longterm, close, and very positive collaboration with our Rwandan colleagues, resulting in documented (and stunning) improvements in the Rwandan health system and in population-level health indicators. We are very proud to be part of this visionary transformation led by the Rwandan government to benefit the health of its people.As you know, PIH and IMB have been working directly with the government of Rwanda since 2004 and have been honored to collaborate closely with all levels of the Rwandan government. Our work depends on transparency and accountability between our non-governmental organization and our host government.We ask for the understanding of our partners regarding this regrettable post, and hope that this letter serves to reinforce our highest level of support of the Rwandan government and our deep appreciation for the fruitful collaboration.we are proud to be part of to strengthen Rwanda’s health system and improve the health of all Rwandans.Sincerely, Peter Drobac, MD, MPHCountry Director, Inshuti Mu BuzimaPartners In HealthHarvard Medical School

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Partners In Health committed to working with Rwanda to strengthen healthcare