Labour was once fatal for mothers and babies in Rwanda’s largest refugee camp.
Before the medical centre's transformation, expecting mothers faced gruelling journeys – travelling for miles down a treacherous, uneven track to reach the nearest hospital for childbirth.
This journey could take up to three hours.
Travelling down rough roads
This gruelling journey exposed mothers and babies to immense danger. The vast distance forced them to travel alone on a treacherous track, tragically resulting in hundreds of lost lives on this dangerous route.
Rwanda faces a significant challenge with maternal mortality, with a rate of 210 deaths per 100,000 live births. The newborn mortality rate sits at 20 per 1,000 live births.
Thanks to your suppport, the new clinic has transformed healthcare for expectant mothers.
Safer, closer care
Since the new and improved Mahama II Refugee Camp Medicalised Health Centre was opened in April 2023, no maternal or newborn deaths have occurred. Local deliveries have doubled and referrals to the nearest hospital have halved.
The Health Centre’s midwives are true heroes, working around the clock to take care of the mothers and babies. Their unwavering commitment is nothing short of remarkable.
Skilled Hands, Warm Hearts
LOCAL, LIFE-SAVING C-SECTIONS
When there are complications, babies can now be delivered locally without the need to travel for miles for medical care. Blood transfusions, C-sections and more can be carried out for the 62,486 people living at the Mahama Refugee Camp.
Your support creates moments of joy, like when Claire* held her newborn daughter Aimé* for the first time, safely delivered by midwife Anne.
TRANSFORMED HEALTHCARE
During Beata's* first pregnancy, a bumpy, treacherous journey to Kirehe District Hospital stood between her and the critical care she needed for an emergency C-section. When she fell pregnant with her second child, the new Health Centre had opened on her doorstep.
Baby Beni* was safely delivered and could sleep safely inside his home soon after coming into the world. Isn’t he adorable?
DETERMINED TO DELIVER
Personal tragedy fuelled Anastase's passion. A teenager when he lost his nephew at birth, he now dedicates himself to supporting mothers most in need of medical care. Today, he proudly contributes as part of the solution for expectant mothers in Rwanda.
Mahama II Health Centre's dedicated midwives deliver an average of 140 babies each month, a testament to their tireless dedication.
