Twukabane: Let's Build Together - Rwanda

During the past decade, Rwanda has made great strides in rebuilding economic, administrative and judicial infrastructures. It has also made advances in rebuilding the country’s health service.

Rwanda’s population of nearly 9.9m million is the most densely concentrated in Africa and maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world. Malaria and other infectious diseases are leading causes of death which leave their mark on adults and children. Malnutrition is rife and HIV/AIDS has reached epidemic levels particularly among women and young people.

‘Twubakane’, means ‘let’s build together’ in Kinyarwanda. The project aims to improve the quality of health services in Rwanda and increase access to health services.

The Twubakane project distributed 180 Lifeline radios to women and children in rural communities in Kigali Ville, Kibungo, Gitarama and Gikongoro to foster positive behaviour and stimulate dialogue between couples and between communities and health centres on family planning reproductive health, malaria, nutrition, improving child survival and HIV/AIDS.

The Twubakane Decentralization and Health Programme, is a five-year $24-million programme funded by USAID and implemented by IntraHealth International.