Health Development Initiative (HDI) is an independent, non-profit organization based in Kigali and registered with the Rwandan government. HDI strives to improve both the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all Rwandans.
Health Development Initiative strives to improve both the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all Rwandans through advocacy, coalition building, capacity building, outreach, and training of beneficiaries and duty bearers. HDI was founded in 2005 by a dedicated group of Rwandan physicians working in health facilities and communities across the country. This diverse group of health professionals was united by a shared commitment to improve the health of disadvantaged communities within and outside of the healthcare system. When HDI was established, the founders knew that Rwanda’s most vulnerable populations were not being heard by their communities, duty bearers, and policy makers. Thus we began by listening and getting to know the people that HDI would strive to serve in order to learn how to design the programs and why those programs were so critical.
Today, HDI brings together a team with vast experience in medicine, public health, policy advocacy, litigation and community development to bridge the gap between communities and the healthcare system.
HDI believes that health outcomes can be improved by putting in place laws, policies and programs that are responsive to the needs of those who are poor and vulnerable, such as women and children, historically marginalized communities, people living with HIV/AIDS, young people and other marginalized populations. HDI supports community and health systems strengthening and works to empower individuals with tools and knowledge to advance the health of their communities, so that all Rwandans may lead healthy lives, free from preventable disease and premature mortality.
