Rubavu & Kigali, May 19–20, 2026 – Health Development Initiative (HDI) Rwanda received a high‑level visit to its centre in Rubavu District while simultaneously earning praise from the Rwanda National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA‑Rwanda) for a successful capacity‑building session for healthcare providers.
Vice Mayor Explores HDI’s Community Programmes
On May 19, 2026, the HDI Centre in Rubavu District had the honour of welcoming Pacifique Ishimwe, Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs for Rubavu District. The visit provided an opportunity to present HDI’s ongoing initiatives aimed at advancing community well‑being, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), maternal health, and support for vulnerable groups, including adolescent mothers and young women.
During the tour, Vice Mayor Ishimwe engaged with HDI staff and community beneficiaries, learning about the centre’s integrated approach to health services, education, and economic empowerment. Discussions also explored ways to strengthen collaboration with local authorities to better respond to community needs and promote inclusive, people‑centred services.
“We appreciate the continued partnership and shared commitment to improving the well‑being of communities in Rubavu and beyond,” said a representative from HDI. “Local leadership is essential to making health services accessible and equitable.”
The Vice Mayor commended HDI’s grassroots impact and reaffirmed the district’s support for scaling successful interventions.
NMSA‑Rwanda Commends ToT Training for Healthcare Providers
On May 20, 2026, NMSA‑Rwanda publicly congratulated HDI on the successful implementation of a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for healthcare providers. The training, which focused on non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, was designed to equip frontline health workers with the skills to address concerns raised among adolescents and youth.
“We hope that this capacity‑building session will be a beacon for resolving NCD and mental issues, as it addresses the concerns raised among adolescents and youth,” NMSA‑Rwanda wrote in a social media statement.
The ToT initiative comes at a critical time when mental health and NCDs are emerging as major challenges for young people in Rwanda. By training trainers who can then cascade knowledge to peers and community health workers, HDI is helping to build a sustainable, youth‑friendly health response.
A Week of Milestones
These two events – a high‑profile district visit and an institutional recognition – underscore HDI’s growing role as a key partner in Rwanda’s health and social development landscape. From the hills of Rubavu to national coordination bodies, HDI continues to advance health rights and community‑led solutions.
Leave a Reply