Rwanda

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa. Over the last several years, the country has made significant strides in increasing access to family planning and decreasing maternal mortality-multiplying the number of hospitals and placing skilled health personnel in remote areas. Despite these great advances in maternal and reproductive health, every year between 30,000 and 90,000 Rwandan women die or suffer from a health complication related to pregnancy or childbirth, including obstetric fistula.

Obstetric fistula results from prolonged or obstructed labor and often leads to incontinence, nerve damage, and severe social stigma. Since October 2006, EngenderHealth has collaborated with the Ministry of Health and key donors to support treatment for Rwandan women living with fistula. EngenderHealth assists three public hospitals in the central, eastern central, and northern districts of Rwanda:

• University Hospital Center of Kigali (CHUK) in Kigali
• Ruhengeri Hospital in Musanze district
• Kanombe Hospital in Kicukiro district

Through the Fistula Care project, EngenderHealth trains surgeons and nurses in fistula repair, provides equipment and supplies, and ensures clients' costs are covered. Recognizing that fistula is almost always preventable through safe and timely delivery of medical care, EngenderHealth also builds the capacity of health care staff to provide pregnant women with emergency obstetric care.

At the national level, EngenderHealth works with the government to prevent fistula by increasing access to family planning.  

In communities, the project works with local partners to increase awareness of fistula, maternal health, and family planning.