Rotarians Actively Help Rwanda with $1.5 million
Posted by Craig Wilson on Jul 28, 2014
Almost there! Rotary and Project C.U.R.E. set to team up to bring $1,500,000 of medical supplies and equipment to Rwanda.
Rotary in AZ is attempting to procure three containers ($75,000) and send them on the way. Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary is leading that effort and together with commitments from other Rotary Clubs in AZ and Rwanda has about 3/4 of the money. Want an International Project? Your club can make a pledge by contacting PDG Craig Wilson, cw10@cox.net, 602 561 1487 or sending your check, payable to PRCC to the District office, 501 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85012 marked RWANDA.Africa Health New Horizons (AHNH) is teaming up with Project C.U.R.E. and it with Rotary in AZ to deliver $1.5 million in medical supplies and equipment to two major hospitals and 16 health clinics in Nyaruguru district in Rwanda. This project will transform health care in this community and impact lives in the most meaningful way.
AHNH has already changed lives in Munini. February 2014 marked the completion of a new operating room, surgical suite, infection control and laundry facility for the Munini District Hospital. Starting in May, professional medical and nursing staff will be trained in necessary surgical procedures and emergency life-saving treatments.
The Nyaruguru District of Rwanda is home to 16 health centers and one hospital – the Munini District Hospital, located in the Southern Province. This hospital was not originally a hospital, but was created from agriculture buildings in order to bring health care to the underserved people in the area. The district population is rural and the soils are poor. When compared to other provinces, the poverty in the Southern Province is the highest in the country, with an estimated 56.5% of the population identified as poor.
In comparison with national rates, the hospital is understaffed with one doctor for every 45,283 persons, one nurse for every 1,747 persons and one mid-wife for every 135,849 persons. The District percentage of births attended by a skilled birth attendant is 62.3% compared to the national average of 78%. With supply rooms empty, available medical professionals are left with very little to treat and care for patients in the Nyaruguru District.
Project C.U.R.E. will procure and deliver approximately $1.5 million in customized medical supplies and equipment to the Munini District Hospital, the 16 surrounding health centers, and the closest referral hospital, Butare Teaching Hospital. A representative, Rotarian Katie Mabardy Executive Director for Project C.U.R.E. in AZ has visited the Nyaruguru District and conducted a thorough Needs Assessment. She will now customize the three ocean-going 40ft containers based on the identified medical needs.