The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated to Rwanda equipment worth US $ 300,000 /RWF 273m to improve maternal and child health.  The items include baby warmers, weighing scales and Caesarian section kits.

At the handover, USAID Acting mission director Bill Hansen hailed Rwanda government through the Ministry of health for giving mothers and children a chance to live through improved maternal and child health services.

“We are proud to partner with Rwanda government to improve maternal and child health, it is inspiring to see the fantastic progress Rwanda has made in this field in the past decade, “commended Hansen.

Hansen re-affirmed the United States’ commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality in Rwanda.

“The Us is committed to doing more and to work with government and the people of Rwanda even further to reduce the rates of child maternal mortality. Our hope is that soon every mother will look forward to child birth with neither fear nor anxiety but joy and that every Rwandan child will receive nurturing care to get the healthy starting life they truly deserve,” said Hansen.

Minister of health Dr.Diane Gashumba praised stressed on the importance of the equipment and promised good maintenance.

 “As a pediatrician I know the importance of this equipment in saving life of newborns. Many new borns are dying from hyporthemia so these items will save their lives,” said Dr. Diane Gashumba who hailed USAID’s longlasting collaboration.

The minister of health said , “We affirm our commitment to good use and maintenance of this lifesaving equipment.”

Rwanda has made tremendous progress in reducing maternal and child mortality which accounts for Rwanda highly achieving the millennium development goals.