Cyabayaga Health Center Maternity and First 1000 Days Capacity Building Project
Project Launch: 12-20-16
Cyabayaga is a rural Eastern Rwandan community that expanded considerably following the Rwandan Genocide. Although the population has grown, local institutions have not kept pace with its increased demand for necessary services. The Cyabayaga Medical Center's current obstetrics department is extremely overcrowded, lacking in space, and inadequate for the depth and scope of care required by pregnant women and mothers-to-be. This project proposes the construction of a revamped maternity ward for the medical center which would allow mothers and newborns the opportunity to receive the care and medical attention they need to thrive.
Project Update: 3-27-17
All furnishings and equipment have been purchased according to the grant. We received the money at the end of January and began ordering and purchasing items soon after. As a result, we were delayed with the opening of the health posts and the maternity ward. All construction is completed at the maternity ward and health posts, however. At the moment, we are still waiting for the birthing ladders and the nurse's bed to be delivered to the maternity ward. Over the weekend, all the furnishings for the health posts were delivered.
Final Report: 6-9-17
The community inaugurated the maternity ward, the pediatric unit, and education center on May 4, 2017. 30 women have given birth since the center opened its doors and 135 women have come for antenatal consultations since opening. Births have all been aided by midwivery equipment (large gym balls and birthing ladders) that is uncommon at other health facilities in Rwanda. New pre-delivery rooms feature informational posters concerning breastfeeding, illnesses of early childhood, and family planning. 19 villages can screen children for malnutrition and stunting with new hanging scales installed at local health posts.