US Congressmen to advocate for more funds for Rwanda

A five member visiting delegation of  the United States Congress, yesterday expressed amazement over the tremendous progress made by Rwanda 15 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They particularly singled out the health sector, for which they vowed to advocate for more funding.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009
US Congress delegation together with CHUK senior medical staff at the hospital

A five member visiting delegation of  the United States Congress, yesterday expressed amazement over the tremendous progress made by Rwanda 15 years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

They particularly singled out the health sector, for which they vowed to advocate for more funding.

The revelation was made by Congressman Gregory Meeks (New York) and repeated by his colleague Jack Kingston (Georgia) after touring several activities funded by the US government within Kigali University teaching Hospital (CHUK).

The US government provides funding to CHUK through the US Presidential Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) and technical assistance from Columbia University to support the laboratory pediatric care and treatment centre for excellence.

"What Rwanda has done speaks for itself. I would personally like to say thank you to the government of Rwanda and I will support every form of health initiative in Rwanda,” said Congressman Meeks who headed the delegation.

He said that there is clear transparency within several policies of government and that has led to dedication and commitment amongst countrymen to boost the nation’s development.

Congressman Kingston said that upon arrival back in the USA the delegation will advocate for Rwanda, to ensure that the country receives more support from the US.

"We will recommend the continual support and partnership with the government of Rwanda since we have visibly witnessed and impressed by how good funds are allocated,” Kingston said.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, said her delegation has explored areas of collaboration with Rwanda and said the country was a potential area of investment.

The delegation that has been in the country for three days is expected to meet with President Paul Kagame today before heading to Harare, Zimbabwe. Other members of the delegation include Rep. Melvin Watts of New Carolina and Marcia Fudge of Ohio.

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