Louise Kamanyana is among the 2,400 midwives practicing in Rwanda. Her interest in midwifery developed in response to the shortage of midwives in health settings.

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She recognised how important the profession is and how much difference one midwife can make, which inspired her desire to be part of the solution.

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She was also driven by the wish to serve women, contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates, and honor the trust women place in midwives during such a critical and personal time in their lives.

The country recorded more than 1,000 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births about two decades ago.

The inspiration

Kamanyana began practicing at a time when the shortage of midwives was even worse, before the introduction of the 4x4 Reform in 2023—a strategy aimed at quadrupling the number of healthcare professionals.

Before this reform, Rwanda faced significant training gaps, graduating only about 72 midwifery students each year, a number that could not meet the country’s needs. This further strengthened her commitment to contribute to the solution.

She studied midwifery at the University of Rwanda, where she obtained an advanced diploma (A1), and later upgraded to a bachelor’s degree at Ruli Higher Institute of Health in Gakenke District.

"I was born in Mamba, Gisagara District, and I currently live in Kacyiru, Gasabo District. I started practicing midwifery after completing my studies and obtaining my license in 2020,” she narrated.

"It has been a very meaningful journey for me, and I am grateful to be part of a profession that supports life at such a critical and beautiful moment,” she added.

Kamanyana currently works at King Faisal Hospital, providing care for women during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum.

Her day or night duty is unpredictable; it can be calm or very busy. During her shifts, she monitors women in labor, conducts deliveries, assists in the operating room, provides postpartum care, and offers health education and support to mothers and their families.

The challenges

Although the job is fulfilling, she acknowledges the challenges it comes with, especially handling complicated cases. Patients are often in critical condition, requiring quick decisions and constant vigilance to save both mother and baby.

She highlighted the emotional challenges, particularly when outcomes are not good despite their best efforts, for instance, when a mother or baby is lost.

"King Faisal Hospital is a VIP hospital, and clients come with very high expectations for quick, high-quality, and personalised care. This means we must always maintain a high standard of professionalism, accuracy, and communication despite our workload,” she said.

What motivates her daily is knowing that her work has a direct impact on saving lives and improving the health of mothers and babies. She especially treasures supporting a woman through labor and delivery and seeing her safely hold her baby, happy and smiling.

Kamanyana added that her working environment is also motivating. She described it as supportive, with encouraging leaders and a strong team of midwives.

"I am inspired by my colleagues in maternity. Working alongside skilled and dedicated professionals who are committed to saving lives and supporting families pushes me to keep learning and improving.”